Dalmatian Health
Hyperuricosuria:
Improving the health of the Damatian breed by eliminating Hyperuricosuria (elevated levels of uric acic in the urine) is why we are breeding. The condition predisposes Dalmatians to form stones in their bladders or kidneys. These stones can block the ability of the dog to urinate causing death if not surgically removed. Hyperuricosuria is inherited genetically as a simple autosomal recessive trait for which genetic testing can be performed.
Possible alleles: N = Normal/Unaffected, HU = Hyperuricosuria
N/N genotype will not have hyperuricosuria and will not transmit this hyperuricosuria variant to their offspring. N/HU genotype will not have hyperuricosuria, but are carriers.
HU/HU genotype will be affected and are susceptible to develp bladder/kidney stones.
Dalmatians with genotype N/N and N/HU are referred to as low uric acid (LUA)
Dalmatians with genotype HU/HU have high uric acid (HUA)
Other Health Conditions Affecting Dalmatians:
Hyperuricosuria is not the only health condition that can affect Dalmatians; therefore, testing for known health conditions ensures we are not introducing other health problems when focusing on producing a litter of LUA puppies.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) created the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC). The OFA working with the parent club, Dalmatian Club of America, recommends basic health screening for all breeding stock. Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements will be issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For CHIC certification, all results do not need to be normal, but they must all be in the public domain so that responsible breeders can make more informed breeding decisions. CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.
The following list represents the basic health screening tests appropriate for the Dalmatian breed. There may be other health concerns for which there are no commonly accepted screening protocols available.
- Hip Dysplasia - PennHIP Evaluation (lower the number the better) or OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation
- Congenital Deafness - B.A.E.R hearing test or GDC evaluation based on BAER test
- Health Elective - Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation or ACVO Eye Examination
- Must be permanently identified via microchip or tattoo (all breed requirement)
In addition to the OFA CHIC basic health screening tests, listed as "core health tests", additional optional health screening tests are available for the breeder to perform as depicted in the photo.
Complete list of health screening tests available
Ongoing research
The Dalmatian Club of America is committed to the health and well-being of the breed. The Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, Inc (DCAF) was founded to facilitate fundraising and distribution of donations to research projects on health conditions such as:
- Copper storage disease
- Kidney disease
- Epilepsy
- Heart disease
- Cancer
