General

The main eye problems seen in Amstaffs are:

Hereditary Cataracts or Juvenile Cataracts
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Distichiasis

Hereditary Cataracts or Juvenile Cataracts.

Called "juvenile cataracts" to differentiate them from the "old age" type cataract or from the degenerative type that results from injury, inoculation reactions or systemic disease. The eye with the cataract(s) has a cloudiness of the lens of the eye in a relatively young dog. The purpose of the lens is to focus the rays of light so that may form an image on the retina. If the lens becomes cloudy then less light can enter the eye and the sight will slowly diminish as the cataract becomes larger.

This type of cataract will show up at an early age and in most cases is inherited. One or both eyes may be affected and the cataracts may not appear in both eyes at the same time. At this time there is no proof that eye color has any bearing on the likelihood of developing juvenile cataracts. Many dogs with juvenile cataracts can lead normal lives well into their older senior years before the cataracts impair their vision dramatically. Unfortunately, in some instances the cataracts are severe enough to cause blindness at a young age.

Cataracts

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA as it is frequently termed, is a long recognized, hereditary, blinding disorder. It is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive in most breeds.

PRA is a disease of the retina. This tissue, located inside the back of the eye, contains specialized cells called photoreceptors that absorb the light focused on them by the eye’s lens, and converts that light, through a series of chemical reactions into electrical nerve signals. The nerve signals from the retina are passed by the optic nerve to the brain where they are perceived as vision. The retinal photoreceptors are specialized into rods, for vision in dim light (night vision), and cones for vision in bright light (day and color vision). PRA usually affects the rods initially, and then cones in later stages of the disease. In human families, the diseases equivalent to PRA (in dogs) are termed retinitis pigmentosa.

In all canine breeds PRA has certain common features. Early in the disease, affected dogs are nightblind, lacking the ability to adjust their vision to dim light; later their daytime vision also fails. As their vision deteriorates, affected dogs will adapt to their handicap as long as their environment remains constant, and they are not faced with situations requiring excellent vision. At the same time the pupils of their eyes become increasingly dilated, in a vain attempt to gather more light, causing a noticeable "shine" to their eyes; and the lens of their eyes may become cloudy, or opaque, resulting in a cataract.

Diagnosis of PRA is normally made by ophthalmoscopic examination. This is undertaken using an instrument called an indirect ophthalmoscope, and requires dilatation of the dog’s pupil by application of eyedrops. Broadly speaking, all forms of PRA have the same sequence of ophthalmoscopic changes: increased reflectivity (shininess) of the fundus (the inside of the back of the eye, overlain by the retina); reduction in the diameter and branching pattern of the retina’s blood vessels; and shrinking of the optic nerve head (the nerve connecting the retina to the brain). These changes occur in all forms of PRA, but at different times in the different breed-specific forms. Usually by the time the affected dog has these changes there is already significant evidence of loss of vision.

PRA

Distichiasis

Eyelids of dogs can grow abnormal hairs. These hairs grow from the oil glands (Meibomian glands) of the lids and are called distichia if the hair protrudes from the oil gland opening onto the edge of the eyelid. Distichia are often irritating, especially if the hairs are long and stiff. Ectopic cilia are also hairs growing from oil glands on the eyelid, but the hair protrudes from the inner surface of the eyelid and is very painful, often causing corneal ulcers.

Dogs with distichiasis may or may not show signs of discomfort, ranging from slight intermittent squinting and/or rubbing of the eyes, to severe squinting and discomfort. Dogs with ectopic cilia are always uncomfortable. Most dogs with ectopic cilia are young adult dogs or older puppies. Both conditions are common in Shih Tzus. Many other breeds have problems with distichia. At Animal Eye Care, both conditions are treated surgically under general anesthesia, with a procedure called cryoepilation. With this procedure, the abnormal hair follicles are frozen using a liquid nitrogen probe, and the hairs then removed.

