English Cocker Spaniel Research Articles

Genetic Cause of Autosomal Recessive Hereditary Nephropathy in the English Cocker Spaniel

Autosomal recessive hereditary nephropathy (ARHN) in the English Cocker Spaniel is caused by a type IV collagen defect, but the underlying mutation is unknown. One hundred thirty-four English Cocker Spaniels (12 with ARHN, 8 obligate carriers, and 114 others), 3 mixed breed dogs with X-linked hereditary nephropathy (XLHN), and 7 other dogs without hereditary nephropathy were included. Diagnosis of ARHN was based on transmission electron microscopy and immunostaining of kidney. Quantitative real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to compare COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 mRNA concentrations in the renal cortex from ARHN-affected English Cocker Spaniels, XLHN-affected dogs, and dogs without hereditary nephropathy. The entire coding region of COL4A4 was sequenced in 2 ARHN-affected dogs, 2 obligate carriers, 2 English Cocker Spaniels of unknown status, and 2 healthy mixed breed dogs. The exon containing the mutation was sequenced for all 134 English Cocker Spaniels. Quantitative real time RT-PCR implicated COL4A4 as the gene harboring the mutation, and sequencing identified a single nucleotide substitution at base 115 as the cause of ARHN in English Cocker Spaniels. This mutation, which causes a premature stop codon in exon 3 of COL4A4, was segregated with clinical status in all affected dogs and obligate carriers. The mutation also was identified in 39 of 114 other English Cocker Spaniels with previously unknown status. The cause of this disease has been identified, and use of a test for the mutation will permit eradication of ARHN in the English Cocker Spaniel.

Canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca: disease trends in a review of 229 cases

To investigate the disease patterns in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca referred to the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital. A retrospective study of 229 cases was carried out. There were 44 breeds in the study, with four breeds, English cocker spaniels, cavalier King Charles spaniels, West Highland white terriers and shih-tzus, making up 58 per cent of the cases. Among these four breeds, two breed-dependent disease patterns, one chronic and one acute, were identified. English cocker spaniels and West Highland white terriers had a mean age at onset of clinical signs of five years and one month and five years and six months, respectively, with more females affected than males. Clinical signs consisted predominantly of conjunctival hyperaemia and mucopurulent discharge, with a relatively low incidence of ulcerative keratitis. In contrast, cavalier King Charles spaniels and shih-tzus showed a more acute disease pattern with a biphasic age distribution at 0 to less than two years of age, and four to less than six and six to less than eight years of age, respectively, with more males affected than females and a significantly higher incidence of ulcerative keratitis in some cases resulting in corneal perforation. The study reveals interbreed differences with respect to sex, age and risk of ulcerative keratitis which have not been detailed previously in a referral population.

The retinal fascin gene 2 (FSCN2) — partial structural analysis and polymorphism detection in dogs with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

The retinal fascin 2 gene (FSCN2) underwent a molecular analysis, a search for polymorphisms and an evaluation as a candidate gene for retinopathies in dogs. Specific fragments of the gene encompassing partial exon 1 and intron 1, and exons 2-5 with respective introns were sequenced and these data were deposited in the GenBank database. Three distinct polymorphic sites detectable with PCR-RFLP were found--AM050719: g.237G>A, AM050719: g.525A>G, and AM050720: g.1071A>G. No positive associations between these polymorphisms and the PRA-clinical status were observed in the investigated population consisting of Poodles, American Cocker Spaniels, and English Cocker Spaniels. In spite of that, the FSCN2 gene remains an excellent candidate gene for retinopathies in dogs and the results can contribute to further research in this field.

Breed, gender and neutering status of British dogs with anal sac gland carcinoma

This study details the breed, gender and neutering status of a large cohort of British canine patients suffering from histologically confirmed anal sac gland carcinoma. Estimates of the relative risk for the development of this disease attributable to these factors are calculated. To reduce the impact of sampling errors, cases were selected from veterinary histopathology laboratories rather than referral hospital databases, and multiple estimates of the general British canine population were used. The weaknesses of the statistical assumptions made are discussed. There was no evidence to support a gender predisposition for the development of this condition. English cocker spaniels are significantly over-represented, with a mean relative risk estimate of 7.3. The mean relative risk estimate associated with being neutered was 1.4; the effect of neutering appeared to be more significant in male dogs compared with that in female dogs.

