Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV) Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitre- ous (PHPV) is an inherited eye condition found in Sta ff ords as well as other breeds. In PHPV, embryonic blood vessels in the eye persist abnormally after birth, usually on the posterior lens capsule, interfering with the dog’s vision. A posterior cortical cataract may sometimes form, as well. PHPB is con-
every four puppies produced. However, by using the new DNA test, breeders can test their breeding stock, and, based upon this test, breed appropriately to prevent a ff ected puppies from being produced. It is critical that all breeders use this new DNA test to screen their breeding stock for this mutation, since it is estimated (late 2006) that upwards of 15% of the Sta ff ords in the U.S. are carriers.
a generally small cataract which does not typically produce total blindness in the dog. It occurs in Sta ff ords, as well as a number of other breeds. Onset may be juvenile, or in adulthood. PPSC is thought to be hereditary, although the mode of transmission is still unknown. It is not related to Hereditary Cataracts. While PPSC can be readily detected on a standard eye exam, unfortunately the
“Staffords are, overall, much healthier than many other breeds, AND THEIR JOIE DE VIVRE MAKES THEM A REAL PLEASURE TO OWN.”
Patellar Luxation Patellar Luxation is a condition in which the patella, or kneecap, of the dog’s stifle joint frequently luxates or “pops” out of place. Depending upon the sever- ity, symptoms can be intermittent and mild throughout the dog’s life, with the only evidence of the condition an occa- sional funny “kick” of the dog’s hind leg, or it may eventually lead to severe, per- manent degenerative changes in the joint including arthritis. Infrequently, onset may appear to be sudden, leaving the dog unable to stand on the a ff ected hindleg(s). Patellar luxation is believed to be heredi- tary, as well, although the exact mode of transmission is uncertain. According to the latest OFA statistics (2012), with 72 Sta ff ords having been evaluated radio- graphically (using x-rays), 100% were evaluated as “normal.” However, these statistics are considered misleading, not only because of the small sample size eval- uated, but also because patellar luxation is known for certain to occasionally be found in this breed.
genital, and not acquired nor progressive. Th erefore, it can be detected on any eye exam performed at any age starting at six weeks or later, and it will not worsen from that point. While many cases are relatively mild, some can be quite severe and interfere materially with the dog’s vision. Mode of inheritance is unknown at this time, although some believe that it is autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance. Surgery is available but it is not always entirely successful and can be very expensive. It is advised to limit the breeding of adult Sta ff ords with this con- dition, so that it does not become a serious problem in the breed. However, if it is found to have incomplete penetrance genetically, it would still be possible for a dog to transmit the PHPV mutation without itself showing symptoms. Th e Animal Health Trust in England is currently working to develop a genetic test for this condition.
eye exam cannot determine whether or not the “clear” dog will develop this con- dition. Here also, surgery is a possibil- ity but is not always successful, and can be very expensive. It is advisable to limit breeding of dogs known to have PPSC to ensure that this condition will not become a problem in the breed. Unfor- tunately, if onset is not until adulthood, it is possible that a breeder may still use such a dog in their program before the cataract develops and is observed. For this reason, eye exams are recommended annually for every Sta ff ord in a breed- ing program. Th ere is no genetic testing available for this condition at this time. Sta ff ords are, overall, much healthier than many other breeds, and their joie de vivre makes them a real pleasure to own. Knowledge about the health con- ditions occasionally found in the breed, combined with your veterinarian’s skill and knowledge, will help to ensure your Sta ff ord a long, happy, and active life in your company.
Posterior Polar Subcapsular Cataracts (PPSC)
Posterior Polar Subcapsular Cata- racts (PPSC) involves the formation of
“...EYE EXAMS ARE RECOMMENDED ANNUALLY FOR EVERY STAFFORD IN A BREEDING PROGRAM.”
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