Kochiken genetic problems, Japanese-based data
So I did just a quick search of problems for Kochiken on Japanese sites today, and this is what I came up with so far. Mind you, this is public data, and not through talking with a breeder. We have found no serious breeders in Japan yet that have websites and instead they request a phone call. Being 12 hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast, we obviously cannot call at 3pm Eastern time.. so we will call later.
Anyway, this is the preliminary data on problems in Shikokuken, via the Shikoku enthusiast group/websites based in Japan..
- Shikoku ken should be fed at least partially with high nutrient fish, if not a fish based diet. Part of this reason for this is that Shikoku in their history had fish as a large, daily part of their diet and thus do not have a need to store DHA very well. Not having a good source of DHA is said to contribute to early onset dementia/Alzheimer-like behavior in later years in Shikokuken. Which, by the way, is listed as having a 13-15 year life expectancy versus the US one (which is lower, I think, the last time I checked).
- Shikoku have a tendency for skin problems.
Not much more was said about the skin issue, and we have not yet searched for published data on any of the above mentioned problems. They may be colloquial in nature, but its worth feeding at least some fish since it's not a great inconvenience for most. If your dog is on Orijen 6fish or Acana Pacifica or anything like that, that should be fine.
I will update more, as I find out more...
Anyway, this is the preliminary data on problems in Shikokuken, via the Shikoku enthusiast group/websites based in Japan..
- Shikoku ken should be fed at least partially with high nutrient fish, if not a fish based diet. Part of this reason for this is that Shikoku in their history had fish as a large, daily part of their diet and thus do not have a need to store DHA very well. Not having a good source of DHA is said to contribute to early onset dementia/Alzheimer-like behavior in later years in Shikokuken. Which, by the way, is listed as having a 13-15 year life expectancy versus the US one (which is lower, I think, the last time I checked).
- Shikoku have a tendency for skin problems.
Not much more was said about the skin issue, and we have not yet searched for published data on any of the above mentioned problems. They may be colloquial in nature, but its worth feeding at least some fish since it's not a great inconvenience for most. If your dog is on Orijen 6fish or Acana Pacifica or anything like that, that should be fine.
I will update more, as I find out more...
Comments
The thing is I'm having some difficulty finding the technical words for some genetic problems like LP or HD in Japanese. I don't have a dictionary comprehensive enough, or a medical dictionary, in order to find the word, and I don't know it from common use.
I'm thinking to give some breeders a call sometimes this week and find out what they know about any problems, including dementia or other neurological or genetic problems.
Hip Dysplasia: 股関節形成不全
Elbow Dysplasia: 肘関節形成不全
Luxating Patella: 膝蓋骨脱臼
PRA： 進行性網膜萎縮症
Hope that helps.
I love your blog. Awesome pictures!
As for skin problems probably largely based on diet/nutrition. Which is why I keep my Shikoku on a fish-based diet. It is what has worked out best for them I've found.
Thanks for looking up the Japanese Shikoku database!
*** Edit - I don't know how I missed this! I just realized this was originally posted June 17th, lol. I swear, I've been here the whole time! I need to start looking at catergories individually rather then on the Discussion pages. Wow...
From what I've been reading, they're a rather hardy dog. I don't see why the life expectancy is so low, especially when I think about the fact that they are medium-sized dogs.. generally they tend to live longer than large dogs. Even Lantis (our dobe) is 13 now and Dobermans have a number of known health problems. Plus, Lantis came from a shady BYB .. :S
- Kochiken have propensity towards food-related allergies that will show themselves through shedding too much or tear stains. But from my knowledge, this is common to all breeds especially when fed low-quality diets filled with fillers or common allergens like corn. So it's always important to feed a high quality, preferably fish based, diet.
- Kochiken have genetic disposition towards an unspecified nerve problem/pain. I have yet to learn more about the specific cause or even name of the problem, but it's something we'll delve into more through other emails.
- I asked specifically about LP and HD, but she didn't address them in her reply. She might have overlooked them, or they aren't common problems. I'm sure some dogs do have these problems (like all dog breeds do) but perhaps occur rarely so as to not cause concern. But I'll follow up on it and inquire as to testing or screening.
I've also thought about contacting the FCI or JKC representative and inquiring about general availability of screenings and the popularity of them..
Ms. Mito requested that better information could be gotten if I would Skype her, so perhaps this weekend if I'm not busy, I'll actually sit down and do that (if I can find my microphone..)
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Mura and Mike are parents.