Examining the risk of anal sac gland carcinoma in cocker spaniels

MADAM Unfortunately it would appear that English cocker spaniels (and to a lesser extent springer and cavalier King Charles spaniels) are at higher risk of developing anal sac gland tumours than other dogs. This conclusion is based upon the analysis of large numbers of cases of anal sac gland carcinomas using data from veterinary pathology laboratories (Finn Pathologists, Diss, UK; Abbey Veterinary Services, Newton Abbott, UK and Animal Health Trust Diagnostic Services, Newmarket, UK) and breed incidence data from Pedigree Masterfoods’ Pet Ownership Survey 1998, The UK Kennel Club registrations 1995-2004 and pathology laboratory databases (Finn Pathologists and Animal Health Trust). This raises the concern that there is a degree of heritable risk. Other possibilities include environmental or lifestyle factors. Gerry Polton of Davies Veterinary Specialists and David Sargan of Cambridge University Veterinary School are currently investigating this problem. Pedigree analysis will be used to establish whether there is an inherited risk of the development of anal sac gland carcinomas in English cocker spaniels. If colleagues have encountered this tumour in English cockers, it could be of great value to this project if copies of the affected patient’s pedigree certificate could be submitted for inclusion in the analysis. We would be quite happy to contact owners to explain the purpose of this project and to request pedigree information if colleagues were able to provide appropriate contact details. For further information or to submit a pedigree please contact Gerry Polton.

Heritability of dominant–aggressive behaviour in English Cocker Spaniels

A total of 51 seven-week-old English Cocker Spaniel puppies were measured for dominant–aggressive behaviour using the Campbell Test. The dogs consisted of a F 1 full sibs and half sibs from matings of 4 sires with 10 dams. The purpose of this study was to determine if the variability observed in this behavioural characteristic has an additive genetic component and if so, to estimate heritability ( h 2). Coat colour and sex were examined as fixed effects. According to the results of the study: (1) there are highly significant differences between sexes; with males being more dominant than females, regardless of coat colour; (2) there are highly significant differences in aggressive behaviour depending on coat colour with greater to lesser dominance found in golden, black and particolour coats in that order; (3) there is no interaction between sex and colour when exhibiting greater or lesser dominance; (4) heritability, estimated on sire components, is h S 2 = 0.20 , indicating that the variability observed in dominant–aggressive behaviour is in part due to genetic factors; and (5) heritability estimated on dam components is h D 2 = 0.46 , which implies that the maternal effect (genetic and environmental) is an important factor in this type of behaviour. It is concluded that there is an additive genetic, and therefore, hereditary factor for dominant–aggressive behaviour in the English Cocker Spaniel. Some of the fixed factors include: sex (males are dominant over females), coat colour (golden-coated are the more dominant dogs followed by the black-coated and finally by the particolour coat dogs) and the common environmental effect due to litter.

Breed and Age as Risk Factors for Canine Mammary Tumours

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P‐52 A case of juvenile cellulitis concurrent with hindlimb paresis in an English cocker spaniel puppy

A 4‐month‐old female English cocker spaniel puppy was evaluated because of papules, pustules and crusts on the bridge of the nose, a pustular otitis externa, hindlimb paresis and poor growth. The patient had been treated with antibiotic therapy at the local animal hospital for a month. However, there was no response to therapy. On physical examination, submandibular lymph nodes were swollen and lower motor neuron signs of the hind limbs were observed with back pain. Demodicosis, dermatophytosis, deep pyoderma and angioedema were ruled out based on cytologic examination, skin scraping and fungal culture. Canine distemper infection was ruled out by RT‐PCR. Bacteria were not isolated from fresh exudate obtained from the skin lesions. Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) assessment revealed mixed cell pleocytosis (macrophages, neutrophils and a few lymphocytes). Bacterial culture of CSF was negative. The dog's condition was dramatically improved by administration of prednisolone (2 mg/kg orally, twice daily). This case report demonstrates that juvenile cellulitis associated with hindlimb paresis caused by an immune‐mediated mechanism can be successfully managed with an immunosuppressive drug. Funding: Self‐funded.

