A study is being undertaken in affected dogs to identify the gene associated with epilepsy. Blood samples are being sought from affected dogs and their siblings.
"While mainly associated with cats, this rare condition has also been found in dogs with certain breeds more prone to it than others. Shibas are one of the breeds in which it has been found. A milky-white fluid effuses into the pleural space and builds up around the heart and lungs."
This is a fatal rare metabolic disease that has been found in some Shibas in Japan but not in the US as of this date. It falls in the category of lysosomal storage diseases and is hereditary.
DNAprints is requesting samples from Shibas and several other breeds. The samples will be used in their research program aimed at the development of improved genetic testing methods.
Glaucoma is an increased pressure within the eye caused by a build-up of fluid. The pressure damages the optic nerve and retina and causes blindness. Primary glaucoma is an inherited condition and is not uncommon in Shibas. The use of collars on dogs with glaucoma is not recommended instead use harnesses.
"At the end of 2006, the Orthopedic Foudation For Animals ranked Shibas 11th among all breeds for patella luxation based on reports submitted to them. Approximately 8% are affected and that number may be on the low side. A dog with patella luxation will have its kneecap pop out of place."
Late onset PRA has recently been diagnosed in a few Shibas. This is an inherited disorder and work on identifying carriers is being undertaken by Dr Mark Neff at the Univerisity of CA - Davis and at Opti-Gen.
"Spinners are dogs that circle, not out of excitement, but compulsively. In Bull Terriers, there is some evidence that this may be a form of a seizure."
