Health

At the EWA, we attach great importance to the health of our animals. We take this topic seriously in every respect, and therefore take every opportunity to ensure that our members and breeders are also well-informed in this area. This is why below you will find an overview of the most important diseases that can occur in our dogs.

Our breeding regulations have clear rules to maintain the health of our dogs. They are always based on the current state of research and are therefore subject to change. All members have voluntarily undertaken to report diseases relevant to breeding to the EWA. These reports allow us to collect extensive data and information that enables us to make well-founded breeding decisions.

Our aim is to produce healthy and long-lived wolfdogs and wolfalikes. Support us in this endeavour!

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What is DM?

DM is short for degenerative myelopathy.
It is a genetic disease that causes the long tracts of the spinal cord to slowly die off.

What symptoms does DM show?

DM usually occurs from around the age of eight years and is painless for the dog.
Due to the loss of the connection between the nerves and the brain, the dog does not notice that it is slowly losing control of its hind legs and is becoming lame.
As the disease progresses, the dog is almost completely paralysed.
The disease increasingly spreads to the front and, in its advanced stages, also affects the front limbs, the respiratory muscles and the throat and swallowing muscles.

What are the consequences of DM for dog and owner?

The dog is not in pain and is unaware that it can no longer move its hind legs.
Regular physiotherapy can significantly extend and improve the dog’s life.
As the disease progresses, many owners use a wheelchair for their dogs.
Since DM is incurable, it means that the owner must slowly watch their dog become weaker and weaker.
Regular physiotherapy and the purchase of a wheelchair mean high costs for the owner.

What dogs have to be tested?

All dogs under EWA must be tested for DM.

How and when can you test for DM?

DM is tested by means of a cheek swab and is included in the Embark Test, which is mandatory for every dog that seeks breeding approval through the EWA.
Likewise, an Embark Test of the puppies in every litter that falls under the EWA is mandatory.

What are the possible test results?

N/N – DM free
N/DM – healthy carrier
DM/DM – affected

How is DM inherited?

DM is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. This means that two carriers can produce affected animals.
Therefore, matings of two N/DM animals are prohibited.

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What is ED?

Elbow dysplasia means that there is a malformation of the joint-forming structures.
Three bones are involved: the humerus, the ulna and the radius.
For movement to be smooth, the joint surfaces of these three bones must fit together exactly and be covered by an intact layer of cartilage.
In the case of ED, this is not the case, or not sufficiently so.

What symptoms does ED show?

In the case of a mild form of ED, the owner usually does not notice it at all and only during the X-ray examination does one see that there is a slight ED.
If the ED is more pronounced, the owner will in most cases notice a lameness and a relieving posture of the forelimbs.

What are the consequences of ED for dog and owner?

Depending on the severity of the disease, a lot can be achieved with conservative treatment options.
Exercise adjustment, weight adjustment, physiotherapy, pain and anti-inflammatory drugs and feed additives can be used individually or in combination to make a big difference.
For the dog and owner, this means a weekly investment of time, weight management and costs.
If the ED is more severe, surgery is often the only option, and there are different methods.
Which method is the right one depends on a number of factors, such as age, the severity of the osteoarthritis caused by the ED, and the severity or form of the ED.
The owner has to expect high costs for the operation, and the dog is required to rest for a few weeks.

What dogs have to be tested?

All dogs under EWA must be x-rayed for ED and evaluated by an official body in order to receive breeding approval.

How and when can you test for ED?

The dog must not be younger than 18 months to have an ED x-ray.
It makes sense to take the pictures for the ED evaluation at the same time as the HD x-ray, as this can be taken and evaluated directly with the HD.
The vet then sends the x-rays to an assessor who is a member of GRSK e.V. and the owner receives the test result within about two weeks.
It is also possible to have the x-rays evaluated by the BVA in England, which requires the images to be sent there by the vet. However, processing times vary greatly

What are the possible test results?

ED 0 – no ED
ED 1 – mild ED
ED 2 – moderate ED
ED 3 – severe ED

How is ED inherited?

The inheritance of ED is not yet fully understood, but a hereditary factor has not been ruled out.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that only healthy animals are used for breeding.
When rearing puppies, it is essential to ensure that the floor is secure and does not allow them to slip around uncontrollably.
Excessive strain, feeding and weight can also play a major role in growth.

