Health

Image: Dr Chloë Hardman BVSc (Hons), MVS, MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery), FANZCVS (Ophthalmology) undertaking an Australian Canine Eye Scheme exam on a Glenmave Toller puppy (courtesy of Glenda Forster).

Much like any breed, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers face health issues, however responsible breeders across the world are working in a collaborative effort to improve the health of the breed.

Provided breeders take care to health test their breeding stock and ensure that at least one parent is genetically clear for each of the recessive DNA tests (CDMC, CLAM, CLPS, CP1, CEA, DE, DM, JADD and PRA-prcd) the incidence of health issues can be minimised.

Tests for the following genetic conditions are currently available:

  • Cardiac Laminopathy (CLAM)*

  • Cerebellar Degeneration-Myositis Complex (CDMC)*

  • Chondrodystrophy (CDDY and IVDD Risk)

  • Cleft Lip/Palate and Syndactyly (CLPS)

  • Cleft Palate (CP1)

  • Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)**

  • Degenerative Encephalopathy (DE)

  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

  • Juvenile Addison's Disease (JADD)

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd)

* CDMC and CLAM are new tests released in 2022. You can find out more here.
** Please see here for the latest research on Collie Eye Anomaly and it’s relevance to Tollers.

The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) also has a number of other health programs recommended to breeders, including the Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES) and Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS).

ACES

ACES is a national system of examination, certification and data reporting of abnormal eye conditions in all dog breeds, carried out Australia-wide by registered veterinary eye specialists to standards set by the Ophthalmology Chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS). ACES is administered by the ANKC.

ACES panellists recommend against breeding from dogs affected by recognised or suspected hereditary eye conditions due to the risk of progeny being affected. Eye assessments are carried out by registered veterinary eye specialists.

Age and frequency of ACES testing

For breeding dogs where aquired/non-congenital hereditary eyes diseases (i.e. those not present at birth) occur, eye testing ideally starts at around one year of age and continues on an annual basis, with a certificate needing to be less than 12 months old for it to be ‘current’.

In breeds where congenital hereditary eyes diseases (i.e. those present at birth) occur, eye testing takes the form of a one off ‘litter screen’ for the specific condition at 6-12 weeks of age. Further testing as individual adults may be required if acquired hereditary disease is also recognised in the breed.

CHEDS

CHEDS is the Canine Hip and Elbows Dysplasia scheme and is a national scheme to reduce the incidence of hip and elbow disease in registered purebred dogs. The scheme is open to all dogs at least one year of age, with no upper age limit. CHEDS is administered by the ANKC.

Canine Hip Dysplasia is the most common heritable orthopaedic problem seen in dogs. It affects virtually all breeds of dogs, but is especially problematic in large and giant breeds.

Prior to breeding, dogs should have both their hips and elbows x-rayed and scored by a Radiologist from the CHEDS Radiology Panel. The average score for each breed is available on the Officially Registered Canine Health Information Database (ORCHID).

Autoimmune disorders

With the exception of cancers, autoimmune disorders are the most common diseases affecting Tollers.

Unfortunately there is currently no genetic testing available for the following autoimmune diseases, however it is believed that there are both family tendencies and probable environmental triggers.

Steroid Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA)

The cause of SRMA is unknown but is thought to be due to an autoimmune disease process causing inflammation of the meninges (the covering layer of the central nervous system) and peripheral nerve roots. It also affects arteries and tissues in many of the body's systems.

SRMA is a non-infectious, inflammatory disease usually affecting young animals under the age of two. It can be cyclic in nature but the initial onset of the disease is usually sudden, showing symptoms such as high temperature, neck stiffness, lethargy, intense pain (especially around the neck and ears), general body stiffness and sensitivity to touch.

SRMA responds very well to immunosuppressive treatment of prednisolone, reducing steroid therapy to alternate days and weaning off all treatment over a period of 5-7 months.

The prognosis for patients with SRMA is generally very good, although relapses may occur at any time. Recovery is usually rapid and improvement can be seen within hours of giving immunosuppressive therapy, hence the name steroid responsive meningitis.

Source: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club of UK

Immune Mediated Polyarthritis (IMPA)

IMPA is a disease in which the immune system mounts an inflammatory response within the joints, causing pain, swelling and difficulty walking.

In IMPA, the immune system is inappropriately activated to send white blood cells to the joints. The white blood cells release chemicals and enzymes into the fluid that bathes the joints, disrupting the protective function of this fluid.

Treatment for IMPA is via immunosuppressive dosage of prednisolone, as per SRMA.

Source: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club of UK

Addison's and Inflammatory Disease

Whilst we are able to test breeding stock for Juvenile Addison's Disease (JADD), there is currently no genetic test available for Atypical Addison’s Disease which affects adult dogs. The average age of onset is 2.6 years compared to JADD which is typically seen in puppies under a year old.

Addison’s disease has often been called the ‘great imposter’ as it can mimic many other diseases and is often difficult to initially diagnose. Atypical Addison dogs usually have more subtle clinical signs which vary but may include, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy or weight loss. The most typical history seen is a young dog with chronic intermittent histories of gastrointestinal issues (Source: Dr Douglas Brum, DVM).

Cancer

The most common cause of death in Tollers is cancer, reported in 25% of deaths.

This is in line with the average for all other purebred dogs and mixed breeds.

Desexing

Recent history shows that early spay/neuter has typically been the norm, with desexing usually performed in dogs around six months of age. Even today, there are some veterinarians who will recommend juvenile desexing, however attitudes are beginning to change. Recommendations for early desexing are now mostly based on efforts to reduce indiscriminate breeding and overpopulation of domestic pets, rather than health.

More recent research shows that early spay and neuter may impact orthopedic health in dogs and have other health implications including cancer and joint disorders such as canine cruciate ligament (CCL) ruptures, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation (Source: Dr Michael Petty, DVM, CVPP, CVMA, CCRT, CAAPM).

When you buy a Toller, your breeder will have written into your contract the age at which your puppy should be desexed. So while the Club recommends delayed desexing where possible, you should undertake your own research and consult with both your breeder and trusted veterinarian to determine the best age for you and your puppy.

Additonal resources