German Wirehaired Pointer Research Articles

The Role of Femoral Head Size and Femoral Head Coverage in Dogs with and without Hip Dysplasia.

The subject of hip dysplasia in dogs is still current and preoccupies both animal owners and veterinarians. Major factors affecting the development of the disorder are hip laxity and incongruent joints. Many studies on etiology, pathogenesis, and early diagnosis have been performed to reduce prevalence and select healthy dogs for breeding. The purpose of the present study was to investigate a possible relationship between dysplasia and femoral head area (FHA), femoral coverage by the acetabulum (CFH) and cranio-caudal distance of the dorsal acetabular rim (CrCdAR). Radiographs of a total of 264 skeletally mature dogs with similar physical characteristics (German wirehaired pointers (GWP), German shepherd dogs (GSD) and Labrador retrievers (LAB)) presented for routine hip dysplasia screening were recruited for the study. FHA, CFH and CrCdAR were measured and related to dysplasia status. Evaluations of FHA (p = 0.011), CFH (p < 0.001) and CrCdAR length (p = 0.003) measurements revealed significant interactions between breed, sex and FCI scores, so they had to be assessed separately. The results revealed that FHA tends to decrease as the hip dysplasia score worsens. There was no significant relationship between FHA and dysplasia assessment. FHA is breed-specific and is larger in normal and near-normal male (p = 0.001, p = 0.020) and female (p = 0.001, p = 0.013) GWP compared to GSD, respectively. FHA is greater in normal male GWP (p = 0.011) and GSD (p = 0.040) compared to females. There was a significant and strong positive correlation between FHA and CrCdAR in all breeds and sexes. Additionally, FCI scoring had a medium (GWP, GSD) to strong (LAB) negative correlation with CFH.

Effectiveness of PennHIP and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals measurements of hip joint quality for breeding selection to reduce hip dysplasia in a population of purpose-bred detection dogs

To examine the effectiveness of applying selective pressure to improve hip joint quality in purpose-bred detection dogs by use of PennHIP distraction index (DI) values along with Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) hip joint scores and to determine whether age, sex, coat color, breed, and body weight were associated with hip joint quality. 615 purpose-bred detection dogs assessed for hip joint quality. Orthopedic records of 615 purpose-bred detection dogs (569 Labrador Retrievers and 46 Labrador Retriever-German Wirehaired Pointer crossbred dogs) from 2000 through 2017 were analyzed. From 2000 to 2014, hip joint quality scores were determined by OFA evaluation only (429 dogs). Beginning in 2015, both PennHIP and OFA evaluations were used to select male and female breeding stock (179 dogs; 7 dogs were removed from analysis because they did not undergo both evaluations). Selection threshold DI value for sires and dams was ≤ 0.30; all had hip joint scores of excellent or good by OFA standards. Standard ventrodorsal hip joint-extended and stress (compression and distraction) pelvic radiographs were submitted for OFA and PennHIP evaluations. Hip joint quality scores were unchanged by use of OFA measurements only. When both PennHIP and OFA measurements were used for the selection of breeding stock, hip joint quality scores improved significantly. Sex and age were significant predictors of DI values. PennHIP DI values were an effective measurement of hip joint quality for selecting breeding stock, and the addition of DI values to OFA measurements significantly improved hip joint quality in a population of purpose-bred dogs.

Tracing genetic resurrection of pointing dog breeds: Cesky Fousek as both survivor and rescuer.

Cesky Fousek is considered to be one of the oldest pointing dog breeds in Europe and has been appreciated for its versatile working skills. Because it faced extinction in the past, the Cesky Fousek was restored from German Wirehaired and Shorthaired Pointers. Additionally, the breed was recently used in the USA with the initial intent of improvement of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (synonymous with Korthals Griffon) by the Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Club of America. This study evaluates genetic diversity parameters of Cesky Fousek and compares them to the other continental pointing dogs that played a role in the formation of its gene pool. DNA from buccal swab and blood samples (n = 405) were analyzed using 18 microsatellite markers. Parameters of genetic polymorphism show that the Cesky Fousek breed has a comparable rate of variation as other hunting breeds despite the low population size and severe historical bottlenecks. Clustering analyses reveal a unique genetic status as a distinct pointing dog breed and the relatedness of the breeds is in good concordance with historical data. The present study demonstrates that despite historical admixture among lineages, separate pointing breeds constitute genetically differentiated units, mirroring unique breeding stocks and pedigree isolation among specific breed clubs, reflecting differences in breeding programs under each association.