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What is Epilepsie?

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in dogs. Epilepsy is characterised by recurrent seizures.

What symptoms does Epilepsie show?

There are two forms of seizures: focal and generalised.
Focal seizures are often not really noticed by the owner.
This can be as simple as a twitch of a limb.
During a generalised seizure, the dog falls into a kind of unconscious state in which it rows with its limbs, twitches, salivates and often also urinates and defecates.
After a generalised seizure, dogs are often tired and exhausted.
If several seizures occur within 24 hours, they are called cluster seizures.
A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is called status epilepticus and requires immediate treatment.

What are the consequences of Epilepsie for dog and owner?

When a dog suffers from epilepsy, it is a constant source of stress for the owner.
When will the next seizure occur, how long will it last, have I made a mistake in the diet?
The affected dogs are unaware of the actual seizure, but are very dazed afterwards and sometimes do not recognise their owners for several minutes.
During the seizures, there is an increased risk that the dogs will hurt themselves or others.
Research on epilepsy is still ongoing.
There are three medications that are used depending on the type of seizure.
Once medication has been started, it cannot simply be stopped again.
The dosage has to be slowly reduced.
This means monthly costs for the owner and very precise time management, as the medication must always be given at the same time.
If the dog is well adjusted, it can be seizure-free for years.

What dogs have to be tested?

There is no genetic test for epilepsy.

How and when can you test for Epilepsie?

A genetic test is not possible.
With extensive diagnostics, various causes of seizures, such as heart defects or tumours, can be ruled out.
If no cause for the epilepsy is found, it is referred to as idiopathic epilepsy and, depending on the age of the dog, a hereditary factor is assumed.

What are the possible test results?

Since there is no genetic test, you have to look at the lines carefully.

How is Epilepsie inherited?

It is currently assumed that epilepsy is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner.
The hereditary version of epilepsy usually occurs by the age of four.
If a close relative has epilepsy, breeding should only take place with great caution.
It makes sense to work with breeding values.

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What is Gonio?

Goniodysplasia (anterior chamber angle anomaly) is a narrowing of the anterior chamber angle that prevents the aqueous humour from draining properly.
The disease is congenital.

What symptoms does Gonio show?

Due to the changes in the chamber angle, the aqueous humour cannot drain properly and the intraocular pressure rises.
This usually happens suddenly and only in one eye. The veins in the eye become clearly visible, and the pupil no longer reacts to light.

What are the consequences of Gonio for dog and owner?

Goniodysplasia is categorised as mild, moderate or severe. Mild and moderate cases have no restrictions and are usually not clinically relevant.
In the case of severe Gonio, it is advisable to have the dogs checked regularly, e.g. by measuring the intraocular pressure annually.
If treatment is really necessary, eye drops can be used very effectively.
Dogs suffering from Gonio are more sensitive to light and other environmental influences, and wearing protective goggles in the sun, snow or on very windy days is recommended.
For the owner, this means always paying attention to whether an eye is changing and, in an emergency, acting quickly to avoid the need for surgery.
In the worst case, it means that the dog goes blind.

What dogs have to be tested?

All dogs with more than 50% Husky and/or Samoyed in their pedigree, or dogs with known cases within the first or second degree of kinship.

How and when can you test for Gonio?

The examination of the chamber angle (Gonioscopy) can be performed as early as eight weeks of age.
A single examination is sufficient, since the disease is congenital.
A special lens is placed on the eye to view the chamber angle and assess any changes.

What are the possible test results?

Free
Slight
Moderate
Severe

How is Gonio inherited?

The inheritance of Goniodysplasia is not yet known.
Care should be taken to mate animals with only mild to moderate results with clear animals.

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What is HD?

Hip dysplasia means that there is a malformation of the joint-forming structures of the hip.
The femoral head does not fit properly into the acetabulum and thus causes friction.
It is optimal when the femoral head and the acetabulum fit together exactly.

What symptoms does HD show?

