A-Quality Beagles, Reg'd

Hypothyroidism (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, Hashimoto's Disease, Lymphcytic Thyroiditis): Destruction of
the thyroid gland due to an attack from the animal's own immune system. Causes rough, scaly skin; hair loss and
weight gain, especially in later stages of the condition. (Hereditary-Probably incomplete dominant). First occurs
under 2 years of age. Ninety percent of cases are autoimmune thyroiditis, the remaining ten percent have thyroid
atrophy of unknown causes. Sometimes a temporary thyroid problem exists in relation to other disease or
secondarily to use of a drug that has been given. Most common early symptoms are unexplained weight gain,
dry coat, skin infections, flea, food allergies, smelly ears and chronic ear infections, infertility and dry-eye
syndrome. Thyroid deficiency also plays a role in many of the immune-mediated blood diseases and increases
the incidence of Von Willebrands disease. As can be seen, the thyroid function is directly related to many
aspects of the immune system and the rest of the endocrine system. For more information on health testing for
Hypothyroidism go here.

Factor VII Deficiency: A missing component in the blood causing slow coagulation. you may see mild
subcutaneous bleeding (bruising). (H - Incomplete Dominant). First occurs at birth. For more information on
health testing for Factor VII Deficientcy go here.

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK): Absence or low levels of an enzyme (pyruvate kinase) essential for the
production of red blood cells, causes anemia. (H- Recessive). Can first occur under 1 year of age or older. For
more information on health testing for Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK) go here.

Dilated Cardiomyopophay (DCM): Clinical signs include dyspnea, exercise intolerance, syncope, cough,
anorexia, weight loss & lethargy. Heart sounds are muffled. (H- Undetermined mode). Can first occur before or
after 6 years of age. For more information on health testing for cardiac problems go here.

Pulmonic Stenosis (PS): Narrowing of the pulmoric artery where it attaches to the heart, causing murmurs &
enlargement of the right side of the heart. (H-Polygenetic mode). First occurs under 1 year of age. For more
information on health testing for cardiac problems go here.

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the heart wall that divides the right and left sides, causing poor
circulation & possible death. (H-Polygenetic mode). Occurs at birth. For more information on health testing for
cardiac problems go here.

Cataracts: Vary by breed & age of onset. As a generality, any lens opacity which obscures vision & may cause
blindness is considered a cataract. In beagles there are the following forms of Cataracts: Congenital Cataracts
(H - Recessive) age of onset birth. Early onset & Progressive Cataracts (H- Recessive or undetermined mode).
Age of onset under 3 years. And Undetermined Cataracts for which no cause is know. For more information on
CERF eye testing for this and other eye problems go here.

Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA): An optical defect due to retinal pigment degeneration,
resulting in secondary degeneration of the rods and cones. Central vision loss, but peripheral vision may last to
old age. Some dogs may not lose vision. (H-   Undetermined mode). Age of onset under 2 years. For more
information on CERF eye testing for this and other eye problems go here.

Distichiasis: Abnormal location of eyelashes on the margin of the eyelid, causing irritation. (H- Undetermined
mode). Age of onset under 1 year. For more information on CERF eye testing for this and other eye problems go
here.

Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the globe, which can be a result of various causes. Without treatment, the
pressure damages the eye, causing pain & often blindness. (H - Recessive) age of onset under 3 years. For
more information on CERF eye testing for this and other eye problems go here.

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS, Dry Eye):   Inadequate tear production, causing irritation of the conjunctiva
& cornea. (H-Undetermined), age of onset under 1 year.1 Also dry eye can be caused by the removal of the
lacrimal gland, oral sulfa medication or nerve damage, as well as plugged tear ducts. It has also been reported
that Dry Eye can occur as an adverse reaction (autoimmune) to the dog's own tear glands.   There are many
treatments available as well as salivary gland duct transplantation for unresponsive cases. For more information
on CERF eye testing for this and other eye problems go here.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):   Degeneration of the retinal vision cells which progresses to blindness.
(H-Undetermined) age of onset varies. For more information on CERF eye testing for this and other eye
problems go here.

Hip Dysplasia: Abnormal formation of the hip socket, causing rear-limb lameness. (H-Polygenic, E, N) age of
onset under 2 years. For more information about health testing for Hips Dysplasia go here.

Luxation of the Patella (knee): Poor development of the structures holding the kneecap in place. The patella
usually rotates medially (inward) in small breeds. (H-Polygenic mode), age of onset under 1 year. Luxation can
also occur to to trauma injury resulting in stretching or tearing of the cruciate ligaments at any age. The dog
usually does not appear in pain and can be normal one moment and hopping the next. Lateral (outward)
displacement is considered to be trauma induced and not of a hereditary nature. Surgical repair in either
incidence is indicated. For more information about health testing for Patella Luxation go here.

It should be noted that there are many other health problems associated with the Beagle breed
and that health organization such as OFA, CERF, CHIC and CHF are constantly working to
develop new and better tests. Visit the following links for more information on these organizations:

Orthapedic Foundation For Animals
Canine Eye Registry Foundation
Canine Health Information Center
Canine Health Foundation