14.11.2014
J.H.C. Brooijmans-Schallenberg, veterinarian and judge
Translated by E.Gordeeva
The caudal vertebrae belong to the spine, and the spine is part of the skeleton. The formation of the skeleton begins in a rather early stage of embryonic development, in the mesoderm stage. Also at this stage of the mesoderm, the development of the vascular system, including the heart, the muscular system and the urinary / genital systems, begins.
The full development of a fertilized egg into a newborn puppy and the subsequent growth of the animal is determined by hereditary factors. Studying the development of the mouse's spine, scientists noted that about 20 hereditary factors are responsible for the development of the skeleton. This is a fairly complex process, so it is obvious that something can go wrong.
Mutations are not uncommon. That's why there are defects in the genome. If this happens in the genes, then the defects are then transmitted in the offspring. Genetic defects do not always manifest themselves in the phenotype. There are many reasons for this. The path of inheritance (recessive or dominant) is one of them, but also the interaction between various kinds of hereditary factors takes place. The number of heterogenesis is important. variability / variability in the genotype.
Deformities of the vertebrae of the tail are defects in the skeleton. They can be different in form, and depend on a defect in the genotype. The tail can be completely removed, or be too short with a rather blunt end (like a bobtail). The tail can have one or more bends (knots) in different variations, hooks and kinks. Sometimes you get too little or too many vertebrae, sometimes even twice. We saw defects in the middle of the dorsal column. Curved tails may appear a few weeks after birth.
When the deformation is limited to the tail, then this has no effect on the life of the dog, it can be a happy dog. But with the pedigree use of the "small defect" of this dog can give much more serious consequences for his descendants. Not only in the tails, but in other parts of the spine. There are dogs born with the deformed vertebrae of the neck, chest, back and waist. There are also examples of puppies with a separate sky, hydrocephalus, skewed jaws, deformed ribs, too large or too small a number of fingers, too short legs (from the knee to the foot).
As a result of interactions between different hereditary factors, defects in other organs and systems that originate in the mesoderm may occur. Examples are persistent embryonic blood vessels, defects of the septum, ureter, absence of anus and cloaca. These defects are always referred to as congenital non-inherited defects. Probably so, but when it is not proved that this is a non-hereditary defect, we must be reinsured and assume that the hereditary components play a role in this matter. The opposite opinion "show me that this is inherited" can be very dangerous for the breed.
The relationship between these deformations in organ systems and curved tails found in parents or relatives of both parents has been proved in a number of cases. These deformations are also observed in other species, namely, in guinea pigs and mice. In mice, it is proved by scientific research.
It's pretty irresponsible to breed dogs with curved tails, which means - the tail where the vertebrae are not in a straight line, but rather curve and deformed. It goes without saying that the same applies to curved backs, deformation of ribs, crooked jaws, short legs and a lack / excess of fingers.
Judges are required to consider a dog that is judged very carefully and, especially tail. Defects of the skeleton, as well as other health problems and the welfare of the dog or its offspring should always be noted for additional information for breeders and owners. These dogs should never be judged to be of the highest quality. This is actually a deviation from the correct image of the dog.
Breeders especially those that are interested in the breed, be very vigilant to the tails of newborn puppies. They (breeders) should keep records, and they should inform the future owner. A note about "not tribal" restriction in the pedigree of such dogs is recommended.
When we all are responsible for breeding, it means that we are concerned about the health and well-being of our dogs now and in the future.