A novel VWF variant associated with type 2 von Willebrand disease in German Wirehaired Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers.

Von Willebrand disease (VWD), caused by deficiency of the von Willebrand factor (VWF), is the most common bleeding disorder in humans and dogs. The complete cDNA encoding VWF of a German Wirehaired Pointer with type 2 VWD was sequenced, and we found four variants that alter the amino acid sequence. These variants were: c.1657T>G corresponding to p.Trp553Gly; c.1777G>A (p.Glu593Lys); c.4937A>G (p.Asn1646Ser) and c.5544G>A (p.Met1848Ile). A haplotype of the c.1657G, c.1777A and c.4937G alleles co-segregated with the VWF antigen level in a four-generation pedigree with the disease. Healthy dogs of the breed were found that were homozygous for the c.1777A or the c.5544A allele, indicating that these variants do not cause VWD. Dogs that were homozygous for the c.4937G allele and had no signs of a bleeding disorder were observed in the Chinese Crested dog breed. Thus, only the c.1657G variant was found in the homozygous state exclusively in VWD affecteds, and this variant is the strongest candidate to be the cause of VWD type 2 in the German Wirehaired Pointer breed. A screen of German Shorthaired Pointers indicated that the variant also segregates with VWD in this breed.

Assessment of innate working properties of German wirehaired pointers in Serbia

In conditions of accelerated pace of life, reduced financial capacities and free time, modern hunters give a high priority to breeds of hunting dogs characterized by versatility or multiple usability in hunting. Accordingly, German Wirehaired Pointer is a kind of hunting dog which breeding is based on the principle of versatility. The objective of this work was to assess the quality of innate i.e. hereditary working properties of German Wirehaired Pointer in Serbia, in order to get an insight into their versatile usability in hunting and hunting tourism in Serbia. After analyzing the working results of 211 dogs, which had passed the spring breeding exams in the period from 2006. to 2013., the obtained data indicate that the quality of work, that is, the quality of innate working characteristics of German Wirehaired Pointer in Serbia, is increasing.

Novel canine bocavirus strain associated with severe enteritis in a dog litter

Bocaviruses are small non-enveloped viruses with a linear ssDNA genome, that belong to the genus Bocaparvovirus of the subfamiliy Parvovirinae. Bocavirus infections are associated with a wide spectrum of disease in humans and various mammalian species. Here we describe a fatal enteritis associated with infection with a novel strain of canine bocavirus 2 (CaBoV-2), that occurred in a litter of German wirehaired pointers. Necropsy performed on three puppies revealed an enteritis reminiscent of canine parvovirus associated enteritis, accompanied with signs of lymphocytolytic disease in bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes and thymus. While other major causes of enteritis of young dogs, including canine parvovirus, were excluded, by random PCR in combination with next-generation sequencing, a novel CaBoV-2 strain was detected. Phylogenetic analysis of the genome of this novel canine bocavirus strain indicated that this virus was indeed most closely related to group 2 canine bocaviruses. Infection with canine bocavirus was confirmed by in situ hybridization, which revealed the presence of CaBoV-2 nucleic acid in the intestinal tract and lymphoid tissues of the dogs. In a small-scale retrospective analysis concerning the role of CaBoV-2 no additional cases were identified. The findings of this study provide novel insights into the pathogenicity of canine bocaviruses.

