RE: [PyrNet-L] Pyrs in Dog Fancy Magazine

["Karen Reiter" <kreiter@servtech.com>]

David Wrote:

<<The Great Pyrenees is the featured breed in the December 1998 issue of Dog
Fancy Magazine.  A pyr is on the cover.  Several photographs of adult and
pyr puppies are included.  The article inside gives a balanced and accurate
description of the breed with both pros and cons. >>

I'd be more inclined to say that the article give a fairly accurate
representation.  However, with respect to the health of the breed, there is
definite misinformation.  The article reads "Great Pyrenees, like many large
breeds, are prone to hip and elbow displasia."   I asked the GPCA Health
Committee, and there has never been a reported case of elbow displasia.

It also reads "Other conditions that Pyrs may inherit are cataracts and
entropion, or eyelids turning inward; bleeding disorders and anesthesia
sensitivity".   To the best of MY knowledge, bleeding disorders are NOT a
problem in the breed.  Cornell's Veterinary school did a study where they
found A particular FAMILY of Pyrs to have a bleeding disorder (similar to
von Willebrand's).  But this study was NOT done across a general population,
and again, the GPCA Health Committee has not seen any data to back up this
kind of claim.   Also, "true" cataracts in young and middle aged Pyrs are
VERY rare. The GPCA Health Committee does hear of cases
of cataracts in geriatric pyrs.  But these cases are age related.

Finally, the article reads " Some Pyrs inherit dwarfism and a condition
known as "blue eye" related to deafness and other problems."  As far as we
know, the breed has not had reported any condition that links blue eyes and
deafness.

What the article neglected to mention is that epilepsy can be a problem in
the breed.    While it's not widespread, it does occur and may have an
hereditary component.  At the very least buyers should be aware of it

I'm not sure where they got all of their information from, but
misinformation about health problems in Pyrs causes me concern.

Thanks for listening,

Karen Reiter
kreiter@servtech.com
GPCA Health Committee File Manager