The Norwegian Elkhound Club
of
Great Britain
25th January 2021
Received from: Hannah James at The Kennel Club
Dear Jill,
Thank you for this and please accept my sincere apologies for the delay in coming back to you.
Unfortunately the ongoing issues with the BVA have presented the same problems for us, our current stance is that as a temporary measure breeders could make use of other available schemes, particularly those overseas. We will record these tests on our system but due to the schemes not having the same process and as such differing results to those that would be received by the BVA/KC schemes, we cannot publish these results. An alternative is that breeders use understanding of their own lines and historic results to breed with, ensuring puppy buyers are aware, and then get these tests at the earliest opportunity.
The BVA are working to rectify this issue but our latest indication is that they won’t be back to normal turnaround until minimum March.
We are working with the BVA to put out a statement regarding this issue, as will be the ABS team, and I’ll share this as sooner as possible with the BHC community.
Please do let me know if there are any more questions regarding this.
Kind regards
Hannah
In view of the above correspondence received from Hannah at the KC, I am attaching contacts in both the USA and Australia if you need to have your breeding stock xrayed and scored before matings take place.
Australia - https://vetscoring.com/
U.S.A - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals - Companion Animal Research Center (ofa.org)
Apparently, the above are getting many x-rays from all over Europe due to the pandemic and countries on lockdown. It really isn’t a problem for veterinarians to either send electronic x-rays via email or mail x-rays on discs to them and then the owners are given a case number and can make payment via their secure website. At this stage I do not know what the cost would be from either country but they will inform you.
Hope this will help you all
Stay safe
Jill
KC/BVA update, received Friday 8th January 2021
The Kennel Club/British Veterinary Association Canine Health Schemes update regarding the current national lockdown
The Kennel Club and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) would like to provide an update to all breeders currently awaiting results from hip or elbow screening and to provide reassurance of the measures being taken to ensure those waiting for results receive them at the earliest possible opportunity.
Furthermore we wish to issue guidance relating to use of the Kennel Club/British Veterinary Association Canine Health Schemes (CHS) during the current national lockdown.
Customers waiting for results for dogs screened pre-January 2021
As of 5th January 2021 England entered a third lockdown since the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic, this means that unfortunately the processing of results for the hip and elbow schemes are being continually impacted. This is due to the quality and consistency measures of scoring and grading for the schemes, which require two scrutineers and members of the BVA CHS team to travel into central London to undertake scoring sessions in Covid secure conditions. It is essential to the efficacy of the scheme that this process is upheld at this time even given the logistical challenges that the pandemic presents. Changes to the process are being considered and trialled, but will only be implemented once the existing quality and consistency standards for the scheme are met. It is essential that the Kennel Club and BVA maintain the integrity of CHS which has been in operation for 65 years.
Furthermore BVA has to ensure the safety of its staff and of the scrutineers when co-ordinating the sessions. Due to Covid restrictions a number of sessions have had to be postponed and rescheduled and we hope that customers of the scheme will respect that delays have been caused by the unprecedented circumstances we are now all trying to work and operate within.
The following actions are now being taken to ensure that customers receive results from screening at the earliest possible opportunity;
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The BVA premises in London will remain open for scoring sessions each week during the current lockdown.
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Increasing the number of scoring sessions taking place.
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Increasing the number of X-rays scored at each scoring session.
It is hoped that these actions will enable a return to normal turnaround times by Spring 2021.
We hope that customers will be reassured by our continued commitment to ensuring they receive their results whilst we also maintain the integrity of the schemes and the service provided. We ask for customers to be respectful and patient with CHS team members during this extremely challenging time for us all. Abusive behaviour towards the staff will not be tolerated.
Customers wanting to have dogs screened during the current Lockdown
For those customers intending to have dogs screened using CHS during the current lockdown we wish to draw your attention to the latest guidance provided by BVA and RCVS relating to veterinary treatment during this period which clearly advises veterinary professionals to only carry out work that is essential for public health and animal health and welfare, in the context of the very strong ‘stay at home’ messages from government.