Proteomics as a methodology for the characterization of potential new markers of stress elicited by strenuous exercise in sporting dogs – a preliminary study

Acute phase response (APR) is a well known mechanism that occurs in variety of different pathological conditions such as tissue injuries, immunological response, tumors and different inflammations. There is a lack of reports published on some stress – induced conditions in the matter of exercise or training of sporting dogs. In this study we employed the proteomic approach using 2-D gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry for determination of differentially expressed proteins prior to and afterward the strenuous exercise of a German Wire-haired pointer dogs. Differentially we found that similar to serotransferrin precursor was present only after the exercise, haptoglobin heavy chain Hph, similar to fibrinogen beta chain precursor, similar to fibrinogen gamma chain precursor were up regulated after the obtained exercise unlike serum albumin precursor that was down regulated. This study has pointed out that proteomic approach has a good chance to become a reliable predictive/diagnostic tool in assessing the individualized and optimized training programme for sporting animals.

The presence of diatom algae in a tracheal wash from a German Wirehaired Pointer with aspiration pneumonia

A 7-year-old spayed female German Wirehaired Pointer was presented with difficulty breathing after being found seizing in a water-filled drainage ditch while out hunting. Aspirates from a tracheal wash contained numerous degenerate neutrophils, fewer macrophages, some of which contained basophilic debris, low numbers of extracellular diatoms, and a single intracellular short bacterial rod. As the dog continued to clinically decline and could not be weaned from oxygen support, the owners chose euthanasia. The major necropsy finding was a severe granulomatous bronchopneumonia that was likely due to aspiration of foreign material based on the microscopic presence of plant-like material, bi-refringent crystalline material, non-cellular debris, and occasional fungal structures. Diatoms are a class of algae that live primarily in water. Diatom analysis has been used, with some controversy, in human forensics to assist in documenting drowning as the cause of death. In this case, given the clinical history, the presence of diatoms and inflammation in the tracheal wash were interpreted as a likely result of the aspiration of surface water. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of diatoms observed in a cytologic specimen in a nonhuman mammal with aspiration pneumonia.

The effects of dog breed development on genetic diversity and the relative influences of performance and conformation breeding

Genetic diversity was compared among eight dog breeds selected primarily for conformation (Standard Poodle, Italian Greyhound and show English Setter), conformation and performance (Brittany), predominantly performance (German Shorthaired and Wirehaired Pointers) or solely performance (field English Setter and Red Setter). Modern village dogs, which better reflect ancestral genetic diversity, were used as the standard. Four to seven maternal and one to two Y haplotypes were found per breed, with one usually dominant. Diversity of maternal haplotypes was greatest in village dogs, intermediate in performance breeds and lowest in conformation breeds. Maternal haplotype sharing occurred across all breeds, while Y haplotypes were more breed specific. Almost all paternal haplotypes were identified among village dogs, with the exception of the dominant Y haplotype in Brittanys, which has not been identified heretofore. The highest heterozygosity based on 24 autosomal microsatellites was found in village dogs and the lowest in conformation (show) breeds. Principal coordinate analysis indicated that conformation-type breeds were distinct from breeds heavily used for performance, the latter clustering more closely with village dogs. The Brittany, a well-established dual show and field breed, was also genetically intermediate between the conformation and performance breeds. The number of DLA-DRB1 alleles varied from 3 to 10 per breed with extensive sharing. SNPs across the wider DLA region were more frequently homozygous in all pure breeds than in village dogs. Compared with their village dog relatives, all modern breed dogs exhibit reduced genetic diversity. Genetic diversity was even more reduced among breeds under selection for show/conformation.

Estimated prevalence of canine Type 2 Von Willebrand disease in the Deutsch-Drahthaar (German Wirehaired Pointer) in Europe

Type 2 Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a severe coagulopathy occurring in the Deutsch-Drahthaar dog (or German Wirehaired Pointer, DD/GWP). Recently, a causative recessive mutation has been identified, and a DNA test is now available for individual screening.The genotype distribution (clear, carrier, and affected dogs) was investigated in 1855 DD/GWP dogs using data collected by the DD DNA-VWD-Databank in several European countries.1704 (91.8%) DD/GWP dogs were genotypically clear of the VWD mutation, 144 (7.8%) were carriers, and seven (0.4%) were affected. The estimated disease allele frequency was highest in Germany and Sweden (almost 5%), and about 1% in Denmark, Finland and Norway. The Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was tested in the German sample, and showed no evidence of deviation.

