Puggle Health Testing Guide

In addition to mandatory tests:

• Immunoglobulin A deficiency(IgAD)

  Andere

  Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency is an immune system disorder where the body does not produce enough IgA, which is a key antibody that protects mucosal surfaces. This weakens the local defense system of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, making the dog more vulnerable to infections and chronic inflammation in these areas.

  Koerperfluessigkeiten

  Deep dive+

• Disorders of sexual development - sex reversal(DSD)

  Andere

  This is a congenital condition affecting the reproductive system where a dog's genetic sex (their chromosomes) does not match their physical gonads (internal reproductive organs like ovaries or testes) or external genitalia. This mismatch occurs during early development in the womb. Because it is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.

  DNA

  Deep dive+

• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)(BOAS)

  Atmung

  Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a severe respiratory condition affecting short-muzzled dog breeds, where the physical shortening of the skull leaves insufficient space for the upper airways. This structural compression forces tissues like the soft palate and nasal passages into a restricted area, significantly obstructing the flow of oxygen to the lungs. Over time, the increased effort required to breathe puts chronic strain on the dog's respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

  Physisch · Passing: BOAS Grad 0 oder 1 (Belastungstest bestanden)

  Deep dive+

• Ectropion / Entropion

  Augen

  These are structural eyelid abnormalities affecting a dog's eyes. In cases of entropion, the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or fur to rub painfully against the surface of the eyeball. In ectropion, the eyelid sags or rolls outward, leaving the sensitive inner lining of the eye exposed and unprotected.

  Deep dive+

• Microphthalmia

  Augen

  Microphthalmia is a congenital developmental disorder of the visual system where one or both of a dog's eyeballs are abnormally small. This structural defect occurs during embryonic development and is often accompanied by other eye abnormalities, such as cataracts, which are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye. Because the eyeball itself is underdeveloped, the surrounding eyelids may also appear droopy or misaligned.

  Deep dive+

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)(PRA)

  Augen

  Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. In this condition, the specialized cells responsible for detecting light, known as photoreceptors, gradually degenerate and die. Because these cells cannot recover or be replaced, the disease slowly but inevitably leads to complete blindness.

  Deep dive+

• Retinal Dysplasia(RD)

  Augen

  Retinal dysplasia is a congenital condition affecting the eyes, where the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) does not develop properly during growth in the womb. This abnormal development leads to structural defects like folds or gaps in the retinal layers. Because the retina is responsible for sending visual signals to the brain, these imperfections can impair normal vision.

  Augen

  Deep dive+

• Exposure keratopathy syndrome (exophthalmos, lagophthalmos, and/or macroblepharon)(EKS)

  Augen und Sehvermögen

  This condition involves chronic damage to the cornea, which is the clear protective outer layer of the eye. It occurs when the eyelids cannot fully close to moisten the eye, often due to protruding eyeballs, incomplete eyelid closure, or an abnormally large eyelid opening. Without proper moisture, the delicate surface of the eye becomes dry, inflamed, and vulnerable to injury.

  Augen

  Deep dive+

• Corneal dystrophy(CD)

  Augen und Sehvermögen

  Corneal dystrophy is an inherited eye disorder where abnormal, opaque materials like fats or calcium build up in the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. This accumulation typically affects both eyes and is non-inflammatory, meaning it does not cause immediate swelling or redness. Over time, these deposits can disrupt the smooth surface of the eye.

  Augen

  Deep dive+

• Cataract(HC)

  Augen und Sehvermögen

  A cataract is a progressive clouding of the lens inside the dog's eye, which is the clear structure that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, it blocks light from entering, gradually impairing the dog's vision. If left untreated, this condition can eventually lead to complete blindness in the affected eye.

  Augen

  Deep dive+

• Third eyelid (nictitating membrane) abnormalities - "cherry eye"

  Augen und Sehvermögen

  A prolapse of the nictitating membrane gland, commonly called 'cherry eye,' occurs when the tear gland of the third eyelid slips out of its normal position. This gland is responsible for producing a significant portion of the eye's protective tear film. When the connective tissue holding it in place weakens, the gland protrudes, appearing as a red, fleshy mass in the inner corner of the eye.

  Physisch

  Deep dive+

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma(POAG)

  Augen und Sehvermögen

  Primary open-angle glaucoma is an inherited eye disease where the natural fluid inside the eye cannot drain properly. This fluid buildup causes a gradual increase in pressure within the eyeball, which eventually damages the optic nerve, the connection between the eye and the brain. Without management, this pressure leads to permanent blindness.

  Augen

  Deep dive+

• Complex vertebral malformation(CVM)

  Bewegungsapparat

  Complex vertebral malformation is a congenital condition where the bones of the spine, known as vertebrae, do not develop properly during fetal growth, sometimes resulting in abnormally shaped bones like "butterfly vertebrae." This structural defect affects the skeletal system and can put pressure on the spinal cord, which is the main nerve pathway running down the back.

  Roentgen

  Deep dive+

• Patellar Luxation(PL)

  Bewegungsapparat

  Patellar luxation, also known as a luxating patella, is a physical condition affecting the knee joint where the kneecap slips out of its normal groove. This misalignment interferes with the mechanical movement of the hind leg and can cause the joint to lock. Over time, this abnormal friction can lead to painful joint wear and tear, known as osteoarthritis.