After surgery, the eyelids are swollen for 4-5 days, and the eyelid margins will depigment and turn pink. Usually, the lid margins will repigment within 4 months. It is important to understand that new abnormal hairs can grow from new sites after surgery, but this is uncommon in dogs older than 3 years old (unless the dog is a Shih Tzu). With cryoepilation, 85-90% of the treated hair follicles will not regrow. Repeat surgical treatment is rarely required, unless the animal is a puppy (and grows new hairs in new sites) or a Shih Tzu.

Health Conditions Affecting Amstaffs!

For some diseases, testing of pups from clear parents is not required if the breeder can provide DNA parentage for each pup and the health certificates for the parents!

Cerebellar Ataxia (NCL-A)

Brief Description: Cerebellar Ataxia is a condition in which there is widespread degeneration of the cerebellum. While the signs resulting from Cerebellar Ataxia could be indicative of a wide variety of diseases or problems that affect the cerebellum, this particular disease is characterized by a certain order and rate of appearance of signs. First, you’ll see your dog behave somewhat clumsily and he could begin to sway occasionally. Clumsiness worsens over time with the progression of the disease and soon the dog will constantly fall over, losing his balance. You may also notice rapid eye and head movements and walking will become much more difficult; weight loss is often seen in dogs suffering from Cerebellar Ataxia. These symptoms usually do not occur in dogs younger than two years of age. Average of symptoms appearing is between 5 to 8 years of age.

How to test: Antagene in France hold the NCL-A patent and licence for this test, to order please visit Antagene

Test Type: DNA Cheek Swab

Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive

In simple terms: To be affected by Cerebellar Ataxia (NCL-A) a dog must have two copies of the affected gene, one from each parent.

Clear - Does not carry the affected gene | Is not affected | Cannot pass on the affected gene to offspring

Carrier - Carries one copy of the affected gene | Is not affected | Can pass on one copy of the affected gene to offspring

Affected - Carries two copies of the affected gene | Is affected | Will pass on one copy of the affected gene to offspring

For more information on Cerebellar Ataxia please click here!

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Brief Description: Degenerative Myelopathy is a debilitating disease that causes gradual paralysis in many dog breeds. It is caused by a degeneration of the spinal cord that onsets typically between 8 and 14 years of age. It presents first with the loss of coordination of the hind legs. It will typically worsen over six months to a year, resulting in paralysis of the hind legs. If signs progress for a longer period of time, loss of urinary and fecal continence may occur and eventually, weakness will develop in the front limbs. An important feature of Degenerative Myelopathy is that it is not a painful disease.

How to Test: Many DNA laboratories can test for Degenerative Myelopathy.

Test Type: DNA Cheek Swab

Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive with Incomplete Penetrance

In simple terms: While it works similar to normal Autosomal Recessive gene inheritance, affected dogs may not develop the disease and while rare, clear dogs may be diagnosed with the disease. Enviromental factors may also be a cause of DM, not solely genetics.

N/N (Clear) - No copies of the affected gene | Should not develop DM but not 100% guaranteed | Cannot pass on the affected gene to offspring

N/DM (Carrier) - One copy of the affected gene | Should not develop DM but not 100% guaranteed | Can pass on one copy of the affected gene to offspring

DM/DM (At Risk) - Two copies of the affected gene | Increased risk of DM but not 100% to be affected | Will pass on one copy of the affected gene to offspring

For more information on Degenerative Myelopathy please click here!

Canine Hyperuricosuria (HUU)

Brief Description: Hyperuricosuria (HUU) means elevated levels of uric acid in the urine. This trait predisposes dogs to form stones in their bladders or sometimes kidneys. These stones often must be removed surgically and can be difficult to treat.

How to Test:Many DNA laboratories can test for Canine Hyperuricosuria.

Test Type: DNA Cheek Swab

Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive

In simple terms: To be affected by Canine Hyperuricosuria (HUU) a dog must have two copies of the affected gene, one from each parent.

