CATARACTS and EYE PROBLEMS:

Here is a brief background of inherited cataracts and the screening tests which are recommended.

Hereditary Cataracts (HC)

These are found within the breed throughout the world, and is a condition not specific to German Pinschers. In European countries where testing is mandatory, HC appear broadly within the breed and it can be assumed that it's frequency is no less common in a less tested population. To really know the total impact on our breed, testing of breeding pairs is strongly encouraged. The Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) is an organization, dedicated to canine eye health. They have a network of Certified Ophthalmologists who perform a standardized examination, and maintain a database of the results. If your dog is not afflicted with Hereditary Cataracts, or other serious inherited eye disorders, a number is issued to "certify" that your dog is clear of inherited eye disease. Since many eye conditions are an evolving problem, these exams are only valid for one year. Breeding animals, are  recommended that a current exam is done on each parent of all litters produced, and thereafter every few years as these dogs age, since some HC will not develop until after the age of five or six years. We provide a copy of the exam sheet, and how to read it here. Again, this does not guarantee that your dog will not develop cataracts, but finding parents and grandparents free of this condition certainly will give an indication of the potential for these to develop. Here is the 2009 ACVO report for the German Pinscher, compliments of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO).Click here for 2008 CERF statistics.   Click here for the 2010 AVCO Report.

All dogs chosen for breeding should have a current CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) examination, and be certified by CERF as to not being affected with inherent eye disease. The bluish eye tints of some elderly German Pinschers are not cataracts; it is normal aging of the eye lenses. Cataracts can cause blindness quickly, can cause blindness slowly, or not cause it at all. Some cataracts do not significantly impair vision nor ever progress. Cataracts can appear in different locations on one or both eyes. Surgical correction of cataracts is best done before cataracts become mature. This makes annual CERF exams especially important.
NOTE: Please make sure that dogs you intend to breed are tested.

ALERT: If your dog has been tested for CERF, do not forget to send in your completed form (directions are on it). Your dog will not be certified if you do not do this. The form allows you to designate whether you wish to make the results public knowledge or not. Given an OK for results to be made public, certified dogs will be automatically posted to OFA (no extra charge).

How to read an Eye Exam Report

CERF or Canine Eye Registration Foundation
CERF Report for 1998-2004
CERF Results for 2005

 

EARS This is a breed where cropping the ears or leaving them natural is allowed for in their AKC Standard.  North America is one of the few areas where cropping and docking is still the normal. Please click here for help on taping the cropped ear. There can be a few problems with ears that the cropped and natural dog experiences throughout life. Ear Margin Vasculitis is a condition of ear(pinnae) margins, (tips, edges) where the tiny vessels on the edges of the ears suffer insult, and can lead to ischemia (blood starved) areas, which can lead to necrotic areas (tissue death) If this process is not interrupted with treatment, the ear edges can turn black, hard, and leathery. Once this stage has been reached, cracking and bleeding can occur, requiring immediate treatment. Some potential causes follow: Cold can constrict the tiny blood vessels and result in this effect on the edges of natural and cropped ears. This can result with the development of necrotic areas on the ear leather.  Reactions to Rabies vaccinination is felt by some as a cause of this condition. There is a congestion of the small capillaries from this allergic reaction which decreases circulation to the ear margin area. This is seen more in natural ears but not limited to them. There are currently ongoing studies on this type vaccine reaction. If your dog is a frequent violent head shaker, it is felt that the (natural) ears can strike against objects, collars, leashes, etc, or even the side of their heads, causing a similar condition.  Routinely note the edges of your German Pinscher ears for discolored, (red or bruised looking) areas, or areas that feel swollen or hard along the edges. This is an early sign of this chronic process.  In this early stage, massaging with vasoline will help keep the tissue soft, and increase circulation in the tiny capillaries on the ear edge. More detail on Ear Margin Vasculitis Consult your vet for problems and advise/instruction for keeping the ears clean.