OUR MISSION
The mission of The Berner Garde Foundation is to improve the health of Bernese Mountain Dogs and reduce genetic disease.
The desire is for all Bernese Mountain Dogs to live long and healthy lives.
Every Bernese Mountain Dog can contribute to the mission of Berner Garde by being entered in the database with ongoing updates of health data to include date and cause of death.
Together we can do extraordinary things! If you need help getting your Berner added or updated please contact the Education Chair: Erica Hartt tenacity bmd @ gmail.com
Diseases and other health concerns
known to affect Bernese Mountain Dogs
Allergies Bernese Mountain Dogs can suffer from both food and environmental allergies. It is now know but there may be a heritable component to allergies. Ask your breeder if they are aware of allergy issues in the pedigree you are looking to get a puppy from.
Autoimmune Disease Autoimmune disease is when the body mistankenly attacks healthy tissue causing inflammation and damage. Aseptic Meningitis and Irritable Bowl Disease are two that are know in Berners.
Bloat This condition can happen very fast and immediate treatment is required to safe the dog's life. With bloat, the dog's stomach fills with gas. It can then twist which is called volvulus. The twist can cut off blood supply to organs and requires immediate emergency surgery.
Bloat Chart
Cancer Various types of cancer continue to be a challenge for the breed. There are various cancers that are prevalent in Bernese Mountain Dogs. The number one killer of these dogs is Histiocytic Sarcoma which is heritable. A test has been developed to assist breeders in making mate selections that have the probability to produce more Bernese less likely to get this cancer. Histiocyctic Sarcoma is a very aggressive cancer that is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal histiocytes. Tumors can form in the bones, joints, skin, spleen, liver, lungs and lymph nodes. Prognosis is very poor. Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer of the blood vessels. It's an aggressive cancer, often found in the spleen, heart, liver, or skin. The tumors have a tendency to rupture. This type of cancer is known for its rapid growth and potential for metastasis. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates from lymphocytes. The lymph nodes, bone marrow and spleen are most commonly effected. There are various types and some are more responsive to treatment than others. Mast Cell Tumors are the most common type of skin cancer in dogs. The tumors originate from mast cells which are a normal part of the immune system.
Cataracts Cataracts can be identified in Bernese by canine ophthalmologists. Depending on the type, they may or may not cause problems with vision. Owners can have their dog's eyes checked by a canine ophthalmologist throughout their dog's life.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) DM is a progressive, fatal neurological disease in dogs, similar to ALS in humans, that affects the spinal cord, causing gradual weakness and paralysis of the hind limbs that eventually progresses to the entire body. The disease has a genetic basis, is typically diagnosed in older dogs, and is characterized by symptoms like hind limb weakness, incoordination, and difficulty walking, but it is not typically painful. There is no cure for DM, but treatment focuses on supportive care such as physical therapy to maintain mobility and quality of life, though the disease is ultimately fatal. Two different genetic mutations have been identified in Berners. A cheek swab test can be done to check for these mutations.
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to looseness and pain. It's common in larger breeds and is a significant cause of arthritis in dogs. While genetic, environmental factors like diet, exercise, and growth rate can influence its severity.
Sub-aortic Stenosis (SAS) is a congenital heart defect in dogs where a fibrous ring forms below the aortic valve, narrowing the passageway for blood to flow out of the heart. SAS is hereditary in some breeds likely including Berners.
Entropion and Ectropion Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or hairs to rub against the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye). This can lead to irritation, pain, and potential damage to the eye. Ectropion is a condition where the lower eyelid rolls outward, exposing the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye). It can occur in dogs of all ages and breeds.
Panosteitis (Pano) is a disease of the long bones in the legs and is a condition that typically affects growing dogs from 5-8 months and up to 2 years of age. Diagnosis can often be done with x-rays, but mild forms may be difficult to detect. The disease can impair movement, cause intermittent or chronic lameness that may last for weeks or months, cause pain that makes the dog quite uncomfortable, and may “wander” from one leg to another. The condition will generally resolve with rest and subside completely when the affected dog reaches maturity. Pano is not related to trauma. The mode of inheritance needs further study but the condition does seem to run in families. Diet can also play an important role (see HD).
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is a disease of the cartilage that also can lead to crippling arthritic changes. Like HD and ED, there are genetic components to this disease, although there are no scientific studies in Berners to help determine the heritability of OCD. OFA certifies shoulder radiographs and issues a certificate and registry number to dogs free of this disease in the shoulder. Diet can also play an important role (see HD).
Hypothyrodism is a common endocrine disease of dogs. It occurs when the thyroid glands fail to produce adequate amounts of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Primary hypothyroidism resulting from idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy or immune-mediated lymphocytic thyroiditis is the most common diagnosis.
Elbow Dysplasia (ED) ED in dogs is a hereditary joint condition that affects the elbow joint, often leading to lameness and pain. It's characterized by developmental abnormalities in the elbow, where the three bones (radius, ulna, and humerus) don't fit together properly, leading to abnormal pressure and wear within the joint. This can cause cartilage damage, inflammation, and eventually osteoarthritis. ED is diagnosed by x-ray. OFA certifies elbow radiographs and issues a certificate and registry number to dogs free of this disease. Knowing the elbow status of as many family members as possible helps breeders improve their probability of producing puppies with normal elbows. Diet can also play an important role (see HD).