Clear - Does not carry the affected gene | Is not affected | Cannot pass on the affected gene to offspring

Carrier - Carries one copy of the affected gene | Is not affected | Can pass on one copy of the affected gene to offspring

Affected - Carries two copies of the affected gene | Is affected | Will pass on one copy of the affected gene to offspring

For more information on Canine Hyperuricosuria please click here!

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rd1PRA)

Brief Description: PRA is a disease of the retina. This tissue, located inside the back of the eye, contains specialized cells called photoreceptors that absorb the light focused on them by the eye’s lens, and converts that light, through a series of chemical reactions into electrical nerve signals. The nerve signals from the retina are passed by the optic nerve to the brain where they are perceived as vision. The retinal photoreceptors are specialized into rods, for vision in dim light (night vision), and cones for vision in bright light (day and color vision). PRA usually affects the rods initially, and then cones in later stages of the disease.

How to Test: Many DNA laboratories can test for Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

Test Type: DNA Cheek Swab

Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive

In simple terms: To be affected by Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rd1PRA) a dog must have two copies of the affected gene, one from each parent.

Clear - Does not carry the affected gene | Is not affected | Cannot pass on the affected gene to offspring

Carrier - Carries one copy of the affected gene | Is not affected | Can pass on one copy of the affected gene to offspring

Affected - Carries two copies of the affected gene | Is affected | Will pass on one copy of the affected gene to offspring

For more information on Progressive Retinal Atrophy please click here!

Hereditary Cataract (HC)

Brief Description: Dogs with Hereditary cataracts most commonly present within a few weeks to months after birth with small cataracts that are visible on a veterinary eye exam. Cataracts from this disease will eventually affect the whole lens in both eyes leading to complete blindness between 2-3 years of age.

How to Test: Many DNA laboratories can test for Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

Test Type: DNA Cheek Swab

Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive

In simple terms: To be affected by Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) a dog must have two copies of the affected gene, one from each parent.

Clear - Does not carry the affected gene | Is not affected | Cannot pass on the affected gene to offspring

Carrier - Carries one copy of the affected gene | Is not affected | Can pass on one copy of the affected gene to offspring

Affected - Carries two copies of the affected gene | Is affected | Will pass on one copy of the affected gene to offspring

For more information on Hereditary Cataracts please visit here!

Hip Dysplasia (HD)

Brief Description: In dogs, hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hipsocket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is a genetic (polygenic) trait that is affected by environmental factors.

How To Test: Most Veterinary Clinics can do the required X-Rays for Hip & Elbow Scoring. The X-Rays are then sent to a Veterinary Radiologist in Australia for Scoring.

Test Type: X-rays and scoring by a Veterinary Radiologist

Mode of Inheritance: Multifactoral Trait - meaning genetic and environmental factors are involved

In simple terms: While it is known that genetics play a huge part in Hip Dysplasia, environmental factors are also the cause or can exacerbate the disease.

For more information on Hip Dysplasia please click here!

Elbow Dysplasia (ED)

Brief Description: Canine elbow dysplasia (ED) is a disease of the elbows of dogs caused by growth disturbances in the elbow joint. There are a number of theories as to the exact cause of the disease that include defects in cartilage growth, trauma, genetics, exercise, diet and so on.

How To Test: Most Veterinary Clinics can do the required X-Rays for Hip & Elbow Scoring. The X-Rays are then sent to a Veterinary Radiologist in Australia for Scoring.

Test Type: X-rays and scoring by a Veterinary Radiologist

Mode of Inheritance: Multifactoral Trait - meaning genetic and environmental factors are involved

In simple terms: While it is known that genetics play a huge part in Elbow Dysplasia, environmental factors are also the cause or can exacerbate the disease.

For more information on Elbow Dysplasia please click here!

Cardiac Disease

Brief Description: Heart disease in dogs, as in people can be either present at birth or acquired, often developing during middle age. Acquired heart disease is more common, affecting many older dogs. Several forms of potentially heritable heart disease have been seen in the American Staffordshire Terrier breed. These include: Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis, Pulmonic Valvular Stenosis, Mitral Valve Dysplasia and others

How to Test: There are a number of Veterinary Cardiologists within Australia.