In the case of mild HD, the owner may not even notice that the dog is suffering from HD until old age.
However, due to the friction, hip dysplasia inevitably leads to osteoarthritis.
If the hip dysplasia is more pronounced, it can be recognised by a change in the dog’s gait and its reaction to pain.
The mobility of the joints is restricted.
A cracking or crunching sound in the affected joints is also often perceived.

What are the consequences of HD for dog and owner?

Depending on the severity of the disease, a lot can be achieved with conservative treatment options.
Exercise adjustment, weight adjustment, physiotherapy, pain and anti-inflammatory drugs and feed additives can be used individually or in combination to make a big difference.
For the dog and owner, this means a weekly time commitment, weight management and costs.
If the HD is more pronounced, surgery is often the only option, and there are different methods.
The right method depends on a number of factors, such as age, severity of osteoarthritis and severity of HD.
The owner has to expect high costs for an operation, and the dog is required to rest for a few weeks.

What dogs have to be tested?

All dogs under EWA must be x-rayed for hip dysplasia and evaluated by an official body in order to receive breeding approval.

How and when can you test for HD?

The dog must not be younger than 18 months.
The dog is lightly sedated, as muscle relaxation is very important for a meaningful result.
Then the hind legs are overstretched, and the images are taken in a predetermined position.
It makes sense to take the X-rays for ED at the same time.
If the dog falls under the LÜW test requirement, the HD X-ray image can be used for evaluation.
The vet then sends the X-rays to an assessor who is a member of GRSK e.V., and the test results are sent to the owner within about two weeks.
It is also possible to have the x-rays evaluated by the BVA in England, which requires the images to be sent there by the vet. However, processing times vary greatly

What are the possible test results?

FCI HD A1 / BVA 0-4 (no side over 3) – HD free
FCI HD A2 / BVA 5-10 (no side over 6) – HD free
FCI HD B1 / BVA 11-18 – transitional form
FCI HD B2 / BVA 19-25 – transitional form
FCI HD C / BVA 26-35 – mild HD
FCI HD D / BVA 36-50 – moderate HD
FCI HD E / BVA 51-106 – severe HD

How is HD inherited?

The inheritance of HD is not yet fully understood, but a hereditary factor cannot be ruled out.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that only healthy animals are used for breeding.
When rearing puppies, it is essential to ensure that the floor is safe and does not allow them to slip around uncontrollably.
Feeding and weight can also play a major role in growth.

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What is HZ?

The abbreviations PD or DW are used in English, but we use the German form HZ to avoid overall confusion.
For wolfdogs, only the pituitary form is relevant; in other breeds, there are also other variants.
It is a genetic disease that stops the growth of the animals prematurely.

What symptoms does HZ show?

Puppies stop growing after about 8-12 weeks, followed by a growth arrest.
The fur becomes dull, the hair falls out in some places.
The skin changes and gets crusty, sebaceous deposits.

What are the consequences of HZ for dog and owner?

The life expectancy of affected dogs is just four to five years.
If a puppy suffering from Pituitary Dwarfism is recognised early, a growth hormone can be used.
This does not cause the body to grow noticeably, but it can prevent changes to the fur and skin.
The owner must always live with the knowledge that their animal will not have a normal lifespan and that the treatments will incur costs.

What dogs have to be tested?

All dogs under EWA must be tested for Pituitary Dwarfism
Exceptions apply if both parents are proven to be Pituitary Dwarfism N/N.

How and when can you test for HZ?

Pituitary Dwarfism is tested by taking a cheek swab or blood sample at the vet.
The vet then sends the sample to Laboklin and receives the result after 1-2 weeks.
Currently, Pituitary Dwarfism can only be tested by Laboklin, not by Embark. (As of December 2024)

What are the possible test results?

N/N – Pituitary Dwarfism clear
N/HZ – healthy carrier
HZ/HZ – affected

How is HZ inherited?

Pituitary Dwarfism is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, which means that two carriers can produce affected animals.
Therefore, matings of two N/HZ animals are prohibited.

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What is Katarakt?

Cataracts are a disease of the lens of the eye.
Affected animals develop a clouding of the lens that impairs vision.
Cataracts can occur in dogs of any age and breed, but are more common in older dogs.

What symptoms does Katarakt show?