Cardiomiopatia de cães da raça Cocker Spaniel Inglês: aspectos clínicos, eletrocardiográficos, radiográficos e ecocardiográficos

Face aos poucos relatos sobre a cardiomiopatia na raça Cocker Spaniel Inglês na literatura compilada, o presente trabalho visou contribuir para melhor elucidação das lacunas relativas ao seu diagnóstico, e somar conhecimentos para sua caracterização com relação aos aspectos clínicos, eletrocardiográficos, radiográficos e ecocardiográficos. Os estudos foram conduzidos em vinte animais da raça Cocker Spaniel Inglês, portadores da cardiomiopatia dilatada e submetidos à avaliação clínica, eletrocardiográfica, radiográfica, ecocardiográfica, exames laboratoriais e determinação da pressão arterial. O tratamento foi individualizado na dependência da gravidade da insuficiência cardíaca congestiva. Os resultados obtidos confirmaram o longo período assintomático da doença, sendo a insuficiência cardíaca congestiva o evento terminal, em decorrência da perda continuada da força contrátil do miocárdio. A idade média dos animais acometidos foi de sete anos. A sintomatologia foi diretamente relacionada com a diminuição do débito cardíaco. A maioria dos animais apresentou uma evolução clínica favorável da insuficiência cardíaca congestiva; todavia, naqueles com severa cardiectasia ao exame radiográfico, surgimento abrupto de taquiarritmias atriais e redução acentuada da função contrátil ao ecocardiograma, observou-se a ocorrência de uma insuficiência cardíaca congestiva esquerda e também direita, refratárias ao protocolo terapêutico empregado. A eletrocardiografia representou o exame subsidiário de maior diferenciação em relação ao padrão congestivo das raças grandes e gigantes. A maioria dos animais revelou variações do ritmo sinusal, sendo as arritmias supraventriculares observadas nos animais com aumentos importantes das câmaras atriais, constituindo, ainda, aqueles de prognóstico mais reservado. O aumento da amplitude da onda R, a maior duração do complexo QRS e a maior profundidade da onda Q, na derivação II, constituíram um bom indicador para o seu diagnóstico. Uma correlação positiva entre os achados eletrocardiográficos e ecocardiográficos foi observada somente em relação à duração do complexo QRS. A função ventricular apresentou valores médios de 19 %, sendo observados índices inferiores a 12 % em cinco animais, indicativo de severa disfunção contrátil. Não obstante, a longa sobrevida de um destes animais indicou a baixa confiabilidade dos índices de ejeção como fator único na determinação de um prognóstico.

Closing remarks

Studies have shown that the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, when fed on the beagle breed of dog, Canis lupus familiaris, development negatively affected in comparison with tick development after feeding on the English cocker spaniel breed. Thus leading to the suggestion that beagle dogs are be tick-resistant dogs. Behavioural studies have demonstrated that more ticks are attracted by extracts from cocker spaniels than from beagles and that the odour of beagles is a repellent. To test the hypothesis that resistant hosts produce repellent compounds, we undertook comparative chemical analysis on beagle odour and cocker spaniel extracts using coupled high-resolution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and also used Petri-dish and olfactometer behavioural assays to assess the response of ticks to identified non-host compounds. The beagle odour extracts contained almost three times as many chemical compounds as cocker spaniel samples. Several non-host compounds were identified, i.e. 2-hexanone, benzaldehyde, nonane, decane and undecane. In Petri-dish assays, 2-hexanone was repellent at 30 min at concentrations of 0.200 and 0.050 mg cm−2, whilst at 10 min, the 0.100 mg cm−2 concentration was repellent. Benzaldehyde repelled ticks at 30 min (0.200 mg cm−2) and at 5 min (0.050 mg cm−2). Undecane was repellent for R. sanguineus s.l. ticks for the first 5 min at the highest concentration tested. Nonane and decane did not show any significant repellency at any concentration or time evaluated. When 2-hexanone and benzaldehyde were combined, an increase in the repellency rate was observed, with activity comparable or better than N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET). In olfactometer bioassays, a 1:1 mixture of 2-hexanone:benzaldehyde and DEET were repellent for R. sanguineus s.l. adults at the concentration of 0.200 mg cm−2. This study identified non-host semiochemicals that mediate avoidance of the beagle dog breed by R. sanguineus s.l. This finding may enable development of new approaches to control this tick.