In a joint statement BVA and RCVS said:
“We recognise that this continues to be a very challenging and difficult time for our colleagues, and we want to thank veterinary teams across the UK for continuing to work safely so that we can all play our part in stopping the spread of Covid.
“Once again we thank animal owners for their understanding and ask them to continue to respect their vets’ decisions at this time. The range of services available will vary between practices so that vets can work in Covid-safe ways to keep their colleagues and clients safe.”
We therefore suggest that all owners consult their vet in the first instance to ask whether screening is available at this time and further to consider their personal safety and the safety of others when making decisions if screening is appropriate for their dogs and personal circumstances.
The Kennel Club and BVA ask for all owners and breeders to respect your vet’s judgement at this time if screening is not available to you during the current national lockdown. This applies to all canine health schemes that require travel and contact with others at a time of very strong ‘stay at home’ guidance from the government.
The Kennel Club is happy to offer support and advice to all owners wishing to plan a litter of puppies and consider appropriate health screening including use of CHS, for more information, support or advice please email health@thekennelclub.org.uk
For useful links, updates and information please see below;
The Kennel Club
January 2021
Thought I would share this with you, along with a big thank you.
Jill
Dear Breed Health Co-ordinator,
We wanted to write to you at the end of this year to say thank you for all your and your breed club’s hard work to improve the health of your breed, set against a backdrop of challenges presented by Covid-19.
We have just released a webcast and press release, covering off some of the health milestones The Kennel Club health team have reached this year, much of which wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration, support, and involvement of our Breed Health Coordinators and all those responsible breeders involved in our Breed Clubs.
The webcast is available to watch here: www.facebook.com/groups/doghealth.news.thekennelclubuk
Some of the key milestones and projects we’re proud to have achieved with your help this year include:
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The formation and progression of The Kennel Club Neurology Development Group made up of vets and leading neurology specialists in the UK.
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International collaboration so overseas canine organisations are able to license The Kennel Club/University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) Scheme for Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs, to protect and improve the health of these breeds globally.
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Breed Health Conservation Plans now cover 89 per cent of Kennel Club registrations due to ongoing work and collaboration with breeders throughout 2020.
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The development of 38 more CombiBreed
health test packages – introduced in December 2020 – bringing the total number of breeds eligible for The Kennel Club/Weatherbys health packages to 61.
Looking ahead to 2021, The Kennel Club hopes to further collaborate with all those who want to improve and protect dog health, and develop more tools to support breeders.
This has certainly been a challenging time for everyone, but health-wise, by forming partnerships and with your help, we’ve been able to make huge strides in making tools available for breeders to use, to help them to breed the happiest and healthiest dogs.
Wishing you a happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year,
The Kennel Club
TWO NEW DNA SCHEMES TO COMBAT INHERITED DISEASE IN THE NORWEGIAN ELKHOUND
In a move designed to combat inherited disease in the Norwegian Elkhound, the Kennel Club has approved two new official DNA testing schemes for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and chondrodysplasia (CDSL) in the breed following consultation with the breed clubs.
POAG is an abnormal increase in pressure in the eye (glaucoma) resulting from the reduced rate of fluid draining from within the eye and leads to irreversible blindness. There is no means of clinically screening for POAG, and clinical signs tend to first appear in middle-aged dogs, often after breeding age.
The term ‘chondrodysplasia’ literally means the abnormal growth of cartilage and is manifest as a shortening of the limbs, or disproportionate dwarfism. The severity of the effect varies.
To find out which laboratories the Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which labs will send results direct to the Kennel Club, please refer to the worldwide DNA testing list at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/worldwide-dna-tests. Please note that this listing is not necessarily comprehensive and other laboratories may also offer the tests.
The Kennel Club constantly reviews DNA testing schemes in conjunction with breed clubs to ensure that breeders are supported with resources which help them to make responsible breeding decisions.
The Kennel Club works alongside breed clubs and breed health coordinators in a collaborative effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs and is happy to accommodate a club's request to add a new DNA test to its lists. A formal request from the breed's health coordinator or a majority request from the breed clubs is normally required to do this.
Test results will be added to the dog’s registration details which will trigger the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement. The result will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog, and also on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website.