Dogs with cataracts often show a visible cloudiness or white colouring of the lens of the eye.
Owners often notice that the dogs become less sure of themselves and have problems finding their way around.
The dogs may have difficulty seeing obstacles and may bump into objects.
In some cases, there may be increased sensitivity to light and eye pain.
Another indication of a cataract may be that the dog’s eyes reflect strongly in certain light conditions.

What are the consequences of Katarakt for dog and owner?

The owner must be alert to changes in the dog’s behaviour and vision, and veterinary checks should be carried out regularly.
Surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens may be necessary to restore vision.
This involves a significant cost for the owner, along with careful follow-up care to avoid complications.
If left untreated, cataracts can cause total blindness, significantly affecting the quality of life of the dog.
However, dogs that have gone blind can still lead happy lives with the appropriate support and environmental adaptations.

What dogs have to be tested?

All dogs under the EWA at the ECVO examination.

How and when can you test for Katarakt?

During the annual check-up with a vet specialising in eye conditions.
This involves examining the eye with a slit lamp and checking for opacity.

What are the possible test results?

Free
Not free

How is Katarakt inherited?

The inheritance of cataracts is not yet known.
If there is a family history, it must be carefully documented whether it occurs again.
It makes sense to work with breeding values.

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What is Krypto?

Cryptorchidism refers to the unilateral or bilateral absence of the testicles in dogs.
Affected dogs are called cryptorchids.

What symptoms does Krypto show?

The male dog is missing at least one testicle, which is either in the abdominal cavity and has not descended, or the testicle has not been developed at all.
The vet can feel whether both testicles are in the scrotum from around eight weeks of age.
If this is not the case by the age of six months, the testicles will no longer descend, as the ligament between the testicle and abdominal cavity has closed.

What are the consequences of Krypto for dog and owner?

If the testicle is located in the abdominal cavity of the male dog, the risk of developing cancer is 13 times higher than if the testicle had descended normally.
Castration is therefore absolutely necessary, but this can only affect the undescended testicle, there is no need to additionally remove testicles that have descended.
Another option is to regularly examine the undescended testicle for changes using ultrasound.
However, this involves significantly more effort and costs and does not avoid castration in an emergency.
Possible consequences for the dog include a change in character due to neutering too early, the development of ‘neutered coat’ and attractiveness to other males.
If not neutered, possible consequences include a tumourous change that can rupture undetected in the abdominal cavity.
For the owner, cryptorchidism means that the dog will most likely need to be neutered.

What dogs have to be tested?

All male dogs.

How and when can you test for Krypto?

The vet will feel the male dog between the legs to check that both testicles are present.

What are the possible test results?

Either both testicles are present or at least one testicle is missing.

How is Krypto inherited?

The inheritance of cryptorchidism is not yet known.
It is assumed that cryptorchidism is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner.
Indirect or environmental influences have not been sufficiently researched.
It makes sense to work with breeding values.

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What is LÜW?

The abbreviation LTV is used in English, but we use the German form LÜW to avoid confusion.
LTV is the abbreviation for lumbosacral transitional vertebra and refers to the transition between the loin and the sacrum.

What symptoms does LÜW show?

Affected animals show pain in the sacro-lumbar region when stretching the hip joints or bending the tail upwards.

What are the consequences of LÜW for dog and owner?

In the case of a pronounced form of lumbosacral transitional vertebra, it can come to herniated discs or cauda equina.
For the dog, this means pain, possibly an operation and then rest afterwards.
The owner incurs costs for pain therapy, physiotherapy and, if necessary, surgery.

What dogs have to be tested?

Dogs that are at least 50% German Shepherd must be tested for lumbosacral transitional vertebra to receive a breeding licence.

How and when can you test for LÜW?

The appropriate image is already created during the HD X-ray, so you do not have to make an extra X-ray appointment.
The veterinarian only has to indicate on the form for the evaluation that the lumbosacral transitional vertebra should also be evaluated.

What are the possible test results?

Type 0 – normal lumbosacral transition
Type 1 – failed fusion of the spinous processes of the first and second sacral vertebrae
Type 2 – symmetrical malformation of the transverse processes
Type 3 – differently shaped transverse processes, i.e. an asymmetrical lumbosacral transitional vertebra

How is LÜW inherited?

