History of the Irish
wolfhound
Health Issues
Leptospirosis
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Heart Disease Research
The Research Project started in 1986, with Dr. Serena Brownlie, then cardiologist at the Royal Veterinary College (University of London), going to breed events and using an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the hearts of hounds present. In the first year 64 hounds were studied - 24 dogs and 40 bitches - the average age of which was 2 1/2 years (ranging from 10 months to 8 years 8 months). This pilot study showed several interesting points, the main one being that the mean heart rate in both dogs and bitches was 107/minute and this did not alter to any extent when abnormalities were present.
During this period, wolfhound owners donated enough money to the Fund to permit the purchase of a portable ECG. A few years later, an ultrasound and computer were added to the equipment. A generous donation from the Canine Supporters Charity enabled the purchase of monitoring equipment.
Up to halfway through 2000 the testing of hounds was carried out at all the main breed events, and other breeds have been included in the scheme. During the latter part of 2000 heart checks at breed events were not carried out and this was also the case for most of 2001. Some checks were carried out after this date but changes to the procedure are going to have to be made, depending on how owners want the research to proceed.
The most common heart disorder found in the Irish wolfhound is dilated cardiomyopathy, (DCM) which is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes weakened and the heart enlarged as a compensatory factor. The rhythm disturbance usually connected with the disorder is atrial fibrillation (AF). Cardiomyopathy eventually leads to heart failure.
The first most noticeable symptom of DCM is often weight loss, sometimes despite a huge appetite. Also exercise intolerance where the hound may just walk instead of galloping around when off leash but may sit down for a rest frequently while on walks. Pale gums are a not infrequent sign of poor circulation, and the heart beat can sometimes be seen when the hound is lying on its side. It can certainly be felt by putting a hand over the heart area, usually with a rapid and fluttery beat. If the pulse in the inside of the thigh is felt at the same time as the heart, it will be found that not all beats of the heart produce a pulse.
Further possible symptoms include a cough, which sounds rather as though the hound is clearing its throat (although this is not a common symptom of DCM); fluid retention in the abdomen and/or chest cavity, which can lead to abdominal discomfort, a disinclination to lie down, and breathing difficulties; loss of appetite; and general malaise.
A cardiologist in the human field, Professor Peters, is wanting to set up a study with wolfhounds:-
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in humans and presents a major problem to breeders and keepers of several large dog breeds, particularly the Irish Wolfhound. The natural development of AF is not well understood. In this study, families of Irish Wolfhounds with a genetic predisposition to AF, occurring in more than 80% of family members, will be prospectively followed up until the natural onset of AF.
In the first part of a larger study to characterise the natural history of AF, the evolution and behaviour of the arrhythmia will be characterised. An ambulatory monitor which allows both inspection of the surface ECG and records 48 hours of continuous data for offline analysis will be performed at a monthly interval. Retrospective analysis of the data in dogs will give an indication of whether the development of AF is characterised by a progression of ECG changes. This may allow prognostic prediction of the expected onset of AF and therefore allow early treatment. By analysing the heart rhythm of dogs before they develop AF, it may be possible to identify warning signs and treat them early and prevent the later problems.
Hilary Jupp
The following information sheet was given out by Dr. Brownlie at the Club Championship Show, April 2002:-
"Did you know that heart disease is an important cause of illness and death in Irish Wolfhounds? The most common type of heart disease in wolfhounds is called dilated cardiomypathy (DCM).
Are you aware that there has been ongoing research into aspects of wolfhound heart disease in Great Britain since 1986 and now similar projects are underway in Europe and USA?
Have you heard that just over 10% of Irish wolfhounds will develop a serious heart rhythm abnormality called atrial fibrillation, which may be associated with heart failure or sudden death, and up to 50% may have some degree of other heart abnormality?
It is recommended that every Irish wolfhound over one year of age should have a heart examination, including an electrocardiograph (ECG, EKG) at least once a year and particularly before any general anaesthetic. This is because some heart rhythm abnormalities are treatable if recognised in time. It needs to be carried out regularly throughout the whole of the dog's life and particularly in old age. It is a painless procedure and takes only a few minutes to do, but it could save your dog's life.
We are attempting to identify early changes, which may tell us in advance which dogs are going to develop atrial fibrillation. Once this rhythm disturbance has become established, it cannot be reversed, but it is possible that one day we might be able to prevent it. Whether or not this would save dogs from developing DCM is unknown.
We also need to know what the significance is of the other ECG abnormalities seen in wolfhounds. It is vital for research purposes that as many wolfhounds as possible are registered with the Heart Research Project and that we receive ECG data from them regularly throughout their lives. A heart examination service is sometimes available at breed shows and rallies, where it is carried out for research purposes, but all owners should discuss ECG screening with their own veterinary surgeon. If your own vet cannot provide this service it can usually be arranged locally at another practice or referral centre, or contact me.
Note that ECG interpretation is free of charge to all wolfhound owners if traces are sent to me with the dog's KC registered name. It is completely confidential - please show this sheet to your veterinary surgeon. We cannot advance knowledge about wolfhound heart disease without your help, and what we need most is information about your dog's heart!
Dr. S.E. Brownlie
The following is the 2005 update on the Heart Research:
I am sorry not to have been at the shows in 2004 due to personal circumstances but we have not forgotten our wolfhound friends and heart research is not dead, only having a rest. I am still available for consultation on ECGs and I am still coming "down south" once a month for work. Unfortunately these visits have not coincided with the shows but perhaps we can manage it next year. I am keen to catch up with news on Scottish wolfhounds, as I have not had the opportunity to see them for a few years now.
