The American Kennel Club describes Doberman Pinschers (Dobes) as :
“A square, medium-sized dog,... muscular and possesses great endurance and speed. He is elegant in appearance and reflects great nobility and temperament. The properly bred and trained Doberman has proved itself to be a friend and guardian, and his intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training have brought him into demand as a police and war dog. The Doberman's short, hard coat can be black, red, blue and fawn. He is ready to give prompt alarm (and back up that warning) but is also affectionate, obedient and loyal. The breed requires regular daily exercise... Not all Dobermans have the same temperament. A Doberman Pinscher of correct breed temperament is trustworthy with his master's children, friends and company. The breed originated in Germany, around 1890, taking its name from Louis Dobermann of Apolda, a tax collector, who desired a medium size dog to perform as a guard dog as well as companion.”
A Doberman can be a wonderful addition to your family. However, owners of these dogs should be aware of certain health conditions to which they are predisposed so that steps may be taken to identify and treat problems early. Breeders should screen for certain conditions, such as DCM, vWD and hip dysplasia, and remove carriers of these genetic diseases from the breeding pool.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
DCM is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes weak and flabby, resulting in stretching of the heart walls and dilation of the heart chambers. Over time, the heart is not able to pump blood effectively and heart failure develops. Signs of heart failure may occur suddenly and often include: exercise intolerance, lethargy, weakness, cold limbs, decreased appetite, coughing, difficulty breathing, increased breathing rate, and/or fluid distended abdomen (ascites). Many dogs with DCM will develop arrhythmias, which may predispose an individual dog to a fatal arrhythmia and sudden death. Once heart failure has occurred prognosis is variable, but most Dobes live only a few weeks to months with treatment. Other breeds may survive up to 1 year or longer.
DCM is primarily found in large and giant breed dogs, American Cocker Spaniels, and some cats. Pets fed a taurine deficient diet may also develop DCM. DCM is particularly common in Dobes, and they are often used as the research model for this disease. About 25-50% of purebred Dobes eventually develop DCM. A genetic test is available to screen for the mutation that is believed to cause DCM in dogs (http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/vhc/csds/vcgl/documents/DCM.pdf). All Dobes intended for breeding should be screened for DCM first. Most affected dogs develop clinical heart disease or failure in middle age.
A four year study in Dobes with DCM published in 2012 showed that if affected dogs are diagnosed BEFORE they show symptoms of heart failure and are started on a heart medication called pimobendan, the onset of heart failure can be delayed by about 9 months compared to dogs that were not on pimobendan. Pimobendan treated dogs also had a median survival time of 5 months longer than untreated dogs. Tests used to screen for DCM include a combination of echocardiography, ECG, chest x-rays, proBNP testing, and genetic testing. Echocardiography is considered the gold standard to diagnose DCM, but is not readily available in all areas. For example, a dog is tested for the genetic mutation and is found to be a carrier. If echocardiography is available and affordable, one should be performed every year after he is 2-3 years of age. If echocardiography is not available or affordable, an ECG, proBNP blood test, and chest x-ray can be performed every year instead. Once DCM is diagnosed, he is started on pimobendan and monitored with regular ECGs and chest x-rays to detect the onset of arrhythmias and/or congestive heart failure. (additional medication will be prescribed once these develop). Because his condition was diagnosed and treated early, this dog will likely have later onset of heart failure and live longer than he otherwise would have.
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD)
vWD is a genetic bleeding disorder in which platelets do not effectively stick together to form a clot, resulting in prolonged or inappropriate bleeding. Dobes are predisposed to type 1 vWD, in which platelets do not form enough von Willebrand factor (a chemical that helps platelets stick together during clot formation). Bleeding severity varies by patient. Excessive or abnormal bleeding may be seen early in life (e.g. bleeding gums when the baby teeth fall out). Nose bleeds, bruising, bloody urine, dark or tarry stool, and swollen, painful joints may occur. Sometimes, excessive bleeding is not noted until after trauma or surgery.
A genetic screening test is available (http://www.vetgen.com/canine-vwd1.html) and recommended for Dobes intended for breeding. The amount of von Willebrand factor may be measured to diagnose this condition in dogs showing symptoms. A simple test called a buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT) is recommended for at-risk dogs before surgery to confirm normal clotting.
There is no cure for vWD. Plasma transfusions may be given during episodes of bleeding or before surgery. Dogs that carry the mutation should not be used for breeding. Without treatment, severely affected dogs may bleed to death following otherwise non-life threatening trauma or surgery. Mildly affected dogs may have increased bleeding tendencies that are managed by avoiding unnecessary drugs or surgery that may result in bleeding.
