Canine Inherited Disorders Database

Excerpt from the CIDD (Canine Inherited Disorders Database)

Interesting reading especially for those considering the breed - also interesting is information for the rest of us on conditions that do exist but don't crop up very often.

The CIDD is run by the University of Prince Island - Canada, where of course there will be more Saints than over here in the UK & therefore a likelihood of more extensive health issues, interesting nonetheless.


Saint Bernard

The disorders listed in the first 3 categories below are believed to have an inherited basis, or are known to have a predilection for this breed ('breed predisposition'). This means the disorder occurs more commonly in this breed compared to other breeds, or to the general dog population. Common sense suggests that these are inherited disorders, but for many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive.

We have listed disorders for which there is a general consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed. Where the mode of inheritance is known, this information is included on the linked disease page. The most popular breeds tend to have the most disorders listed because there is a larger number of dogs affected, and therefore more opportunity to recognize a breed predisposition to a particular disorder. As well, there is likely to be more indiscriminate breeding of these breeds, leading to a higher occurrence of inherited disorders. In less common or newer breeds, there may be no disorders listed or the list of disorders may be quite short, because it can take some time before enough dogs are affected to recognize an inherited condition.

The last category lists conditions that have been reported sporadically, and may be inherited in this breed.

Most Important
These disorders are relatively common in this breed, and where possible, efforts are being made to eradicate them. These disorders seriously affect the health of your pet and may require medical or surgical intervention.

Dilated cardiomyopathy
Gastric dilatation-volvulus
Hip dysplasia


Other disorders which have an increased incidence in this breed
These disorders occur less commonly or are less devastating than those mentioned above.
Cataracts
Coagulation (bleeding) disorders
Cutaneous asthenia (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)
Dermoids
Ectropion
Elbow dysplasia - OCD of the elbow
Entropion
Exposure keratopathy syndrome (exophthalmos, lagophthalmos, and/or macroblepharon)
Eyelash abnormalities
Idiopathic epilepsy
Microphthalmia; ocular dysgenesis
Third eyelid (nictitating membrane) abnormalities - "cherry eye"


Disorders associated with conformation
These disorders are directly related to the conformation or standards for the breed. Although these conditions have in many cases become so common that they are accepted as normal for the breed, they can still cause serious physical problems and discomfort for the dog. One component of responsible breeding is to breed away from the extremes of conformation that cause these physical problems.
Ectropion
Entropion


Other disorders which may be inherited in this breed
These disorders have been reported sporadically, and may be inherited in this breed.
Optic nerve hypoplasia and micropapilla
Retinal dysplasia
sebaceous adenitis

Hmm to put Epilepsy on the 2nd 'Less devastating' list isn't right .. Its cropping up more & more & hideous to go through :'(

Didn't have chance to go through where they get their stats from - perhaps in Canada there is less incidences of epilepsy?