Results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, but owners will need to submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves. If the owner includes the original registration certificate for the dog (not a copy) then a new registration certificate will be issued, with the DNA result on it, free of charge. DNA test certificates should be sent to Health and Breeder Services, The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London W1J 8AB or scanned and emailed to health.results@thekennelclub.org.uk.
Owners are reminded that it is mandatory that the dog’s microchip (or tattoo) number is recorded along with either the dog’s registered name or registered number on any DNA certificates. Any test results that do not carry these identifying features will not be added to the Kennel Club database. 20 January 2020
20th January 2020
Hip/Elbow Info - 20th January 2020
Not concerning our breed but an issue we should be aware of.
Dear Breed Health Co-ordinator,
The Health Team would like to make you aware that a new paper has been published today by the team in Frontiers, regarding investigation into progress of hip and elbow dysplasia in six breeds (Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, German Shepherd Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog and Newfoundland).
The paper looked at data from the BVA/KC Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Schemes and incorporated phenotypic data of hips and elbows, and also Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).
The key findings from the paper are as follows:
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Notable decline in severity of hip scores in these breeds overtime
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More modest but notable decline in severe elbow scores
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Proportion of dams and sires tested overtime has increased, but is beginning to plateau – implying that the fewer puppies are being born from untested parents, this was the case for all hips and five out of s.six elbow
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Scores of tested parents are generally improving (sires more so than dams), implying that breeders are choosing breeding stock with better scores - this was the case for both hips and elbows, but more consistent in hips.
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Breeds with poorer hip and elbow scores at the beginning of the time period studied showed the greatest improvement.
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Genetic trend in EBVs also reduced overtime for both hips and elbows, showing that dogs are genetically at a lower risk than dogs bred 30 years ago
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Therefore, it can be concluded that the BVA/KC Dysplasia Schemes are a beneficial tools for breeders to implement into their breeding decisions, and progress can be expected to be evident should the current trends for testing continue
KC registration test results - 20th January 2020
A letter from the Kennel Club:
I can confirm that the Kennel Club has accepted the Elkhound Club’s request to begin recording DNA test results for the following :-
Chondrodysplasia (CDSL) and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
Having looked around, it seems these tests are only currently being offered by Laboklin and MyDogDNA – Laboklin send us results direct each month, whereas we have no such arrangement with MyDogDNA. We will shortly issue a PR to confirm which I will forward to you when it is ready which will explain how results are recorded.
KC Health Coordinators Report
In accordance with the NECGB ‘Code Of Ethics’ the following tests must be carried out on all Norwegian Elkhounds (male or female), before being bred from.
COE (14) All breeding stock to carry a hip score certificate under the KC/BVA scheme, this will cost a total of anything between £150 and £200 depending on the area you live in and the Veterinary practice you use.
A current annual eye certificate issued under the BVA/KC scheme, this test is for cataracts and any other early onset of eye problems which may occur. These tests are sometimes available at the Championship Dog shows, or your local vet will be able to refer you to the nearest Canine eye clinic. Prices for this will vary from around £40.00 upwards.
COE (15) Additionally, all breeding stock must be DNA tested, and results known in advance of breeding (hereditary status must be available)
a. prcd-PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
b. Glaucoma
c. Dwarfism (Chondrodysplasia)
d. (VWD Type 11 (Von Willebrand’s Disease - NOT NOW REQUIRED - INCONCLUSIVE
e. ERD (Early Retinal Degeneration) - NOT NOW REQUIRED - INCONCLUSIVE
Genoscoper Laboratories (MyDogDNA) have now decided to drop the testing of ERD and Vw type 11 as they feel it is no longer appropriate for our breed. They will however keep the gate open for any future signs of this disease in our breed and will keep us posted.
LABKOLIN - do report to the KC
Chondroplasia (Dwarfism) - £55.00
Glaucoma - £35.00
PRA/prcd - £65.00
GENOSCOPER LABORATORIES (MydogDNA) Now in Partnership with Mars Veterinary Laboratories
Chrondroplasia (Dwarfism)
and Glaucoma - A package of the two tests will cost approx. 99 Euros
PRA/prcd - Additional cost of 20 Euros
OPTIGEN
PRA/prcd - 20 Euros
There are other smaller laboratories that do single tests and some do not report results to the KC.
