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Genetic Health Concerns of the Korthals GriffonKorthals Griffons are in general a very healthy breed, often reaching up to 14 years of age. Because of their long time use as a working/hunting companion, this breed tends to have good bone structure and strength. Griffons that were not structurally sound were not used for breeding. Below are some of the health problems that are known or suspected relating to the breed. In most cases the incidence levels are low.
Hip DysplasiaHip Dysplasia has been reduced in the Korthals Griffon. In 2007, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (www.offa.org) estimates the current percentage of dysplastic dogs at 7.3%. The percentage of OFA Excellent ratings is 21.0%. These figures can be somewhat misleading, as not all x-rays for Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are submitted to the OFA for certification.
OFA Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Statistics | Rank | Evaluations | Percent abnormal | Percent normal | | Cardiac | N/A | 7 | 0.0 | 100.0 | | Elbow | N/A | 91 | 0.0 | 100.0 | | Hips | 104 | 1429 | 7.3 | 92.0 | | Thyroid | N/A | 8 | 12.5 | 62.5 |
Another method of Hip Evaluation is with PennHip. www.pennhip.com PennHip evaluations can be taken at a younger age than OFA evaluations.
Hip Dysplasia can be caused by a number of things but most often indicates a hip joint structure that cannot withstand normal use. This could mean a shallow socket, or a ball that is not smooth and round. Hip Dysplasia is polygenic, meaning that many genes affect the hip structure and that it is not a simple Genetic problem to eliminate in any breed.
All Korthals Griffons should be radiographically cleared of Hip Dysplasia at two years of age (or younger with PennHip evaluation). This is an absolute minimum requirement for breeding.
Elbow Problems Not as common as Hip Dysplasia, but elbow problems have occurred in Korthals Griffons.
Other Musculoskeletal issues
Panoestitis: Some Griffons can be affected by Panoestitis, or Growing Pains due to inflammation of the long bones. This can happen any time during the growth of the dog, usually indicated by a sudden lameness. If your Griffon is affected by Pano, it is best diagnosed with radiology, as most Griffons will not give the usual pain response that veterinarians look for. On a scale of 1 - 10, Pano is expressed as an 11 for the dog that has a long bone palpated, yet a Griffon will not show pain and instead might lick the hand that hurts him. Pano is easily diagnosed by radiology, with the inflamed bone showing up as a glowing white area.
Degenerative Disc Disease: has been known in Korthals Griffons.
Eye Disease
More to follow...
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