Heart Committee Reports
(As submitted to the PWDCA Board)

PWDCA, Inc. Heart Committee Report

The PWDCA Heart Committee continues to participate with the researchers at the University of Pennsylvania who are working towards developing a DNA test to determine carriers of Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Dr. Paula Henthorn has recently requested approximately 100 DNA cheek swab samples from a random sampling of Portuguese Water Dogs. Her intention is to “blindly” compare this sampling to the DNA database they already have to establish similarities and to confirm that what they are finding is consistent with other dogs in the breed.

Keystone PWD Club, Nutmeg PWD Club, and Greater Chicagoland PWD Club have volunteered to collect DNA cheek swab samples for Dr. Henthorn at their April, 2007 Eye Clinics.

Committee members Carol Mattingley and Carolyn Iraggi continue to monitor the puppies from JDCM test breedings which have been placed over the past few years in permanent homes. These Peagles as well as some PWD’s are doing very well and are in loving homes where their natural PWD qualities endear them to their adoptive families. At this time there is only one test litter and only two puppies from that litter who will be going to new homes. Carol and Carolyn are to be commended for the extraordinary amount of time they spend caring for these puppies, finding them permanent homes, and in doing the follow up work needed to keep tabs on their well being. There are also temporary foster homes who take these puppies until they’re six months old and ready to be placed in their adoptive homes. Our sincere thanks to these dedicated volunteers.

Heart Committee member Dr. Erin Mayfield compiled an article on Pulmonic Stenosis for the January-February, 2007 issue of The COURIER. It was a comprehensive look at the disease and is highly recommended for reading by breeders and owners as this problem is being seen more frequently in our breed.

Another heart problem that is being seen more frequently in PWD’s is Patent Ductus Arteriosus, known as PDA. The Heart Committee has aan educational article coming out in the March-April issue of The COURIER about PDA. In just the fall of 2006, four PWD’s were reported to have the problem as well as many more over the prior years. There may be many more out there affected with PDA. Heart murmurs are the most common sign that a PDA exists. It is important for breeders and owners to read the article and familiarize themselves with this often correctible disease.

More informative articles relating to heart problems in the PWD are planned for publication in upcoming issues of The COURIER.

The PWDCA Heart Committee continues to maintain a presence on the PWDCA website. Information on JDCM, including a list of known carriers, is available as well as descriptions of the many other heart problems being reported in the breed.

PWDCA Heart Committee
Carol Mattingley, Co-Chair
Maryanne Murray, Co-Chair
Carolyn Iraggi
Dr. Erin Mayfield
Dr. Richard Lowy