Please Note; The Kennel Club will be ensuring that from January 2022,
the hereditary clear status will be limited to two generations, unless
lineage is verified by DNA parentage profiling recorded by the Kennel
Club. DNA parentage profiling is a separate procedure to screening DNA
for disease causing mutations, but can often be carried out at the same
time by the same laboratory.
For all information please refer to;
KC Health Coordinators Report
The last year has been a great landmark in the history of Health in the Norwegian Elkhound in the UK. Our grateful thanks once again must go to Barbara Barganska for the efficient and excellent way she has recorded the results from tested dogs and made it much easier for us to follow. Please continue to send in your test results so that Barbara can update.
By keeping check of these records we can see which lines we care to use, and identify which dogs are hereditary clear, tested clear or carrier. This recorded information is vital for our future breeding programmes and it’s lovely to see results coming in from abroad also, which gives us a much wider vision of results.
Studying these records, and looking around at the Norwegian Elkhound population, I personally feel we are in a very good and healthy place, we are very lucky in the UK as we can produce some of the best and healthiest specimens in the world.
I have not had any of the Breed Health Forms completed and returned for quite some time so I am hoping this is a good sign. Please let me have all information on the health of your dog where possible. The loss of our most of our Elkhounds this last twelve months has been from either various age related illnesses and cancers, or just old age.
Jill E Cowper
Breed Health Coordinator
January 2021
Dear Mrs Jill Cowper,
We hope this finds you well.
As a Breed Health Co-ordinator for the Norwegian Elkhound, we would like to let you know that The Kennel Club and Weatherbys will be introducing a further 38 health test packages, available for 41 new breeds to our CombiBreed health testing menu on Tuesday 15th December. This will bring the total number of breeds eligible for the health packages to 61.
The new tests will be available across both single test and multiple test packages for the following breeds: American Cocker Spaniel, Australian Cattle Dog, Bearded Collie, Bedlington Terrier, Boston Terrier, Briard, Bulldog, Miniature Bull Terrier, Clumber Spaniel, Miniature Wire-Haired Dachshund, Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund, Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund, Dalmatian, Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Finnish Laphund, German Wirehaired Pointer, Gordon Setter, Great Dane, Greyhound, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Terrier, Lagotto Romagnolo, Lancashire Heeler, Newfoundland, Norwegian Elkhound, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Old English Sheepdog, Miniature Poodle, Toy Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Rough Collie, Russian Black Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Shar Pei, Smooth Collie, Tibetan Spaniel, Welsh Corgi (Cardigan) and Welsh Terrier.
These new breed packages will be joining our current packages for the Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Beagle, Border Collie, Chinese Crested, Australian Shepherd, Giant Schnauzer, Irish Setter, Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog, Spanish Water Dog, Standard Poodle and the Tibetan Terrier.
The new breed package for the Norwegian Elkhound will be a bundle package and will include the following DNA tests:
• CDSL (Chondrodysplasia)
• POAG (Primary open angle glaucoma)
• prcd-PRA (Progressive retinal atrophy) partner lab
CombiBreed health test packages simplify the process of genetic testing by using a single cheek swab to check a dog’s DNA for all of the breed’s priority DNA tests. By making genetic testing more accessible we hope it will help responsible breeders work towards eradicating these conditions and encourage first time breeders to make the health of the puppies they breed a priority. Results from these tests will automatically be recorded on the dog’s record, and will be freely available on the Kennel Club website, allowing puppy buyers to check if the dog they are thinking of buying has come from health-tested parents.
The CombiBreed health test packages are available to order directly from the Kennel Club Shop via https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/shop/health
For more information on CombiBreed health test packages please visit the Kennel Club website: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/combibreed
The full testing menu, noting which test are included in each breed package will be available on our website on the 15th December. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your breeds CombiBreed package or would like to explore the possibility of adding additional tests, please do not hesitate to contact us as we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you.