Page 8 - 9 Spring 2023 Newsletter

KC HEALTH COORDINATOR REPORTS

Anji Marfleet
The Kennel Club Keeshond Breed Health Coordinator
February 2023

Keeshond Health DOES Matter

Health Testing According to the BVA/KC Canine
Heath Scheme latest data, 81 Keesies
have been tested in the past 15 years
up the end of October 2022 - 58
within the past 5 years and 6 in 2022.
The average score over 15 years is
11, with the average over the past 5
years now 10; the lowest score being
4, highest 17 and 21 dogs have
scores in single figures. On a more
concerning note there have been at
least 8 dogs with an elbow score of 1
The Keeshond Health Matters fund or higher.
continues to be well supported and The BVA/KC CHS recommends only
despite having heavily subsidised breeding from dogs that have an
(£782) the eye testing at both clubs elbow grade of 0.
Ch shows last year, still has £4590
left in the kitty thanks to your In January the Kennel Club
generous donations of £203 announced the most recent health
throughout the year. testing updates to the requirements
and recommendations for Assured
Over 50 Keesies (inc 10 Golden Oldies Breeders, aimed to further improve
over the age of 8) took advantage of dog health and responsible breeding.
the ‘special offer’ and apart from a Elbow and hip screening have been
couple of oldies with cataracts, all had agreed to be added as requirements
a clear certificate. It was noted for the Keeshond, as BVA/KC scheme
however that some dogs showed data suggest that dysplasia does
changes in the lens; these occur in this breed. Eye screening has
abnormalities are not likely to be also been accepted as a new test
inherited in the Keeshond and are not under the Assured Breeders Scheme,
significant to the dog individually or but at this stage will be placed as a
from a breeding point of view. But recommendation as very few dogs
still it’s something that we, as a breed have been tested to date, and
should be aware of and need to look therefore there are little data to draw
out for. And is certainly a very good conclusions from with respect to the
reason why, at the very least, all incidence of eye disease at this time.
oldies and all youngsters that are to
be bred from should have an eye test.

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