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• Education Study
• Important Anesthetic Information
• Combined AMTC/CMTC Thyroid Survey Results
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• AKC Canine Health Foundation

Health Issues

Breeding Strategy / Anesthetic

Generally, Manchester Terriers are an extremely healthy breed but there are some things you should be aware of, especially regarding breeding.

Manchester Terriers (Standard and Toy Varieties) and Von Willebrand's Disease (vWD). Dogs of many breeds can be affected with von Willebrand's disease. Some breeds have a higher incidence than others, including Doberman Pinschers, Scottish Terriers, Airedales, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Manchester Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers and Shetland Sheepdogs. The condition has been identified in more than 50 breeds of dogs.

Von Willebrand's disease is an inherited bleeding disorder that results from reduced concentrations of a specific protein called von Willebrand's factor. This substance plays an important role in the adherence of platelets, the cells that normally help blood clot, to collagen, a protein exposed by injury to blood vessels. Dogs with von Willebrand's disease may bleed spontaneously, most frequently from the nose, the mouth, and the urinary tract. More frequently, affected dogs bleed only when there is a stimulus for bleeding, such as an injury or surgery.

Von Willebrand's disease is identified by type: TYPE I & TYPE II according to the type and presence of different components of the von Willebrand's factor, called multimers. Type I, (which affects Manchester Terriers) von Willebrand's disease, all the different multimers are present, but in concentrations that are below normal. This type is the most common form of the disease and is characterized by bleeding from the mouth, nose, and urinary tract. Although spontaneous bleeding may not occur, excessive hemorrhage may be seen during elective procedures such as dentistries, ear cropping or tail cropping, spaying, and castration.

There are three classifications of Type I vWD in the Manchester Terrier: Clear, Carrier, Affected.

1. Clear: the gene is not present, therefore, will not pass the gene along to offspring.
2. Carrier: one copy of the gene is present but are not at risk for medical complications concerning the bleeding factor. They will pass on the gene 50% of the time.
3. Affected: two copies of the gene are present. Potential excessive bleeding can occur during some medical procedures. The gene will be passed to it's offspring.

Hopefully, we'll someday eliminate this disease from the breed with dedicated and responsible breeding practices and DNA testing. Before you plan/breed your next litter, please take advantage of this information and new DNA test kits available for vWD.

Breeding Strategies

Visit VetGen for More Information Regarding vWD.

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So You Want To Breed Your Bitch
(Word Format)
Permission to reprint from Sheltie International

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ANESTHETICS

What Anesthetic Should Be Used On Manchester Terriers And Why

The concern over anesthetic safety has been, still is and always will be a concern. Complications from the anesthetic agent are more common than complications from the surgical or dental procedure. Modern medicine has markedly improved the safety of the anesthetic agents. To make them truly safe, a thorough understanding of their actions is essential.

A study done at Cornell University Veterinary School, noted there are differences in how some breeds of dogs metabolize premeds (preloads) and anesthetics, with "leaner" dogs with active metabolisms being more at risk. The Manchester Terrier is one breed of dogs that is at RISK.

A Manchester Terrier should not be given premeds. They should be gassed straight down - (this is a little more difficult for the Veterinarian, but better than losing the dog on the table). Sensitive breeds do not metabolize an initial premed sedative out of the bloodstream quickly enough. When gas or injected anesthetic is administered, it causes a doubling up of the anesthetic load, resulting in depression of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

Some of the most common factors that need to be considered when selecting an anesthetic are the following:
1. Age of the patient
2. Pre-existing problems of the patient (liver disease, kidney insufficiency, cardiac irregularities, etc.)
3. Rate of induction (how rapidly can the patient be anesthetized)
4. Speed of recovery
5. Affects to heart rate and rhythm
6. Affects on blood pressure
7. Overall safety to the patient and the hospital staff
8. Cost
~~~Isoflurane~~~
Is the newest of the gas anesthetic agents, and is considered by many to be the anesthetic of choice. This is especially true for the young, the geriatric and the critically ill patient. It is a very volatile gas which makes for very rapid induction and rapid recovery of the Manchester Terrier as a patient. The amount of isoflurane that is absorbed by the body tissues and has to be metabolized by the body (mainly the liver and kidney) is only 0.7%. This is 100 times less than halothane and 300 times less than methoxyflurane (metoghane). This makes it much safer for the liver and kidneys and these organs have much less to do in breaking down absorbing anesthetic, making it the anesthetic of choice for the Manchester Terrier.

Some disadvantages of isoflurane are:
1. The affect it has on lowering blood pressure
2. Need of close monitoring because of its high vaporization rate
3. Cost

* * * It is very important that the Manchester Terrier be well hydrated prior to and during the time, the anesthetic is being given. Water should NEVER be restricted prior to surgeries, in Manchester Terriers. Intravenous fluid administration is recommended for surgeries lasting longer than 20 minutes. We ask for hydration intravenously during procedures of any length.

A Manchester Terrier should be awake and normal within 10 minutes after Surgery.

Please click on the link below for a printed version of the above information regarding the use of anesthetics during surgical procedures.

Anesthetic Information
(Word Format)

 

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