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 seemed to work well and most vizslas live a long, strong, happy and healthy life.

We believe that environmental factors too can play a major part in the health and well being of our russet friends.

There are various health issues in dogs of all breeds that cause concern for their breeders and owners. For some conditions there are steps that can be taken to prevent the possibility of the illness arising, e.g., through screening for recognised diseases, regular check ups, vaccination, X-rays and suchlike.

The Kennel Club recently contacted health coordinators in all breeds to establish what each thought were their principal health problems. The HVC responded that in the UK vizsla these were believed to be epilepsy, cancer (especially haemangiosarcoma), polymyositis and immune mediated illness. We are concerned too about hip /elbow dysplasia and also infertility and eye conditions (eg entropian, glaucoma and cataracts)

A second general health survey is planned shortly. It is important for the future wellbeing of the Hungarian Vizsla that everybody is honest and forthcoming about any problems that they have experienced.

For the UK vizsla (in 2009) there are currently three areas in which we are seeking owner participation.

EPILEPSY

Along with other breeds vizslas may suffer from epilepsy. This illness is thought to be genetic with a complicated mode of inheritance. As part of an EU funded research project into a number of inheritable diseases the Animal Health Trust are currently asking for DNA samples (collected by cheek swabs) in the hope that it might help to establish the genetic pattern of epilepsy. We encourage vizsla owners to take part in this survey and to submit samples from their epilepsy affected dogs and also their close relations. Samples are required too from unaffected individuals.

Swabbing kits are available from our breed health coordinator Sue Millson or from the Hungarian Vizsla Society Chantal Fisher or Sylvia Cox. The process is very simple and the only cost involved is postage back to the AHT. This project is completely anonymous.

POLYMYOSITIS (muscle inflammation)

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 uncommon, and most vizslas are unlikely to be affected by it, but for the purposes of the research project, all responsible owners should be aware of the signs 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 just inefficient and messy eating and drinking being noted. Often there is an initial diagnosis of megaoesophagus. Significantly elevated CK levels, fatigue, aspiration pneumonia and a stiffness of gait are other common findings. The illness is believed to be immune mediated and inheritable. With prompt diagnosis and treatment it can usually be well controlled.

Polymyositis is more fully described here. All responsible breeders are including this fact sheet in their puppy packs. If anybody reading this knows of a vizsla to have been diagnosed with myositis/polymyositis – or to suffer from the clinical signs that we have described – then please could you contact those conducting the research.

NEW - January 2010
Polymyositis in the vizsla is now attracting much veterinary interest.
Two research papers are in preparation - their abstracts having been presented to the relevant Congresses ( Foale et al, BSAVA 2008 and Haley et al, ACVIM 2009)
A recent breakthrough is that PM in the vizsla has been fortunate to have attracted the interest of the great Clare Rusbridge http://www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/ and an enthusiasm for project collaboration has also been expressed by Professor Bill Ollier of CIGMR (Centre for Integrated Genomic Medical Research) where PM in the human is being studied.
To help with this research we most urgently need DNA samples from affected vizslas, their sires and dams and siblings. The hope of course is to identify the gene responsible for Polymyositis but everything will depend on the extent to which we manage to engage the support and help not just of those who own an affected vizsla but also that of their breeders – and stud dog owners too. Every single sample will matter hugely and the bigger the response we get then the more hope we will have of one day freeing our genetic pool from the scourge of this devastating and life threatening illness. Please visit for detailed instructions on sample collection. Contact us if you are prepared to help. Phone calls are most welcome too. Di Addicott - 01576 202258.

IMMUNE MEDIATED ILLNESS

Since early 2005 we have been researching our breed’s apparent predisposition to polymyositis. This is an immune mediated illness.

As our investigations unfolded we began to wonder at the incidence and relevance of other immune mediated disorders. Might there be a connection? We do not know and only by asking people to tell us of their experience can we begin to establish what might be a bigger picture. These other illnesses are described here. For the purpose of this investigation we are also hoping to explore some less defined disorders and we are particularly interested in allergies and intolerances (skin and food) and gastro-intestinal disease particularly. Of course we must also remember that chronic autoimmune disease is usually multi-factorial, meaning several things must happen for an individual to become ill. Very often a trigger is required and this is something that we must also investigate.

If your vizsla (or that of anyone you know) suffers from an immune related disorder PLEASE complete this online questionnaire in respect of ALL vizslas that you know to have had a problem. The further back that we can go the better. We need to hear from you again even if you have previously completed a general survey and submitted it to Sue Millson (our breed health co-ordinator) For the sake of independence our databases are not interchangeable.

This survey is completely confidential.