Prevalence of the breed-related glaucomas in pure-bred dogs in North America.

To determine the prevalence of the breed-related glaucomas in pure-bred dogs presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America that participate in the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB). In this retrospective study, age of first diagnosis, breed, and gender data for all breeds of dogs were collected from the VMDB with the clinical diagnosis of primary glaucoma (glaucoma-NOS) at 5-10 year intervals from 1964 to 2002. The prevalence for each breed (affected dogs compared to all dogs of each breed), any changes over the 38 years, and any gender differences for these glaucomas were determined. The prevalence of the primary breed-related glaucomas has gradually increased from 0.29% (1964-1973); 0.46% (1974-1983); 0.76% (1984-1993); to 0.89% (1994-2002). Breeds that consistently featured among the highest 10 for glaucoma prevalence from four different periods (1964 to 2002) included American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Wire Fox Terrier, and Boston Terrier. During the last observation period (1994-2002), 22 different breeds had 1% or higher prevalence of the glaucomas. The highest prevalence of glaucomas in 1994-2002 by breed included: American Cocker Spaniel (5.52%); Basset Hound (5.44%); Chow Chow (4.70%); Shar-Pei (4.40%); Boston Terrier (2.88%); Wire Fox Terrier (2.28%); Norwegian ElkHound (1.98%); Siberian Husky (1.88%); Cairn Terrier (1.82%); and Miniature Poodle (1.68%). A predominance of females with glaucoma occurred in the American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Cairn Terrier, Chow Chow, English Cocker Spaniel, Samoyed, and perhaps the Siberian Husky, and a predominance of males in the Australian Cattle dog and St Bernard. Age affected the time for first presentation of the glaucomas in the pure-bred dog. In the majority of breeds the glaucomas were presented for initial diagnosis in dogs between 4 and 10 years of age. Breed-related glaucomas in pure-bred dogs are frequently presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America. The prevalence of the breed-related glaucomas in the dog appears similar to humans, and in some breeds exceeds that in humans. In many breeds the high prevalence of the glaucomas suggests a genetic basis.

Blood and aqueous humour antioxidants in cataractous poodles

Background: Cataract is an important cause of blindness in dogs and frequently develops in young animals of certain breeds, such as the English cocker spaniel and the poodle. Protein oxidation is one of the mechanisms involved in lens opacification and may be causally related to depleted or diminished endogenous antioxidant defences. We evaluated the levels of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in blood and aqueous humour of cataractous poodles in comparison to noncataractous poodles.Methods: We studied 35 cataractous poodles aged 2 to 11 years, 14 noncataractous poodles and 15 noncataractous mixed-breed dogs. The activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD]) was evaluated in 18 cataractous poodles and 14 noncataractous poodles. We evaluated ascorbic acid levels in plasma of all animals and in aqueous humour of cataractous poodles and mixedbreed dogs.The dogs were deprived of food for 12 hours before sampling. Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein before and during anesthesia. Aqueous humour samples were obtained just before the anterior chamber was opened.Results: The activity of superoxide dismutase, G6PD and catalase was significantly higher in noncataractous poodles than in cataractous poodles (p ≤ 0.05).The activity of glutathione peroxidase was lower in noncataractous poodles than in cataractous poodles, but not significantly so. There was no difference in mean plasma ascorbic acid concentration between cataractous poodles (21.3 μM [standard deviation (SD) 7.4 μM]), noncataractous poodles (21.6 μM [SD 7.4 μM]) and noncataractous mixed-breed dogs (25.8 μM [SD 7.5 μM]). Similarly, there was no difference in mean aqueous humour ascorbic acid concentration between cataractous poodles (191.7 μM [SD 62.0 μM] and noncataractous mixed-breed dogs (215.7 μM [SD 91.8 μM]).Interpretation: The results indicate that, at least in the population studied here, no correlation exists between the onset of cataract and ascorbic acid concentration in blood and aqueous humour. The decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes may explain in part the onset of cataract in poodles.

