HUNGARIAN VIZSLA HEALTH


FACT SHEET ABOUT MYOSITIS (muscle inflammation)


Generally the vizsla has always been considered to be a healthy breed. Responsible breeders adhere to a code of conduct which requires that they breed only from vizslas that are of sound temperament, hip-scored, physically healthy and free from known hereditary diseases.


This approach has always worked very well indeed and it has helped to ensure that a vizsla usually lives a long, strong, happy and healthy life.


From about 2004 onwards observers began to note that a number of young vizslas were succumbing to a swallowing disorder which had not previously been clinically recognised. “Myositis and Dysphagia in Hungarian Vizslas” is now the subject of a veterinary research project


The condition is still very uncommon (and your puppy is MOST unlikely to be a victim) but, for the purposes of the research project, responsible breeders are now including this fact sheet in their puppy packs so that new owners can be made aware of what to look out for (the disease is so unusual that many local vets may not recognise it either!)


The signs of our illness are problems with swallowing - both food and water - excessive drooling, and usually also muscle wasting around the head. Typical onset is usually in adolescence or maybe up to about two years of age and frequently there is an acute episode of retching, gagging, choking, dysphagia and hypersalivation. Sometimes the onset is more insidious with inefficient and messy eating and drinking being noted. Often there is an initial diagnosis of megaoesophagus. Fatigue, aspiration pneumonia and a stiffness of gait are other common findings. The illness is believed to be immune mediated. With prompt diagnosis and treatment it can usually be well controlled.


The disease is more fully described on this website


http://www.vizslamyositis.blogspot.com/


Once again we emphasise that as responsible breeders we care about the future health and well-being of our lovely breed. We are including this fact sheet for information purposes only and do not want you to worry unnecessarily. Please keep this sheet and if over the months and years to come you hear of any vizsla that has succumbed to myositis, or other immune mediated illness, then please ask the owner to contact those in the breed who are conducting the research.


Enjoy your puppy!


Authored in March 2008 by Di Addicott 01576 202258 diane@murrayfield.wanadoo.co.uk