HEALTH & GENETICS

The health of our Shilohs Shepherds is important to us. Click on the tabs to the left and the links below to find more information and resources.

• Hearts - GSD/IVA
  [learn more] about holtering our dogs and what you can do to help

Below are additional articles 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

• Shiloh Shepherd Resourcess ~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