Test Type: Auscultation and/or Echocardiography by a Veterinary Cardiologist

Mode of Inheritance: Various - Congenital, Genetic

For more information on Cardiac Disease please click here!

Thyroid Disease

Brief Description: The thyroid gland controls the metabolic rate of the body. When the gland functions insufficiently, a condition known as hypothyroidism occurs. Dogs that are clinically affected may display one or more of the following clinical signs: weakness, lethargy, weight gain to the point of obesity, skin and coat problems, behavioral abnormalities, and infertility.

Test Type: Blood Sample

For more information on Thyroid Disease please click here!

Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)

Note: JLPP is primarily seen in Black Russian Terriers and Rottweilers, however a number of Amstaffs are presenting with this disease. The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America are currently calling for samples from affected dogs to help develop a DNA test for the disease in Amstaffs as the gene mutation is different to those in play in BRT's and Rottweilers.

Brief Description: JLPP is a disease that causes deterioration of the nervous system. The longest nerve which controls the muscles of the larynx (voice box) is affected first. This leads to muscle weakness and obstruction of air flow into the lungs after exercise or when the dog is hot.

How to Test: Currently there is no test for the Amstaff for JLPP, Researchers are currently working to develop a test.

Test Type: In other breeds it is a simple DNA Cheek Swab

Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive

In simple terms: To be affected by Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP) a dog must have two copies of the affected gene, one from each parent.

Clear - Does not carry the affected gene | Is not affected | Cannot pass on the affected gene to offspring

Carrier - Carries one copy of the affected gene | Is not affected | Can pass on one copy of the affected gene to offspring

Affected - Carries two copies of the affected gene | Is affected | Will pass on one copy of the affected gene to offspring

For more information on Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy please visit here!

Canine Hyperuricosuria (HUU)

Hyperuricosuria is an inherited condition of the urinary system affecting several breeds of dog. The SLC2A9 gene codes for a protein that allows the kidneys to transport uric acid from the urine. Dogs with mutations in both copies of the SLC2A9 gene are predisposed to have elevated levels of uric acid in the urine, hence the name hyperuricosuria. Uric acid can form crystals and/or stones (uroliths) in the urinary tract. Dogs with hyperuricosuria most commonly present with symptoms of recurrent urinary tract inflammation, which include frequent urination, blood in the urine, and straining to urinate. They may also have loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, vomiting and pain. Urinary stones in the bladder can cause urinary tract infections or more seriously, blockage of the Urethra. Both male and female dogs can be affected, but obstruction of urine flow is more common in males due to differences in anatomy. Although an x-ray can be used to exclude other types of stones, urate stones cannot typically be seen using x-rays and must be evaluated by ultrasound. Not all dogs with mutations in both copies of the SLC2A9 gene will have symptoms of disease, though they will have increased uric acid excretion in the urine.

