Name of the dog: Moonlight's Quest

Sire: Hylowe's Moonlight Storm

Dam: Richelle's Luv-N-Shadow

Owner: Erskine/Richelle Spencer

Breeder:

Checklist of common diseases:

  Yes No
Cancer
          Mammary
          Hemangiosarcoma
          Other


 
X
X
X
Digestive system
          EPI
          IBD
          Perianal fistulas		  
X
X
X
Endocrine System
          Addison's disease
          Hypothyroidism

 
X
X
Heart and Vascular system diseases   X
Immune system diseases   X
Skin diseases X  
Liver/Pancreatic   X
Skeletal diseases
           Elbow dysplasia
          Hip dysplasia
          Intervertebral disc disease
          Lumbosacral stenosis
          Panosteitis
          Spondylosis
X
X
X


X



X
X
 
Neurological conditions
           GSD degenerative myelopathy		  
X
Ocular diseases
          Cataracts
          Pannus
          Corneal dystrophy		  
X
X
X
Non-genetic symptoms/side effects of other conditions
          Arthritis (DJD)
          Bladder atony
          Megacolon
X

 

X
X

Another brave and committed owner volunteered her dog for necropsy at MSU.  On April 5, I met Gloria and her daughter, Richelle, at MSU to complete the paperwork for Quest, an eleven-year old gorgeous White Shepherd out of Gloria's beloved Storm—also in our necropsy database.

Quest was euthanized because of loss of control of hind quarters.

His final diagnosis included:
Spondylosis (multifocal bridging spondylosis)
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4
Elbow Dysplasia/DJD severe
Hip Dysplasia/DJD mild
Spinal cord compression which explains the hind quarters problem.
Arthritis (stifles)
Skin problems, specifically lip-fold dermatitis, chronic, and "Haired Skin:  Focally extensive moderate severe plasmacytic dermatitis.

Comments included:  Mild CNS degenerative changes likely due to age and mild spinal cord compression.  Heart and Vascular System diseases was checked off (and has been on other dogs), but it appears the conditions are not genetic and are due to aging.

Be aware that the skin problems were nothing that Gloria had any indication even existed. 

This is not the first time Gloria has called me to be prepared to take one of her dogs on this last journey and I know it won't be the last.  Thank you Gloria!  Your commitment to our breed is appreciated.  We can keep learning from our dogs to help the future of the breed.

Please, anyone who has a dog with a dead tail, obvious digestive problems as evidenced by poor eating or absorption, difficulty with hind quarters, skin conditions, or "anything" else, contact me for paperwork so that you are prepared to do your part for the breed when the time comes.  You can also contact other owners  who have already gone through this for their suggestions and their emotional support.