Recently I went to the autumn meeting of the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society and heard a report on the recent ACVIM conference in the States. One of the papers presented was a report on a large study of 1000 wolfhounds by Andrea Vollmar and others. I believe this was a multi-centre study and some of the co-authors were American, therefore presumably the dogs included were both European and American. I was pleased to learn that their conclusions were similar to ours - to summarise:
Most dogs with atrial fibrillation developed cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM was common (their figure was 33% of the dogs studied, but their criteria were probably stricter than used in UK - I have always been unwilling to diagnose the disease unless I have definite proof.)
Some dogs had low blood taurine levels. Interestingly this did not seem to be related to diet. Although there was no evidence that it caused the disease, it was considered likely to worsen the outlook if they developed it.
They have identified a family of dogs in which the disease seems to be inherited and an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance is proposed. This is also what we suggested some years ago, but it is very difficult to prove.
I understand that the search for disease causing genes is gathering momentum. An American group appears to be committed to identifying the genes for DCM in wolfhounds and a UK DNA archive may be set up in the future where blood samples are to be received for DNA extraction and storage. Cardiac disease is not yet on their list but samples from dogs with DCM, mitral valve disease and aortic stenosis are likely to be requested. There are still issues with the Home Office and blood has to be taken for another recognised diagnostic test in addition. It is important to realise that the archive will still need samples from normal dogs for comparison but this will be much more difficult to arrange.
For the 2007 Heart Disease Research Update, click here
For the 2006 Heart Disease Research Update, click here
For the report on the Meeting held to discuss regional heart testing, click here
For details of Regional Heart Tests, click here
Liver Shunt (Portosystemic Shunt)
This is a defect that can affect many kinds of animals. Currently a study of the occurrence of Livershunt specifically in Irish Wolfhounds is ongoing.
In the unborn puppy the foetal vein supplying blood and nutrients and removing toxins via the mother's system should within a few days after birth close and allow the puppy's own liver to take over these functions, cleansing the blood supply as it passes through its system. In the case of Livershunt this vein fails to close. The result is that, instead of the puppy's own liver taking on the function of cleansing the blood supply, the blood bypasses the liver and continues to pass through the system gradually building up toxins - notably ammonia - which then have a devastating effect on the puppy.
The type of shunt is commonly termed either extra-hepatic shunt, meaning outside the liver and usually affecting smaller animals, or intra-hepatic shunt meaning inside the Liver; this variation affects large breeds of dog like the Wolfhound.
Wolfhounds usually show signs of being affected very early on in their life. If left untreated, a puppy with Livershunt is often so sick by 4 - 5 months that they are put down. If the shunt is a partial one, i.e. some blood is passing through the liver, then the puppy may grow to adulthood but more often than not is sickly and requires regular antibiotic treatment from the vet.
For the past 5 years Irish Wolfhounds have been the subject of a project whereby responsible breeders test litters at around 8 weeks to identify any puppies which may be affected with Livershunt. It is possible to test for Livershunt at any age.
When the testing project first started, two blood samples were required from each puppy in the litter, one taken before feeding and one 2 hours after. The samples are sent to a specialist Laboratory where the difference in Bile Acids between the two samples is measured. The extent of this difference indicates the presence, or not, of Livershunt. Typically, a normal reading pre and post-feeding would be anything between 1 and 30. If the second blood sample showed Bile Acids greatly higher than shown in the first sample i.e. more than 25 points higher than the first, then Livershunt is suspected. In most cases puppies with Livershunt have a distinctly higher reading in the second blood test often reaching the 100's but not always. There are occasions when it falls into a grey area. If this happens, it may be due to the puppy not eating sufficient food prior to the second test, which can give an erroneous reading. Whenever Livershunt is suspected a second test to confirm diagnosis is always recommended.
The testing project has provided enough data to enable the Laboratory (Vetlab Services) to test litters based on one blood sample taken 2 hours after feeding. Because the amount the puppy eats can affect the test, a representative from the veterinary surgery has to be present when the litter is fed and signs a form to confirm that this aspect was satisfactory. If the puppies are tested clear, a certificate is issued to the breeder to that effect.
If a puppy is found to be affected with Livershunt, it is a desperately
heartbreaking situation to be in. The options an owner/breeder is then faced
with are:
· Euthanasia
· Dietary management of the condition
· Surgery.
Carolyn Burton, formerly of the Royal Veterinary College, researched the condition in Wolfhounds as part of her PhD over a three year period and carried out many surgical repairs. Now in general practice, she continues to treat Wolfhounds referred to her, but there are several vets in the UK who also specialise in this condition. It is not recommended that surgery is carried out unless the practitioner has extensive experience in this type of condition.
Ideally puppies are operated on as soon after diagnosis as possible to avoid damage to their neurological systems and damage to the liver. Firstly, the type of and severity of the shunt has to be ascertained, but if it is considered operable, surgery has proved to be highly successful with an excellent recovery rate. A normal life expectancy is anticipated, but it is a costly exercise with fees ranging from £600 to £1200.
Dietary management can be considered, particularly if the shunt is partial. This entails feeding a very low protein diet. Often specially made foods such as Hills U/D and K/D are recommended, pasta, potatoes and high quality protein can be included. The diet usually has to be backed up by occasional antibiotics and lactulose - which assists in the binding and removal of ammonia - from the Veterinary Surgeon.
More information about this condition can be viewed at http://www.cornovi-iw.co.uk/liverhuntpage.htm
This document maintained by Irishhounds@aol.com.