  Physisch · Passing: Grad 0 (frei)

  Deep dive+

• Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy(CVCM)

  Bewegungsapparat

  Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy, commonly known as Wobbler syndrome, is a condition affecting the spine where the spinal cord in the neck becomes pinched. This compression is caused by malformed neck vertebrae or slipping discs between the bones. Over time, the constant pressure damages the nerve pathways that carry signals from the brain to the limbs.

  Roentgen

  Deep dive+

• Atopy(CAD)

  Haut und Fell

  Atopy is a chronic allergic skin disease where a dog's immune system overreacts to common environmental substances like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. This inappropriate immune response damages the natural protective barrier of the skin, leading to persistent inflammation and irritation. It primarily affects the skin, which is the body's largest organ system.

  Haut

  Deep dive+

• Demodicosis / Demodectic mange

  Haut und Fell

  Demodicosis is a skin disease caused by an overgrowth of microscopic Demodex mites that naturally live inside a dog's hair follicles. While these mites are normally harmless, an inherited or acquired weakness in the immune system can allow them to multiply uncontrollably. This overgrowth leads to inflammation and damage to the skin barrier.

  Haut

  Deep dive+

• Fold dermatitis/pyoderma

  Haut und Fell

  Fold dermatitis, also known as intertrigo, is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs within deep skin folds. When skin rubs against skin, it traps moisture, heat, and debris, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to overgrow. This leads to localized skin infections, particularly in breeds with pronounced facial, lip, or tail folds.

  Physisch

  Deep dive+

• Mitral valve dysplasia(MVD)

  Herz

  Mitral valve dysplasia is a congenital heart defect where the mitral valve, which acts as a one-way gate on the left side of the heart, does not form correctly. This malformation prevents the valve from closing tightly, allowing blood to leak backward instead of pumping efficiently to the body. Over time, this leakage strains the heart muscle, which can lead to heart enlargement and eventual heart failure.

  Ultraschall

  Deep dive+

• Pulmonary stenosis(PS)

  Herz

  Pulmonary stenosis is a congenital heart defect characterized by a narrowing of the pulmonary valve or the outflow tract leading from the heart to the lungs. This narrowing restricts blood flow, forcing the right side of the heart to work much harder to pump blood. Over time, this constant strain can lead to thickening of the heart muscle and potential heart failure.

  Deep dive+

• Factor VII Deficiency(F7)

  Herz und Kreislauf

  Factor VII deficiency is an inherited blood clotting disorder affecting the circulatory system. It occurs when the body does not produce enough Factor VII, which is a specific protein essential for forming blood clots. Without enough of this protein, the normal process that stops bleeding is delayed, leading to prolonged bleeding after injuries or medical procedures.

  Koerperfluessigkeiten

  Deep dive+

• Sick sinus syndrome(SSS)

  Herz und Kreislauf

  Sick sinus syndrome is a disorder of the heart's electrical system, specifically affecting the sinoatrial node, which acts as the heart's natural pacemaker. This malfunction causes the heart to beat too slowly, too quickly, or with long pauses, disrupting normal blood flow to the body. An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) is typically performed alongside electrical monitoring to rule out other structural heart diseases before proceeding with treatment.

  Physisch

  Deep dive+

• Congenital deafness(CHSD)

  Nervensystem

  Congenital deafness is a hereditary hearing loss present from birth that affects the inner ear's sensory cells, preventing sound signals from reaching the brain. It is often linked to specific genetic variants, such as those associated with certain coat patterns like merle or piebald, or breed-specific conditions like Early Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD). This genetic defect causes the vital blood supply to the inner ear to fail, leading to the permanent degeneration of the hearing nerve cells.

  Physisch

  Deep dive+

• Intervertebral disc disease(IVDD)

  Nervensystem

  Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a degenerative condition affecting the spine, where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae harden and rupture. When these discs herniate, meaning they bulge or burst, they press against the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. This compression disrupts the nervous system, causing pain and potentially blocking signals between the brain and the limbs.

  Deep dive+

• Epilepsy(IE)

  Nervensystem

  Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain and nervous system where abnormal electrical activity causes sudden, temporary disruptions in normal brain function. These disruptions lead to repeated seizures, which are involuntary changes in body movement, sensation, or behavior. Because the underlying cause is often complex, the brain's electrical signaling remains permanently prone to these sudden misfires.

  Physisch

  Deep dive+

• Globoid cell leukodystrophy (galactocerebrosidosis)(GCL)

  Nervensystem

  Globoid cell leukodystrophy is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the nervous system, caused by a deficiency in an essential enzyme. This deficiency leads to the buildup of harmful substances that destroy myelin, which is the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Without this protective covering, the nerves cannot transmit signals properly, resulting in progressive neurological decline.

  DNA

  Deep dive+

• Meningitis(SRMA)

  Nervensystem

  Meningitis is a severe inflammatory condition affecting the protective membranes, called meninges, and blood vessels surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In dogs, this most commonly occurs as an immune-mediated disorder known as Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA), or 'Steril-eitrige Meningitis-Arteriitis'. This means the dog's own immune system mistakenly triggers inflammation in these nervous system tissues without any actual infection being present.

  Roentgen

  Deep dive+

• Cerebellar abiotrophy(CA)

  Nervensystem

  Cerebellar abiotrophy is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain, specifically the cerebellum, which regulates balance and movement coordination. In affected dogs, the nerve cells in this region prematurely degenerate and die off. This progressive cell loss disrupts the brain's ability to control smooth physical movements.

  DNA

  Deep dive+