The inheritance of lumbosacral transitional vertebra is not yet fully understood, but a hereditary factor cannot be ruled out.
Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that only healthy animals are used in breeding.

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What is Addison?

Addison’s disease is an adrenal gland disorder.
Affected animals have an adrenal cortex hormone deficiency.
The adrenal gland produces hormones that are essential for regulating metabolism and water balance.
Dogs with adrenal gland hypofunction have a deficiency of the stress hormone cortisol, and usually also of the hormone aldosterone.
Large-breed female dogs are more likely to suffer from the disease.
The disease can be acute or chronic.

What symptoms does Addison show?

Dogs suffering from the chronic form of Addison’s disease appear listless and apathetic.
They often suffer from diarrhoea, vomiting and a loss of appetite.
Abdominal pain and increased thirst are also symptoms.
Blood in the dog’s stool is not uncommon either.
When the disease occurs acutely (suddenly), the dog is apathetic, has no appetite, is weak, dehydrated and has low blood pressure.
The dog may go into shock or collapse.

What are the consequences of Addison for dog and owner?

The owner must always make sure that the dog drinks enough, otherwise there is a risk of dehydration.
Lifelong therapy with glucocorticoids (prednisolone) and/or administration of mineralocorticoids (Zycortal) is necessary to compensate for the lack of the body’s own hormones.
This means costs and time management for the owner.
If the dog is well-adjusted, it has a good long-term prognosis with a normal life expectancy.
If a so-called Addison’s crisis occurs, a very rapid worsening of the disease, immediate action is necessary.
The dog must then be treated as an inpatient for several days, depending on its condition.

What dogs have to be tested?

There is no genetic test for Addison’s disease.
You should keep a very close eye on the lines.

How and when can you test for Addison?

Affected animals must not be used for breeding.

What are the possible test results?

–

How is Addison inherited?

It is suspected that there is a genetic predisposition.
If there is a family history of the condition, it must be carefully documented to see if it recurs.
It makes sense to work with breeding values.

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What is MDR1?

MDR1(defect) stands for a defective multi-drug resistance gene 1.
It is a genetic disease in which affected dogs are particularly sensitive to various drugs.

What symptoms does MDR1 show?

The symptoms vary depending on the type of drug administered.
They range from vomiting or salivation to movement disorders and tremors/drowsiness, and even coma or death.

What are the consequences of MDR1 for dog and owner?

The owner must discuss with their vet whether an MDR1 defect is present and the medication must be selected accordingly.
When out walking, the owner must ensure that the affected dog does not pick up faeces, as even a single worm treatment can trigger symptoms.
Even in carrier animals, some symptoms have been observed.
If all this is taken into account, a dog with MDR1 can live a symptom-free life.

What dogs have to be tested?

All dogs under EWA must be tested for MDR1 in order to receive breeding approval. Exceptions apply if both parents are demonstrably MDR1 +/+.

How and when can you test for MDR1?

MDR1 is tested using a cheek swab and is included in the Embark Test, which is mandatory for any dog that seeks breeding approval through the EWA.
Likewise, an Embark Test of the puppies in every litter that falls under the EWA is mandatory.

What are the possible test results?

MDR +/+ MDR1 normal
MDR +/- healthy carrier
MDR -/- affected

How is MDR1 inherited?

MDR1 is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, which means that two carriers can produce affected animals.
Therefore, matings of two +/- animals are prohibited.

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What is OSD3?

OSD3 stands for oculoskeletal dysplasia and refers to a genetic hereditary disease.
It is a malformation of both the eyes (‘oculus’ is Latin for ‘eye’) and the skeleton.
The 3 stands for the third known variant: very similar diseases are also known to affect Labradors and Samoyeds.
In 2012, OSD3 was observed for the first time in the Northern Inuit; to date, only cases within the Northern Inuit are known.
Thanks to the Animal Health Trust, the mutation has been known since 2017, enabling the development of a genetic test.

What symptoms does OSD3 show?

Affected dogs have various skeletal abnormalities, the most noticeable of which is dwarfism (shortened limbs).
In addition, the retina, the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye, is malformed.
This not only leads to visual impairment, but can also cause cataracts or detachment of the retina.
In some places, OSD is therefore also referred to as retinal dysplasia – but it usually refers to the same thing.