Genetic testing of the SLC2A9 gene will reliably determine whether a dog is a genetic Carrier of hyperuricosuria. Hyperuricosuria is inherited in an Autosomal Recessive manner in dogs meaning that they must receive two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to develop the disease. In general, carrier dogs do not have features of the disease but when bred with another carrier of the same Mutation, there is a risk of having affected pups. Each pup that is born to this pairing has a 25% chance of inheriting the disease and a 50% chance of inheriting one copy and being a carrier of the SLC2A9 gene mutation. Reliable genetic testing is important for determining breeding practices. Because not all affected dogs will have clinical signs associated with hyperuricosuria, genetic testing should be performed before breeding. In order to eliminate this mutation from breeding lines and to avoid the potential of producing affected pups, breeding of known carriers to each other is not recommended. Dogs that are not carriers of the mutation have no increased risk of having affected pups.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Degenerative Myelopathy is an inherited neurologic disorder caused by a mutation of the SOD1 gene known to be carried by American Staffordshire terriers. This mutation is found in many breeds of dog, though it is not clear for American Staffordshire terriers whether all dogs carrying two copies of the mutation will develop the disease. The variable presentation between breeds suggests that there are environmental or other genetic factors responsible for modifying disease expression. The average age of onset for dogs with degenerative myelopathy is approximately nine years of age. The disease affects the White Matter tissue of the spinal cord and is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) found in humans. Affected dogs usually present in adulthood with gradual muscle Atrophy and loss of coordination typically beginning in the hind limbs due to degeneration of the nerves. The condition is not typically painful for the dog but will progress until the dog is no longer able to walk. The gait of dogs affected with degenerative myelopathy can be difficult to distinguish from the gait of dogs with hip dysplasia, arthritis of other joints of the hind limbs, or intervertebral disc disease. Late in the progression of disease, dogs may lose faecal and urinary continence and the forelimbs may be affected. Affected dogs may fully lose the ability to walk 6 months to 2 years after the onset of symptoms. Affected medium to large breed dogs, such as the American Staffordshire Terrier, can be difficult to manage and owners often elect euthanasia when their dog can no longer support weight in the hind limbs.

The mutation of the SOD1 gene associated with degenerative myelopathy has been identified in American Staffordshire Terriers. The overall frequency of this disease in the breed and approximate age of disease onset are unreported for American Staffordshire Terriers. However, in one study of 24 American Staffordshire Terriers tested, 8.3% were carriers of the mutation and 29.2% were at-risk.

Genetic testing of the SOD1 gene in American Staffordshire Terriers will reliably determine whether a dog is a genetic Carrier of degenerative myelopathy. Degenerative Myelopathy is inherited in an Autosomal Recessive manner in dogs meaning that they must receive two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to develop the disease. In general, carrier dogs do not have features of the disease but when bred with another carrier of the same Mutation, there is a risk of having affected pups. Each pup that is born to this pairing has a 25% chance of inheriting the disease and a 50% chance of inheriting one copy and being a carrier of the SOD1 gene mutation. Reliable genetic testing is important for determining breeding practices. Because symptoms may not appear until adulthood and some at-risk/affected dogs do not develop the disease, genetic testing should be performed before breeding. Until the exact modifying environmental or genetic factor is determined, genetic testing remains the only reliable way to detect neurological disease associated with this mutation prior to death. In order to eliminate this mutation from breeding lines and to avoid the potential of producing affected pups, breeding of known carriers to each other is not recommended. American Staffordshire Terriers that are not carriers of the mutation have no increased risk of having affected pups.

Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)

This disease is currently being seen in Amstaffs, however there is no Amstaff specific test available as yet. Please read below from the Staffordshire Terrier Club of America regarding JLPP.

JLPP is a fatal hereditary degenerative neurological disease that affects puppies after weaning age,with symptoms usually appearing at about 3-4 months old. It begins with difficulty breathing which causes choking, aspiration, and possible pneumonia. It progresses to the hind limbs causing difficulty getting up, and wobbly gait and eventually spreads to the front limbs. There are a few breeds affected with this disease and among them are the Black Russian Terrier and Rottweiler. For these 2 breeds the trait is autosomal recessive and a test has been developed.

For a detailed description of the disease see this link on the Black Russian Terrier site: www.brtca.org/juvenile-laryngeal-paralysis-and-polyneurpathy.html, also visit the University of Missouri web page www.caninegeneticdiseases.net

The Health Committee just recently received some disturbing news that some people in the breed have been experiencing this disease in their AmStaffs over the past few years. We were contacted by a person who has had first hand experience with a few of her dogs affected with the disease. Her investigation led her to find out that there were many other cases in the breed but it was not being discussed. Finding out about the genetic test developed by the research team at the University of Missouri Veterinary School, she contacted them and submitted samples. It was determined that the AmStaff mutation was different from that of the BRT and Rottweiler. Through social media and word of mouth, she was able to discover that there were a good number of cases, most sharing similar lineage, both here in the US and overseas as well.

