While generally healthy, the Wirehaired Vizsla is susceptible to certain health issues that affect many breeds. Responsible breeders can utilize both Clinical Screening & DNA tests available to ensure the puppies they produce are healthy.

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DNA Tests
DNA tests can show whether an individual dog is genetically clear (no copies of the disease gene), a carrier (one copy of the disease gene) or affected (two copies of the disease gene) for a particular condition or disease. This is very useful information for breeders and breeding advice will vary according to the disease/condition in question. By utilizing current DNA testing puppies can effectively be cleared by parentage if both Sire & Dam are found to be genetically clear. DNA testing available for diseases that affect the Wirehaired Vizsla: HUU and ECLE.

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Canine Hyperuricosuria (HUU)
Hyperuricosuria 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. Hyperuricosuria is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive trait. A DNA test for this specific mutation can determine if dogs are normal or if they carry one or two copies of the mutation. Dogs that carry two copies of the mutation will be affected and susceptible to develop bladder/kidney stones. Samples are obtained by non invasive means using a buccal swab (cheek swab). For more information about DNA testing through AKC's new DNA Program, click HERE or for using The University of California, Davis click HERE.

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Exfoliative Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (ECLE)

Recently, the WVCA made an announcement about an autoimmune disease that recently appeared in our breed. Exfoliative Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (ECLE), is one of the four presentations of lupus in dogs. This form was previously found to only affect German Shorthair Pointers and Vizslas; it was not known in our breed. The condition is characterized by skin scaling and hair loss that starts on the ears, muzzle, and back. These scales spread to the legs, chest, and abdomen. In severe cases, the scales can become ulcerated and crusted over. Dogs may show signs of pain and lameness. Proteinuria can occur as well (confirmed in one biopsied, affected Wirehaired Vizsla). In German Shorthairs, the condition usually presents in the first months of life or very early in adulthood and symptoms can come and go. Some dogs also have intermittent fever and lymph nodes may be affected. Diagnosis can be determined through blood testing and
confirmed with skin biopsy. Because of the severity of the disease in many GSPs, and the limitations of treatment which only attempts to manage symptoms, euthanasia by 3 years of age is often the final outcome to relieve suffering.
At this time, the WVCA is aware of two dogs with confirmed ECLE by skin biopsy as well as two others with DNA Affected status and presenting with symptoms. While these dogs are symptomatic, their disease is not as severe as it appears to occur in GSPs and their symptoms are manageable. Another difference seen in some cases in our breed is presentation of the disease occurred far later in life (age 3) than the age it most commonly presents in GSPs. We are hopeful that this initial difference of reduced symptoms means that disease may be less severe in our breed than it appears to be in others, but later onset could make it more challenging to make wise
breeding decisions without testing. Several other dogs that are related to these dogs have been tested and carriers have been found. In addition, there is one other unrelated dog that tested as a carrier.
Even though the presentation of this disease in the Wirehaired Vizsla appears to not be a fatal diagnosis, the WVCA feels it is imperative to find out how prevalent the genes for ECLE are in our population. This is still a life altering condition that leads to pain and discomfort for the dog, and lifelong symptom management for the owner. It will be very valuable to the WVCA as we are making decisions about breeding test requirements if we can have any owner, whether breeding or not, test their dog and share their results with the WVCA Health Committee. Any shared results will be kept anonymous. Testing for this is available through the AKC DNA Program. 

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Clinical Screening Tests

Used to determine inherited disorders caused by a number of different genes or environmental factors, dogs are tested for these conditions by your local Veterinarian or a Veterinarian Specialist. The most common clinical screening tests used by breeders in conditions that may exist in the Wirehaired Vizsla:

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• Elbow Dysplasia

• Hip Dysplasia

• Sub Aorta Stenosis

• Glaucoma

• Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

• Persistent Pupillary Membrane

• Cataracts

 

Other conditions that may affect Wirehaired Vizslas and common in many breeds:

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• Entropion

• Ectropion

• Distichiasis

• Epilepsy

• Autoimmune Diseases

• Hypothyroidism​

• Cancer

 

Please visit the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for more information about these conditions.