Signalment, clinical signs, and prognostic indicators associated with high-grade second- or third-degree atrioventricular block in dogs: 124 cases (January 1, 1997–December 31, 1997)

To evaluate signalment, clinical signs, and prognosis associated with high-grade second- or third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) in dogs. Retrospective case series. 124 dogs. Data were gathered from ECGs, veterinarian questionnaires, echocardiograms, and radiographs submitted for review; compared with data from a large control group; and examined for association between variables and duration of survival. A new classification system for AVB was evaluated. Afghan, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Chow Chow, Cocker Spaniel, German Wirehaired Pointer, and Labrador Retriever breeds were predisposed to high-grade second- or third-degree AVB. Heavier, older, and sexually intact female dogs were overrepresented in the study group. Weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance, and syncope were the most common clinical signs. The presence of clinical signs was not associated with duration of survival. Dogs with high-grade second-degree AVB had a duration of survival similar to that of dogs with third-degree AVB. Dogs with high-grade second- or third-degree AVB were at high risk for sudden death in the first 6 months after diagnosis. High ventricular escape rhythm rate and narrow escape-complex QRS width were negatively associated with duration of survival. Pacemaker implantation had a significant positive association with survival. Pacemaker implantation should be strongly considered in all dogs with high-grade second- or third-degree AVB regardless of whether clinical signs are evident. If medical treatment is warranted, vagolytic medications may be the best choice. A new classification system for AVB may merit further investigation.

Estimates of genetic parameters for hunting performance traits in three breeds of gun hunting dogs in Norway

Breeding of gun dogs in Norway is partially based on field hunting tests. Dogs are tested individually and performances of seven traits are judged by scores from 1 to 6. The traits are hunting eagerness, speed, style, independence, seeking width, ability to work in the field and cooperation. In addition, number of birds found in the test is recorded. Based on between 1893 and 2602 registrations, genetic parameters for three breeds, German Short-Haired Pointer (Short-Haired), German Wire-Haired Pointer (Wire-Haired) and Brittany Spaniel (Breton) are estimated using an animal model and REML-analysis. The estimated heritabilities for the scored hunting performance traits varied from h2=0.06 to 0.28. The repeatabilities varied from R=0.11 to 0.48. The genetic correlations between some of the performance traits were estimated to be higher than the phenotypic correlations and were close to 1.0. It is concluded that the test is suitable as a source of information for selecting breeding dogs. However, no satisfactory expression for the important factor bird-finding ability has been found.

Prevalence of serum thyroid hormone autoantibodies in dogs with clinical signs of hypothyroidism.

To determine prevalence of thyroid hormone autoantibodies (THAA) in serum of dogs with clinical signs of hypothyroidism. Cohort study. 287,948 serum samples from dogs with clinical signs consistent with hypothyroidism. Serum THAA were detected by use of a radiometric assay. Correlation and chi2 analyses were used to determine whether prevalence varied with breed, age, sex, or body weight. Only breeds for which > or = 50 samples had been submitted were used for analysis of breed prevalence. Thyroid hormone autoantibodies were detected in 18,135 (6.3%) samples. The 10 breeds with the highest prevalence of THAA were the Pointer, English Setter, English Pointer, Skye Terrier, German Wirehaired Pointer, Old English Sheepdog, Boxer, Maltese, Kuvasz, and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Prevalence was significantly correlated with body weight and was highest in dogs between 2 and 4 years old. Females were significantly more likely to have THAA than were males. Thyroid hormone autoantibodies may falsely increase measured triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations in dogs; results suggest that T3 concentration may be falsely increased in approximately 57 of 1,000 dogs with hypothyroidism and that T4 concentration may be falsely increased in approximately 17 of 1,000 dogs with hypothyroidism. Results also suggested that dogs of certain breeds were significantly more or less likely to have THAA than were dogs in general.

