Dalmatian Health

Dalmatians are overall a healthy breed of dog, but there are certain health issues that occur in the breed which is why it is important to carefully choose where you get your puppy from.  Although no definitive testing exists for many things, a good breeder will be able to honestly tell you what issues they have had in their lines in the past (and what they have done to fix the problems).  There is no magic breeding that guarantees a healthy Dalmatian, but a combination of limited selective breeding, full health screening, and proper feeding, exercise, and care will help your Dal have a long and healthy life.  Working with your breeder and veterinarian is essential for all dogs.

Urinary Stones

The Dalmatian breed has a genetic mutation that makes them unable to convert uric acid formed by the breaking down of purines to allantoin, and since the liver cannot absorb the uric acid it must be excreted in the urine--the problem being that it is not very water soluble and uric acid bladder crystals are formed. These crystals can clump together to form urate stones. Stone forming can be effectively controlled and managed.

Not all Dalmatians are stone formers, it is unknown why but there are genetic, dietary, and unknown factors at play.  Feeding a diet low in purines , encouraging hydration and giving frequent chances to urinate (stones form in stagnant urine, giving the system a chance to dilute and flush out regularly prevent larger stones from forming), monitoring the pH of urine to make sure it stays in the 6.5-7 range, and having an inexpensive urinalysis done by your vet periodically helps prevent stone forming in Dals that are predisposed to it.

If your dog has stones removed by your veterinarian, they should be submitted to the Canadian Veterinary Urolith Centre for identification.  There are other types of stones formed and treatment of the wrong type of stone can exacerbate the problem.  Although they are genetically predisposed to forming urate crystals and stones, Dalmatians, like any dog, can also form other crystals and stones – the two most common being struvite and calcium oxalate.

IF YOUR DOG IS STRAINING TO URINATE IT IS URGENT TO GET IMMEDIATE VETERINARY ATTENTION!!!

Copper Storage Disease

Dalmatians are one breed that is affected by liver disease caused by excessive copper build-up.  While there is yet no proof of a genetic mutation related to copper excretion in Dalmatians, this has been shown in other breeds of dogs and there is anecdotal evidence that it is genetic in Dalmatians as well. There are other liver diseases that affect dogs, the only way to confirm Copper Storage Disease (CSD) is through a liver biopsy and measuring copper level. Dogs with CSD may seem completely healthy but have high liver enzymes in the bloodwork, or they can be obviously sick.  Regular bloodwork is important for early detection, and working with your veterinarian for detection, diagnosis and treatment is essential.

The Dalmatian Club of America has an informative brochure that goes into more detail and provides links to more information. 

Epilepsy

Afflicted Dalmatians are most commonly diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, which simply means that a thorough exam and testing cannot determine the cause of seizures.  Seizures generally start between 1 and 5 years old.  Full testing is required to rule out underlying causes.  There are many conditions that resemble a seizure, the difference being that during a seizure the dog is unaware of its surroundings and cannot be aroused.

 While seizures are rarely fatal, they can occur in clusters and potentially develop into a condition called status, which is continuous, uncontrolled seizures.  This is an emergency condition and can lead to exhaustion, hypoglycemia, hyperthermia, oxygen depletion, brain damage, and eventually death.

Most seizures can be controlled with medication, it is important to work with your veterinarian to determine the correct protocol for the individual dog.  Epilepsy appears to have a genetic component however the mode of inheritance is still not known.  Dogs with epilepsy or have produced offspring with it (especially with different partners) should be removed from a breeding program, and close relatives should only be used with extreme care.

If you have a dog with seizures, document it and work with your veterinarian.  It is critical to let your breeder know.

Allergies 

Allergies are a response by the immune system to a substance to which it has become hypersensitive to. The three main causes of skin allergies are flea dermatitis (less common in Canada), food, and environmental.

Flea dermatitis is an allergic reaction to fleabites since some dogs are allergic to flea saliva.  Affected dogs are extremely itchy, and their skin may become red, inflamed, and scabbed. 

Food allergies and sensitivities can also cause itchy skin, areas most commonly affected are ears and paws, and this may be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms.  True food allergies are uncommon, what most people refer to as a food allergy is usually sensitivity or intolerance.

Environmental allergens, such as dust, pollen, and mold, can cause an atopic allergic reactions or atopic dermatitis. These tend to be seasonal, so you may only notice your dog itching during certain times of the year.

All skin allergies pose the risk of secondary infection. As your dog scratches, bites, and licks at his skin, he risks opening up his skin to yeast and bacterial infections that may require treatment. 

Veterinary dermatologists believe that flea, inhalant, and food allergies in dogs are hereditary, so dogs with these conditions should only be used very carefully in any breeding program.

The best way to diagnose and treat allergies is to work with your veterinarian.

Dalmatian Bronzing Syndrome

This condition is typified by patchy coat and a bronze hue to the skin/hair that is diagnosed based on clinical signs and a skin biopsy.  Periodic infections are treated with antibiotics and antiseptic shampoos.  There is speculation that this is an inherited condition, possibly linked to urate urolithiasis (see stones) and affected dogs should not be used for breeding.

Iris sphincter dysplasia

Iris Sphincter Dysplasia (ISD) according to the OFA is a congenital abnormality in iris development usually characterized by a full-thickness defect in iris tissue at the level of the iris sphincter, causing pupillary dilation.  The pupils of Dals with ISD do not contract properly in bright light so one sign that they are affected is squinting in bright sunshine. This condition is not only uncomfortable but can contribute to future damage including cataracts and other retinal degenerations. 

This is a congenital disease which means that it is present at birth, breeders should have pups examined between 6 and 8 weeks by a veterinary ophthalmologist (many vets are certified in this).  The exam is painless and does not require dilated pupils or undue stress.  Breeding stock should also be screened and care taken at the least not to breed two affected dogs.  Screening is important because the severity varies, and in dogs with only a mild case it might not be easy to detect otherwise.