C.H.D. (Chondrodysplasia)
As of Fall 2012, the entire CHD program has been put on hold, indefinitely. The program originated, and was managed by, the the Alaskan Malamute Club of America, and the Alaskan Malamute Assistance League, and who have provided 'certificates' for Malamutes deemed 'low-probability' in producing the defect for decades. While there were no physical or DNA-based tests, pedigrees were 'assessed' as to the likelihood of a particular dog potentially 'carrying' this simple recessive disorder.
At this point (2012) no new CHD certificates are being issued to any Alaskan Malamutes, due to the unreliability of the program.
Old certificates certainly still exist, and dogs around the world would have them - but they no longer carry the meaning they once did.
Xraying to detect affecteds, (Xrays will NOT detect carriers), is an option for breeders who suspect they may have a CHD affected puppy.
Xrays of young pups should detect most 'affecteds' - but not carriers (carriers look, act perfectly normal) - and make just as nice a 'pet' as a non-carrier. Carriers would not be a concern for a pet purchaser who had no intention of breeding.
Early in the 1970's, it was conclusively proven that ChD is genetically inherited through a simple recessive mode, i.e. the sire and dam must both have this gene in order to produce an affected puppy. Considerable effort, money and time is now going into the development of a DNA-based test althouhg it's many months, if not years away.
Chondrodysplasia is a genetic disorder in the Alaskan malamute, which manifests itself in puppies born with deformities, eventually evident in the abnormal shape hand length of their limbs. Although not entirely correct, this condition is commonly referred to as "dwarfism" due to the lateral bowing of the forelimbs, enlargement of the wrist joints and lateral deviation of the forepaws. When believed evident or necessary, radiographs are used for detection of ChD. CHD is NOT a deadly disease and many 'affecteds' live relatively normal lives (unless they have other, unrelated gentic conditions) while a few have been known to develop arthritis.
For updates about the CHD program, please see:
http://alaskanmalamute.org/health/chondrodysplasia-july-2012
Chondrodysplasia Information
http://www.malamutehealth.org/articles/chd.htm
Chondrodysplasia Information
http://www.minnesotamalamuteclub.com/brdprobs/chdvet.htm
Images of Chondrodysplastic Alaskan Malamutes
http://www.malamutehealth.org/articles/chd_photo/chd_photos_main.htm
At this point (2012) no new CHD certificates are being issued to any Alaskan Malamutes, due to the unreliability of the program.
Old certificates certainly still exist, and dogs around the world would have them - but they no longer carry the meaning they once did.
Xraying to detect affecteds, (Xrays will NOT detect carriers), is an option for breeders who suspect they may have a CHD affected puppy.
Xrays of young pups should detect most 'affecteds' - but not carriers (carriers look, act perfectly normal) - and make just as nice a 'pet' as a non-carrier. Carriers would not be a concern for a pet purchaser who had no intention of breeding.
Early in the 1970's, it was conclusively proven that ChD is genetically inherited through a simple recessive mode, i.e. the sire and dam must both have this gene in order to produce an affected puppy. Considerable effort, money and time is now going into the development of a DNA-based test althouhg it's many months, if not years away.
Chondrodysplasia is a genetic disorder in the Alaskan malamute, which manifests itself in puppies born with deformities, eventually evident in the abnormal shape hand length of their limbs. Although not entirely correct, this condition is commonly referred to as "dwarfism" due to the lateral bowing of the forelimbs, enlargement of the wrist joints and lateral deviation of the forepaws. When believed evident or necessary, radiographs are used for detection of ChD. CHD is NOT a deadly disease and many 'affecteds' live relatively normal lives (unless they have other, unrelated gentic conditions) while a few have been known to develop arthritis.
For updates about the CHD program, please see:
http://alaskanmalamute.org/health/chondrodysplasia-july-2012
Chondrodysplasia Information
http://www.malamutehealth.org/articles/chd.htm
Chondrodysplasia Information
http://www.minnesotamalamuteclub.com/brdprobs/chdvet.htm
Images of Chondrodysplastic Alaskan Malamutes
http://www.malamutehealth.org/articles/chd_photo/chd_photos_main.htm