What are the consequences of OSD3 for dog and owner?

Because the number of affected dogs is low, little is known about the long-term effects or effects beyond the symptoms of this disease.
However, it is known that many dogs go blind and develop severe joint problems.

What dogs have to be tested?

According to the EWA breeding rules, all dogs that have Northern Inuit in their pedigree must be tested for OSD3 or prove that they are clear through their parents.

How and when can you test for OSD3?

OSD3 is tested by means of a DNA test (sequencing).
Carriers can only be distinguished from free dogs by means of such a DNA test.
Currently, OSD3 can only be tested by Laboklin, not by Embark. (As of December 2024)

What are the possible test results?

C/C – clear
C/T – healthy carrier
T/T – affected

How is OSD3 inherited?

OSD3 is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, which means that two carriers can produce affected animals.
Therefore, matings of two C/T animals are prohibited.

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What is PD?

PD is short for PCYT2 Deficiency (phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase deficiency).
It is a genetic disease that leads to blindness and neurodegeneration.

What symptoms does PD show?

In early adulthood, problems with vision begin.
The changes manifest themselves in the typical form of a generalised PRA (progressive retina atrophy).
The first clinical signs of PD are visible between the ages of 20 and 46 months.
In later adulthood, neurological deficits follow the visual disturbances.
These are: gait disturbances, weakness in the hind limbs, tremor, ataxia, cognitive decline and behavioural abnormalities in the form of aggressiveness towards the owner.
Epileptic seizures have also been reported.

What are the consequences of PD for dog and owner?

The owner must be prepared for the fact that their dog will gradually lose their sight and ultimately go blind.
There is no cure for PD, but the dog can learn to cope with their blindness and to rely on their other senses.
For the owner, this means that their home should be as safely traversible as possible to avoid accidents.
Regular veterinary appointments are important to monitor the progression of the disease.
Neurological deficits must be monitored and treated if possible.
For the owner, this means a high level of emotional stress and possibly high costs for treatments to alleviate the symptoms.

What dogs have to be tested?

Dogs that have Saarloos Wolfdog in their pedigree or Embark must be tested or provide proof by submitting the test results of their parents or relevant ancestors to be eligible for breeding.

How and when can you test for PD?

PD is tested by taking a cheek swab or blood sample at the vet.
The vet then sends the sample to Laboklin and receives the result after 1-2 weeks.
Currently, PD can only be tested by Laboklin, not by Embark. (As of January 2025)

What are the possible test results?

N/N – PD clear
N/PD – healthy carrier
PD/PD – affected

How is PD inherited?

PD is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, which means that two carriers can produce affected animals.
Therefore, matings of two N/PD animals are prohibited.

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What is PRA?

Progressive Retina Atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative disease of the eye.
Affected animals suffer from a progressive loss of photoreceptor cells in the retina.

What symptoms does PRA show?

Dogs suffering from PRA often show the first signs of night blindness.
The animals have difficulty finding their way around in low light conditions and may bump into objects.
As the disease progresses, vision in daylight also deteriorates.
The dogs may appear unsteady and have problems judging distances correctly.
In the advanced stages of the disease, the dogs go completely blind.
Another possible sign of PRA is a noticeable reflection behaviour of the eyes in light.

What are the consequences of PRA for dog and owner?

The owner must be prepared for the fact that the dog will gradually lose its vision and ultimately become blind.
There is no cure for PRA, but the dog can learn to rely on its other senses.
This means that the owner must make the dog’s home safe and barrier-free to avoid accidents.
Regular veterinary check-ups are also important to monitor the progression of the disease.
Blind dogs can, with good support, continue to lead full and happy lives.

What dogs have to be tested?

All dogs under the EWA at the ECVO examination.

How and when can you test for PRA?

During the annual check-up with an ophthalmologist.
The retina is examined using an ophthalmoscope (ophthalmological instrument).

What are the possible test results?

Free
Not free

How is PRA inherited?

PRA is inherited genetically, but genetic testing is not available for all breeds.
Breeders should work with breeding values and ensure that no affected animals are used for breeding.

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