Clinical and pathological observations in English cocker spaniels with primary metabolic vitamin E deficiency and retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy

Fifteen English cocker spaniels with confirmed vitamin E deficiency were examined physically, ophthalmologically and neurologically. Eleven of them had clinical signs of neurological dysfunction which included ataxia, proprioceptive deficits, abnormal...

Deafness prevalence and pigmentation and gender associations in dog breeds at risk

Hearing function was tested in dogs from breeds at risk for pigment-associated congenital sensorineural deafness – Dalmatian, English setter (ES), English cocker spaniel (ECS), bull terrier (BT), Australian cattle dog (ACD), whippet, Catahoula leopard dog, and Jack Russell terrier. Deafness prevalence was highest in Dalmatians and lowest in ECS. Phenotype correlation studies were performed in breeds with >100 brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) tested subjects. No gender differences were observed. No differences were seen between black- and liver-spotted Dalmatians, among the ES roan colour varieties, among the ECS parti varieties, or among the ACD colour varieties. Blue eyes were positively associated and patches were negatively associated with deafness in the Dalmatian. Blue eyes were also associated with deafness in the ES and ECS. White BT were more likely than coloured BT to be deaf. Having one or more parent’s ear deaf was positively associated with deafness in Dalmatians, ES, and ECS.

Malasseziose tegumentar canina: estudo clínico-epidemiológico retrospectivo de 92 casos (1989 a 1995), São Paulo, Brasil

Caracterizaram-se, por um estudo retrospectivo, 92 casos de malasseziose tegumentar canina, atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, no período de 1989 a 1995, quanto a seus aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos(incidência, predisposições, tempo de evolução, sintomas, localização das lesões e resposta à terapia).

A Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Study of Pimobendan in Dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study was conducted to examine the effect on heart failure class and survival of pimobendan, an oral calcium‐sensitizing inodilator, in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Pimobendan (0.3–0.6 mg/kg body weight/d) or placebo was administered to English Cocker Spaniels (CSs; n = 10) and Doberman Pinschers (DPs; n = 10) that had DCM in addition to background therapy of furosemide, enalapril, and digoxin. Addition of pimobendan to standard triple therapy was associated with a significant improvement in heart failure class, regardless of breed (P< .02, Mann‐Whitney rank sum test). Overall, 8 of 10 animals in the pimobendan‐treated group, and 1 of 10 animals in the placebo group improved their heart failure status by at least 1 modified New York Heart Association functional class after initial stabilization (P= .005, Fisher's exact test). Pimobendan had no significant effect on survival in the CSs (P= 0.77, log‐rank test), but DPs treated with pimobendan had significantly longer survival times compared with placebo (P< .02, log‐rank test), with a median survival time of 329 days in the pimobendan group compared with 50 days in the placebo group, and a hazard ratio of 3.4 (95% confidence interval 1.4–39.8). Pimobendan resulted in significant improvement in heart failure class when added to standard therapy in this group of dogs with DCM, and may have contributed to improved survival in DPs.

Breed Risk of Pyometra in Insured Dogs in Sweden

An animal insurance database containing data on over 200,000 dogs was used to study the occurrence of pyometra with respect to breed and age during 1995 and 1996 in Swedish bitches <10 years of age. A total of 1,803 females in 1995 and 1,754 females in 1996 had claims submitted because of pyometra. Thirty breeds with at least 800 bitches insured each year were studied using univariate and multivariate methods. The crude 12‐month risk of pyometra for females <10 years of age was 2.0% (95% confidence interval = 1.9‐2.1%) in 1995 and 1.9% (1.8‐2.0%) in 1996. The occurrence of pyometra differed with age, breed, and geographic location. The risk of developing pyometra was increased (identified using multivariate models) in rough Collies, Rottweilers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and English Cocker Spaniels compared with baseline (all other breeds, including mixed breed dogs). Breeds with a low risk of developing the disease were Drevers, German Shepherd Dogs, Miniature Dachshunds, Dachshunds (normal size), and Swedish Hounds. Survival rates indicate that on average 23–24% of the bitches in the databases will have experienced pyometra by 10 years of age. In the studied breeds, this proportion ranged between 10 and 54%. Pyometra is a clinically relevant problem in intact bitches, and differences related to breed and age should be taken into account in studies of this disease.

