When considering a new family
pet, the Schipperke can be a great choice. If a new
owner works with a top breeder and makes sure that
the puppy is healthy from the start, the
relationship between dog and owner can be a good
one. The Schipperke is typically a low-maintenance
pet, especially if the breeder has taken plenty of
time to socialize the young dogs. However, as is the
case with many purebred dogs, the Schipperke can be
prone to certain genetic medical conditions.
One of the diseases that Schipperke owners
should be aware of is MPS IIIB. This newly
discovered condition is present in Schipperkes and
in some humans. It is also known by the name
Sanfilippo syndrome type IIIB. According to medical
information from various dog breed specialists, the
disease involves lysosomes, "bags" within cells of
the body. These sacs are filled with special
enzymes, which disassemble molecules in an orderly
manner. If one of the enzymes is missing, due to
mutations in the gene for that enzyme, the
disassembly stops. Molecules do not break down and
thus accumulate in lysosomes. The cells become sick
or die, which leads to disease.
A dog that develops MPS IIIB
may show signs of tremor, difficulty in maintaining
balance or trouble with walking. The disease is
progressive, and owners have chosen euthanasia,
usually 1 year to 2 years after recognizing clinical
signs. Testing is still in the early stages, but
results indicate the possibility of the disease in
as much as 10 percent to 15 percent of dogs.
There is a special test for the Schipperke breed,
available through the University of Pennsylvania. It
is highly recommended that every breeding Schipperke
be tested for this condition. As you visit breeders
and look at their dogs and facilities, you should
ask about MPS IIIB, as well as if the dogs have
undergone proper testing.
Schipperke owners should also be aware of the
possibility of hip dysplasia, a degenerative joint
disease that can affect purebred dogs. This disease
is one that involves various levels of arthritis.
Cartilage lining the joint may not be adequate or
may be poorly developed. The condition can lead to
pain and problems with movement. The Orthopedic
Foundation for Animals has a test for this
condition. Prospective pet owners should be prepared
to ask questions about this disease as they visit
breeders. Both breeding parents should be certified
as free from this disease.
Some eye diseases can also affect the Schipperke.
These conditions include Progressive Retinal Atrophy
and cataracts. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) has
been recognized as a problem for dogs for many
years. The condition first leads to problems with
vision in low light and at night. Unfortunately, if
the disease continues to progress, it could lead to
blindness. With PRA, the tissue at the back of the
eye that absorbs light and sends signals to brain
degenerates. Dogs may be able to adopt to early
stages of this condition if they are not required to
see in low-light conditions. As this disease
progresses, the pupils of the eyes dilate in an
attempt to get more light. This results in the eyes
having a “shine” that is quite noticeable.
The vast majority of Schipperke owners find that
their dog is very healthy and requires little more
than the usual good care. Schipperkes may live to be
17 or 18 years old with the proper diet and
exercise.
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