Health

 Komondor

In Komondor, as a minimum we test the Hips and Elbows for dysplasia, as well as having the Patella Luxation tested. We also complete Genetic testing and Annual eye exams. Our bloodlines and those used under our affix are also carefully examined and pedigrees studied, where we avoid any dogs with known issues, the main being Bloat or issues with the eyes such as Cataracts or Entropion, however we also look out for skin issues and known allergies. The Bite (teeth) are also of importance to us, we want a correct bite on all our breeding dogs and will not use a dog with an overbite/underbite. Any dog that fails health testing is not bred from, but remains in our home as part of the family.

Diet is an important factor to the growth and development of any dog, especially with giant dog breeds. I recommend a raw diet when possible or a cold pressed dog food, however when this is not readily available kibble with an average of 25% Protein is best. If feeding dry food tailored to Giant Breed Puppy it should be fed until 18-24 months of age, as the Komondor is a slow to mature breed. For optimal Joint Health I would supplement Glucosamine in both the growing and adult dog. 

  Mudi

For the Mudi, I am careful to choose dogs from lines that I know are uncommon for epilepsy to use in our breeding program. All Mudi as a minimum will be tested for Dysplasia of both the Hips and Elbows as well as Patella Luxation. Each dog in breeding will have an Annual eye exam. Genetically, we will be completing a full panel which will include Degenerative Myelopathy(DM) as there have been proven carriers of this in the breed, no known dog has been tested affected as of yet in the Mudi breed, but it is important to us to keep watch of this and any other potential health concern. (As of 2023, dogs have now tested affected for Degenerative Myelopathy.) In a breed often partaking in high impact sports it is vital that they are in the best physical health possible, no matter if they are going to Sporting, Working, Pet or Show homes.

Diet is important to overall health. I recommend a raw or cold pressed diet, however when this is not readily available a good brand puppy dry food will do well. Mudi are a relatively quick breed to reach maturity, they are often on adult food by 12 months of age, until then a medium breed puppy food is a good choice!

For those who have active plans with their Mudi Green Lipped Mussel is an excellent addition to the diet!

Hip & Elbow x-rays

Perhaps one of the most well known health testing in dogs, hip and elbow x-rays taken to check for signs of dysplasia. Once taken by a qualified vet the x-rays are then sent to a scoring board dependent on country of residence or personal choice of the breeder. To the right, is a comparison of the results across the most common available testing organisations.

The organisation which we primarily use for our program is BVA.

Elbows: Elbows are graded individually with a score from 0-3 on each side. The ideal being a score of 0. To have an elbow scored there must be at least two x-rays; flexed lateral and neutral view. Elbow dysplasia is uncommon in both Komondor and Mudi.

Hips: Under the BVA scheme, the marking of hips is broken down into 9 sections, the maximum marks in any one section is 6, and the maximum overall is 106. The aim is to obtain the combined lowest number possible, the best result possible being a 0. Please view the example images of our dogs results attached above to see the 9 possible sections.

PennHip: A relatively new in comparison to the traditional scoring schemes to check the Hips for hip joint laxity. To read more on PennHip, please click HERE to visit the website.

 Patella Luxation

A patella luxation exam can be done during a routine vet visit! No sedation is required. The vet should check both patellas and give them a grade from 0-4 based on the Putnam 1968 scoring system. Excessive force should never be used when manipulating the patella. For us, we have our vet recheck Patella during each yearly check at the same time that we are doing annual eye exams. 

Grade 0: Normal

Grade 1: The patella can be manually luxated with the stifle in full extension, but when pressure is released without manipulation of the limb the patella regains its original position in the trochlea. Spontaneous luxation of the patella during normal joint motion rarely occurs. Typically stifle and hock in a straight line with no deviation of the hock.

Grade 2: the patella can be completely luxated, but manipulation of the hind limb (flexion of the stifle) causes the patella to regain its original position in the trochlear. On physical examination, the patella luxates easily, especially when the foot is rotated.

Grade 3: the patella is found (at least once) spontaneously luxated with the animal in a standing position or it is permanently luxated but can be repositioned manually or by manipulating the limb. Very shallow or flattened trochlear.

Grade 4: the patella is permanently luxated and cannot be repositioned. May scarcely be able to walk or may move in a crouched position with both limbs partially flexed, and/or they may carry the affected limb. Trochlea is shallow, absent or even convex. 

Annual Eye Exams

Eye exams of breeding dogs should ideally be repeated on an annual basis by a specialist vet. The first test can be done as young as 8 weeks. Eye testing is not common practice within Europe for Komondor or Mudi, however especially for Mudi, it should be performed. We eye test all of our breeding dogs.

The test is done by the vet applying eye drops to dilate the eyes, waiting approximately 15 minutes, then the vet checking both individual eyes and marking any abnormalities on the score sheet. 

The eye will be checked for both Congenital and Non-congenital conditions, see the image to the right for further details.

One of the most common conditions we are checking for are Cataracts which can range in severity and progression which is why it is important to check annually.

 DNA

DNA testing is a easy to use test for any breed! There is a wide amount of companies who offer their services, the most common and comprehensive being MyDogDNA/Wisdom Panel or Embark. The most common way to send a sample is with a mouth swab. It is also possible to send blood, or even semen for analysis however!

Health: Genetic testing allows for us to keep track of whether individual dogs are clear, carrier and affected of various conditions and diseases.

Komondor: Genetic testing continues to not be common practice within the breed despite a high quantity of those dogs tested being at least a Carrier for Degenerate Myelopathy (DM). The other main condition we are testing for is Hyperuricosuria (HUU).

Mudi: Genetic testing has increased in popularity, with approximately half the breedings being done having a test available on at least one parent. In USA Genetic testing is standard practice. So far, we have saw carriers and/or affected dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), Hyperuricosuria (HUU), PRA-PRCD, DINGS2, MDR1 & Copper toxicity.

Colours: Many DNA testing companies also include a colour panel where it is possible to see a full breakdown of the colour and pattern that your individual dog carries.

Parentage: DNA testing to confirm parentage is also possible! And in some countries, such as Hungary, it is common practice to confirm the correct parentage before a litter is registered.

Genetic COI: Exclusive to Embark they now offer a % genetic COI score. This is an invaluable tool for those who wish to keep diversity within their chosen breed high and it replaces the guess work of pedigree COI calculations. MyDogDNA/Wisdom offer a diversity marker, which while less exact, still provides a good insight into how unique a dogs heritage is against others within the breed.

 Spine

Spine testing in dogs is a fairly new concept in comparison to the other health tests available.

Spines are scored on three separate points:

  Vertebral anomalies (VA)

Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV)

Spondylosis (SP)

Each being scored from 0-4.

For those interested in testing Spines, we recommend the Finnish testing scheme INCOC for the most complete diagnosis.

To read more on Spine testing, follow the below link:

LTV: https://www.incoc.fi/asiat/uploads/2024/02/Basis-for-LTV-grading.pdf

Dentition

work in progress.