Breed risk of pyometra in insured dogs in Sweden.

An animal insurance database containing data on over 200,000 dogs was used to study the occurrence of pyometra with respect to breed and age during 1995 and 1996 in Swedish bitches <10 years of age. A total of 1,803 females in 1995 and 1,754 females in 1996 had claims submitted because of pyometra. Thirty breeds with at least 800 bitches insured each year were studied using univariate and multivariate methods. The crude 12-month risk of pyometra for females <10 years of age was 2.0% (95% confidence interval = 1.9-2.1%) in 1995 and 1.9% (1.8-2.0%) in 1996. The occurrence of pyometra differed with age, breed, and geographic location. The risk of developing pyometra was increased (identified using multivariate models) in rough Collies, Rottweilers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and English Cocker Spaniels compared with baseline (all other breeds, including mixed breed dogs). Breeds with a low risk of developing the disease were Drevers, German Shepherd Dogs, Miniature Dachshunds, Dachshunds (normal size), and Swedish Hounds. Survival rates indicate that on average 23-24% of the bitches in the databases will have experienced pyometra by 10 years of age. In the studied breeds, this proportion ranged between 10 and 54%. Pyometra is a clinically relevant problem in intact bitches, and differences related to breed and age should be taken into account in studies of this disease.

Stades method for surgical correction of upper eyelid trichiasis-entropion: results and follow-up in 21 cases

Trichiasis is a condition in which lhe cuia and facial hairs grow toward lhe córnea or the conjunctiva. The hairs arising from normal sites are pointed aí an abnormal direction. This condition may be caused by prominent nasal folds, entropion, blepharospasm, slipped facial mask and dermoids. The upper eyelid trichiasis-entropion with lower eyelid entropionectropion frequentiy occurs in oíder English Cocker Spaniels. The ocular signs often are epiphora, blepharospasm, conjunctivitis, keratitis and comeal ulceratíon. Treatment depenas on the severity ofthe condition and must eliminate the ocular contact by misdirected cuia that irritate the eyeball. This report presents a retrospective study of21 patients with bilateral diffüse trichiasis (15 English Cocker Spaniels; 2 Basset hounds; l Bloodhound; l Fila Brasileiro and 2 mongrel dogs). The procedure described by Stades was employed m ali cases. Postoperatively, topical chioramphenicol oiníment (qid) was appiied in the conjunctival soe and on the open woundfor 2 weeks. Sutures were removed 10 days after surgery. Correction ofpositioning ofthe upper eyelid was successfúl and its apposition to córnea was normal. In most of the cases the reepithelialiwtion was complete one month after surgery. No signs ofrecurrence werefound and there appeared to be no loss of normal fünction of the eyelid in the 21 dogs available for follow-up examination in a maximum period of 36 months.

Controlling canine hip dysplasia in Finland

The aim of the study was to evaluate the Finnish Kennel Club's hip-dysplasia screening and control programs. As a retrospective study, records of hip-dysplasia screening of 69,349 dogs in 22 breeds that were born in 1988–1995 were analyzed and compared to data from prior to 1988. In most breeds, no significant changes in dysplasia prevalence could be found. In English cocker spaniels, golden and Labrador retrievers and Rottweilers a significant decrease – but in boxers, Dobermans, German Shepherd dogs and rough collies a significant increase – in prevalence was detected. In flat-coated retrievers overall prevalence increased – but the prevalence of severe hip-dysplasia decreased significantly during the study period. The present control program has not resulted in fast progress. Selecting against hip-dysplasia cannot be expected to be very effective, when based only on mass selection on phenotypic observations. Predicted breeding values based on progeny testing would probably give better results. Also, breeders' compliance and commitment to programs is not always high and other selection criteria in breeding are thought to be more important. Modern society has high demands for animal welfare and consumer issues, and breeders and kennel societies should pay more attention to health issues in breeding pedigreed dogs.