Chronic Hepatitis
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Over time, this inflammation can lead to scarring and loss of liver function. This disease can affect any dog, but Dobes, Labs, Cocker Spaniels, and German Shepherds are at higher risk. Chronic hepatitis typically occurs in middle-aged to older dogs. Causes include certain infections, certain drugs, or attack by the immune system on the liver for unknown reasons. In most cases the disease has been present for a long time without the dog showing symptoms, and by the time it is detected the damage to the liver is so extensive it is no longer possible to identify the initiating cause. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting. With severe compromise in liver function, jaundice (yellowing of the skin, gums, and whites of the eyes), ascites (fluid distended abdomen), and behavior changes may occur.
Yearly blood work is recommended for all middle-aged to older dogs, especially at-risk breeds, to screen for liver disease and other health problems. A liver biopsy may be recommend for dogs with abnormal liver blood values. If the cause of hepatitis is identified, treatment is aimed toward the cause. If the cause is unknown, treatment is aimed at supporting the liver, reducing inflammation, and ameliorating clinical signs. Chronic hepatitis is usually irreversible, gradually worsens over time, and may or may not be life-limiting. Most dogs with ascites caused by chronic hepatitis die within 1 year of diagnosis.
Flank Sucking
Flank sucking is a behavior problem almost exclusively seen in Dobermans. It involves the dog putting its open mouth on its flank (side of abdomen) and holding this position for extended periods of time. The hair may become wet, but there is generally no damage to the skin or coat. This behavior may begin after a stressful event and tends to stop again after the dog’s routine and environment returns to normal. It is believed that this condition is genetic, as it occurs in certain family lines. Increased exercise and a rigid, predictable daily schedule are usually sufficient to control flank sucking behavior. Anti-anxiety medications may be recommended until a low stress environment can be achieved. Physical restraint, such as confining the dog to a small crate, is not recommended.
Color Dilution Alopecia
Color dilution alopecia is a genetic condition seen in some color dilute dogs, including fawn (dilution of brown) and blue (dilution of black) Dobermans. Other breeds, such as Yorkies, Min Pins, Dachshunds, Bostons, Chihuahuas, and Great Danes, may also be affected. With this condition, the follicles of color dilute hairs do not form normally and eventually degenerate. Affected dogs appear normal at birth, but start to lose hair at 6 months to 2 years of age. Coat thinning may progress to partial or complete alopecia (baldness), with only the color dilute portions of the body being affected. For example, in a Doberman, the eyebrows, muzzle, and distal limbs where normal tan hairs are located are not affected. Secondary skin infection is common and should be treated. Testing may also be recommended to rule out other causes of hair loss, such as hormone imbalances, parasites or allergies. Care must be taken to prevent further trauma and breakage of affected hairs (i.e. Avoid vigorous scratching, rubbing, or lathering of coat, especially during bathing. Instead, try to stroke the coat in the direction of hair growth). No specific treatment is available to reverse or prevent further hair loss. However, this is primarily a cosmetic problem and does not negatively affect the dog’s quality of life.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition most commonly seen in large and giant breed dogs, including Dobes. It occurs when the tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the hips do not grow as fast as the bones, which leads to hip joint laxity and instability. Factors that contribute to hip dysplasia include genetics, diet, weight, and activity. Symptoms that may be seen in puppies are associated with hip joint laxity and include reluctance to jump, “bunny hopping” or “hula dancing” gait in the rear limbs while walking, and hip pain. The laxity in the hip joint will eventually lead to hip arthritis, which is what causes symptoms in adults.
Large or giant breed dogs, or dogs with symptoms of hip dysplasia, should have x-rays performed. This is especially important in dogs intended for breeding, as hip dysplasia is genetic. Animals known to have hip dysplasia should not be bred. Large and giant breed puppies should be fed a good quality, low calorie large breed puppy food until 18 months of age to help reduce their risk of joint disease. Maintaining a lean body weight, joint supplements, pain medication, and low impact exercise can be used to manage hip dysplasia and arthritis in affected dogs.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
GDV, or bloat, is a life-threatening emergency in which the dog’s stomach becomes distended with fluid, food or gas and twists so that escape of this material cannot occur. Pinching of blood vessels may cause irreversible damage to the spleen and stomach. Shock and cardiac arrhythmias are common and may cause death. Large, deep-chested dogs (e.g. Dobes, German Shepherds, Rotties, Great Danes, etc) are predisposed. The exact cause of GDV is unknown, but contributing factors include: breed, genetics, swallowing air, stress, eating large volumes of food, eating food quickly, high fat diets, and exercise soon after eating. Signs include restlessness, retching/dry heaving, drooling, and a distended or painful abdomen. Diagnosis is confirmed with x-rays. Affected dogs should be taken to a veterinarian immediately for emergency stabilization and surgery. Many dogs recover well if GDV is diagnosed and treated promptly. Prognosis is poor in animals with severe organ damage, arrhythmias, or secondary infections. At risk animals should be fed multiple small meals (versus one large meal) of a moderate to low fat food. Special food bowls and puzzle toys may be used to slow down fast eaters. A gastropexy (tacking of the stomach to the abdominal wall) may be performed prophylactically during the time of spay or neuter in large breed puppies to prevent twisting of the stomach should bloat occur.