Genetics: Heritability of plasma von Willebrand factor antigen concentration in German Wirehaired pointers

Summary We applied quantitative genetic analyses to a population of German Wirehaired pointer dogs affected with type 2 von Willebrand disease. Plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) protein concentration measured as vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), clinical history, and pedigree data were compiled for 331 dogs over a 5‐year test period. Eight dogs had histories of abnormal bleeding and had markedly decreased plasma vWF:Ag concentrations (<1%). Four per cent of the dogs were inbred, with an average inbreeding of 2.52%. The estimated heritability of plasma vWF concentration was 0.52. We found a major gene effect on vWF concentration. Using a single gene locus model and two different prediction methods, the upper threshold value for the aa genotype was less than 1% vWF:Ag, and the optimal threshold value for discrimination between the AA and Aa genotypes was between 68% and 72% vWF:Ag. Our analyses indicate that phenotype, assigned on the basis of a single vWF:Ag determination, is heritable and can be applied for selective breeding in a von Willebrand disease test programme.

Plasma von Willebrand factor antigen concentration as a predictor of von Willebrand’s disease status in German Wirehaired Pointers

Objective To evaluate the use of plasma von Willebrand's factor (vWF) concentration as a screening test for inherited von Willebrand's disease (vWD) in German Wirehaired Pointers (GWHP). Design Prospective study. Sample Population Plasma samples from 467 GWHP. Procedure Plasma vWF concentrations were measured as vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), using ELISA, and test values were used to estimate prevalence of vWD in GWHP and predict parental vWD status. Test results of progeny from matings of carrier and noncarrier parents were then compared with the predicted outcome of such matings. Results 376 (81%) GWHP were classified as VWD noncarriers, 58 (12%) as carriers, and 5 (1%) as affected with VWD. An additional 28 (6%) GWHP could not be classified on the basis of plasma VWF:Ag concentration. The observed outcome of tests of 213 pups was not significantly different from that predicted on the basis of parental VWWF:Ag concentration. The predictive value of a positive test result (vWF: Ag% &lt; 50) for identifying VWD carriers was 0.89. Clinical Implications Plasma vWF:Ag concentration was an effective predictor of genetic status for the vWD trait, and for the outcome of matings between carriers and noncarriers of vWD in this study of GWHP. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;209:930-933)

Severe, recessive von Willebrand’s disease in German Wirehaired Pointers

Objective To characterize the biochemical and genetic basis of a clinically severe form of von Willebrand’s disease (VWD) in German Wirehaired Pointers. Design Case series. Sample Population Plasma samples from 335 German Wirehaired Pointers (8 clinically affected). Procedure Plasma samples were evaluated, using an ELISA, to determine von Willebrand factor (WVF) antigen concentration. Additional studies performed on samples from clinically affected dogs included coagulation screening tests, factor VIlI coagulant activity assays, and immunoelectrophoresis to determine VWF multimeric composition. Results Mucosal bleeding and bleeding at sites of cutaneous injury were observed in affected dogs by 6 months old. Plasma vWF antigen concentration was markedly reduced, and there was a lack of high molecular weight vWF multimers; findings compatible with type-ll vWD. Inheritance and expression pattern of vWD in this breed was most compatible with that of an autosomal recessive trait. Clinical Implications Von Willebrand's disease should be included in the differential diagnoses of bleeding diatheses in German Wirehaired Pointers, with definitive diagnosis confirmed on the basis of canine-specific vWF assays. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996; 209:926-929)

Hip dysplasia in dogs in relation to their month of birth

German wirehaired pointers, English, Irish and Gordon setters, and labrador retrievers that were puppies during the spring and summer had a significantly lower incidence of hip dysplasia than those growing up during the autumn and winter. However, golden retrievers and German shepherd dogs did not show the same seasonal pattern of incidence of hip dysplasia.