Dear Devastated: Hypertropic osteodystrophy, a developmental disorder of the long bones in young giant breeds, is one of an number of “osteopathy diseases” which can, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, “be developmental, infectious, idiopathic, nutritional, or due to bone tumors or trauma.” HOD is considered idiopathic, which is described in the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary as “arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause.”

Reputable breeders do everything in their power to sell healthy puppies. Illness that pops up from unknown causes is hard to prevent. To answer your question about the breeder’s responsibilities you need to ask first, “Is this breeder a member of the Great Dane Club of America?” If so, what does the club’s code of ethics say regarding breeder responsibilities and what actions are taken if a member violates the code. Visit http://www.gdca.org/codeofethics.htm to read the complete code of ethics. Below is a sampling, from their website, of the ethical behavior expected of a GDCA member-breeder:

uKeep well informed in the field of genetics and work to eliminate hereditary defects from the breed.

uSell dogs in good condition, health and sound temperament at time of delivery. They shall be free of internal parasites to the best knowledge of the seller; will have received the necessary inoculations to date; a record of dates and types of immunizations will be given; and a health certificate provided if required. Written instructions on the feeding, health care, training and any other information necessary for the dog’s well being (e.g. ear crop care) will be made available after the sale to assist the new owner.

uProvide the buyer with copies of all pre-screenings done on both parents to assure the buyer that every possible effort has been made to produce puppies free of hereditary problems.

uProvide and honor all contracts regarding sales, co-ownerships, breeding rights, agreements, compensation for future puppies, leasing a bitch, stud service, etc.

According to the last item, breeders should honor their contracts. What does your friend’s contract state regarding sick puppies? Many contracts require new owners to take a newly purchased puppy to their vet within 72 hours to verify its health. Some breeders will refund a purchase price if a pup turns up in poor health, despite the breeder doing all the necessary health screening before breeding. Others will offer a replacement puppy from an upcoming litter. Each breeder will act according to his or her own standards and ethics in dealing with the puppy-buying public. After all it is a reflection of their morals and level of commitment to every puppy they produce. Unless the contract explicitly states what will happen if a puppy turns up ill, say before its first birthday, the owner may well be left to the discretion of the breeder as how to resolve the situation.

Lisa’s Pick of the Litter

In the December 2003 issue of Dog Fancy magazine, I came across an advertisement for a “canine behavior modification plug-in” as a solution to holiday stress for you and your dog. To combat unwanted behaviors like barking, chewing, whimpering, wining and other lapses in housebreaking, a product called Comfort Zone with D.A.P. (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) is now available from Farnam Pet Products.

This device is similar to air freshener plug-ins and emits “a synthetic pheromone that mimics the pheromone of a lactating female dog. By replicating this signal of comfort, D.A.P. helps alleviate fear and stress related behaviors.” according to their ad. For more information visit: www.farnampet.com.

Now, if someone could only come up with a plug-in to get our human family members to pick-up after themselves around the house! Something with a name such as Tidy Zone with H.N.P (Human Neatness Pheromone) may sell like hot cakes!

Lisa Peterson, a breeder and exhibitor of Norwegian Elkhounds, is a Delegate to the American Kennel Club. Send questions to ask@lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.