HEALTH & GENETICS

The health of our Shilohs Shepherds is important to us.

This section contains articles and more for you to reference. Keep checking back as this section will continue to grow.

• Gastrointestinal Disorders in the GSD and Several Other Breeds
  by Fred Lanting Copyright 1990, 2003
  "Having been requested to supply articles on bloat/torsion/volvulus, and on megaesophagus, I decided to revise an article formerly published as “Digestive Tract Disorders”, and combine it with other articles, giving it a new name. My favorite breed is susceptible to many gastrointestinal problems. There are a great number of causes for stomach and intestinal problems. When these two organs in the alimentary canal are considered together, we refer to a syndrome as gastro-intestinal..." [read more]
• Pedigree Analysis - Deciphered
  by Tina Porter
  "In our quest to produce happy, healthy puppies, most breeders run genetic reports, or pedigree analysis on a potential breeding looking for both pitfalls and strengths. These reports give us a lot of data- but what exactly are these numbers, what information do they give us, and how should we use them?"
  [read more]

 

BLOAT: Be Aware, Be Prepared

Like their German Shepherd ancestors, Shilohs may experience problems with bloat, a condition where the stomach becomes over-stretched by gas the dog is unable to release. This condition is serious and should be treated immediately by a veterinarian.

• Articles on Bloat, including Quick Reference Guide for GDV Bloat
• Bloat in Dogs, a great resource for FAQs and links about this deadly event
• A Close Encounter With A Killer, by Chris Benton

EPI

EPI (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) is a condition inherent in German Shepherd Dogs and many other breeds, including Shiloh Shepherds.

Texas A&M has completed a few small studies to determine the genetic marker for EPI, and have laid the groundwork for a large study to begin. To those who may have an interest in helping with a tax deductable donation, you can find out more at:

• EPI Research Fund [http://www.epi-research-fund.com]
• EPI in Dogs, [http://www.globalspan.net/epi.htm] a complete resource on the symptoms, causes, diagnoses, management, breeds at risk and resource links

 

HEALTH SCREENING

• Canine Eye Registration Foundation
  CERF was established to accomplish the goal of elimination of heritable eye disease in all purebred dogs by forming a centralized, national registry.
• Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA)
  Health screening information; searchable database for health statistics
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP)
  What is PennHip & how it is used to diagnos Canine Hip Dysplasia; FAQs

 

MEDICAL RESOURCES

• Autoimmune Diseases; - Immune system failures are a serious threat to your dog's health
• Canine Cancer Awareness
• Canine Hypothyroidism: Frequently Asked Questions; - Diagnosing and Treating Underactive Thyroid Problems in Dogs
• Dogs, Adverse Reactions; - know what to do
• Merck Veterinary Manual, - A resource for all your veterinary questions
• Pet Center. - Dog and Cat Health Care presented by practicing veterinarians. View x-rays of actual cases, see real surgery photos, read about dog and cat health care, view the Pet Photo Album, take quizzes, learn about pet foods and nutrition
• Prednisone for Veterinary Use; - The whys, hows, side effects, precautions and drug interactions
• Veterinary Medicine Website; - You have a question, they have an answers
  

 

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES

• About Shiloh Shepherds ~the library - the Health Center
  a wide variety of links and information about the Shiloh Shepherd [read more]
• Coat Color Genetics
  by Tina Porter, Lakeway Kennel
  "Have you ever wondered what color you next litter of puppies will be? Or why your two sable dogs produced a litter of black and tans? It all has to do with genetics- specifically coat color genetics."
  [read more] --coming soon
• Coat Colors, A Visual Guide