I am extremely grateful that we were given this information. As it was a difficult beginning when we started the ataxia project, the membership came together and helped our researcher Dr. Olby develop a test. We can do it again with everyone's help.

I have been in contact with Liz Hansen of the University of Missouri veterinary research team headed by Dr. Dennis O'Brien. Dr. O'Brien was instrumental in working with Dr. Olby on our ataxia research. Some of you may remember that he came to the National while the project was active and he gave a presentation on ataxia. The above link on the Black Russian Terrier Club of America website will also take you to a very informative video presentation he gave to their club on JLLP. I urge you to watch it and learn about the disease and research process.

Liz Hansen has agreed to work with us on a research project. There are a few samples at their lab but they need many more. We need your help with this. All information including pedigree data will remain confidential. Form and instruction sheet are attached below. Liz will need DNA from affected dogs, clinical report from the veterinarian or neurologist who diagnosed, samples from normal siblings, parents, and grandparents if possible, brief history of clinical signs and disease progression, and necropsy report if available. Genetic technology has improved since our last research project and I am hoping this can have a successful outcome before we are faced with a major widespread problem in our breed.

I have contacted Antagene and Biovet Labs and am waiting to hear if they have any additional information. I have also reached out to Dr. Olby to see if she can be of any assistance. As for funding, I have spoken with AKC Canine Health Foundation and we will work with them and the funding process. As we did with the ataxia project, the committee will help offset costs of necropsies associated with this research.

Contact information for Liz Hansen is ph#573-884-3712, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Her information and mailing address also appears on the attached sample handling page.

Please pass this information on to any AmStaff owner, member or non member, who may be able to help.
If you have any questions you can contact the health committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , tel#917-887-8760

click here for DNA Sample Handling | click here for DNA Sample

The American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Holland posted on Facebook on the 22nd May 2018

(The translation is a little dodgy, apologies)

On 8 December 2017, the astch called on its members to participate in the investigation of laryngeal paralysis / Polyneuropathy (LP) also known on the name juvenile laryngeal paralysis / Polyneuropathy (Jlpp)

What is Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis en juvenile Polyneuropathy (JLPP) ?
The free translation is paralyzed esophagus / larynx.
The result of this derogation is in most cases sleep around 7 months old, but sometimes dogs get older when they get food in special chairs.

The genetic form of this is a relatively newly discovered condition at the American Staffordshire Terrier, and thought relatively little to come.
There is no dna test available to test this, but scientists now assume that this disease, like cellebraire ataxia, is recessive vererft, in particular 2 dogs are very interested, namely: Sierra's little Abner and tippit's Andy.
In particular, the last one has incredibly many offspring in Europe, Northern Europe specifically (Tippit's was a dutch kennel of jos walstok in the 90 s).

We were already in contact with scientists from the university of Missouri, our sister organization in America, the stca and the genetic laboratory antagene in France.

Unfortunately, we were allowed to receive a letter last week from one of our members where it indicated that, after research by, among other things, the UV Ghent in merelbeke, they received this nasty disease.

They are now part of the study of the university of Missouri, and both the astch, the stca and the astcb (American Staffordshire Terrier Club Belgium) are fully informed and continue to be involved in the investigation.

We will post a medical article in the next magazine where explained what this condition is exactly content with other races, namely the Rottweiler and the black Russian terrier, and also we will publish the writing of our member.

If there are questions in the meantime, you can contact the astch health commission: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Below an information movie about jllp at a rottweiler pup:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=MsZKoE1jpYQ

And a link to a (English) article about jlpp at the Rottweiler:
https://www.amrottclub.org/sites/default/files/public/JLPP%20DNA%20Test_0.pdf

Current Research being done by the AKC Canine Health Foundation - http://www.akcchf.org/research/research-portfolio/02535-MOU.html

General

Eye Problems

Health Testing

Canine Hyperuricosuria (HUU)

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)