I have a dog who has recently undergone an operation for OCD. I understand that I need to apply to the KC for permission to show her again.  Has anyone else got experience of this and had a successful outcome?

Thanks in advance.

Philip

Yes our old bernese was operated on for that when he was young and we got permission to show no problem.

I wouldn't have expected you to get permission to show - but there you go, fifi has done!! It is possible rules have changed - how many years ago was it fifi? I know cruciates get permission, and patellar luxations don't, as a rule of thumb. And there is probably more out there in terms of OCD and heredity/ other factors than there used to be.

You will need a letter from the vet stating what op s/he has had etc and what it was for, and on what date, with KC reg name of dog, breed & DOB... I did find all this out from them but have the details saved on another computer that is in pieces somewhere in the chaos that is my house I am afraid!! I emailed them to find out what they needed to know from the vet, as he didn't know, and for some reason they don't just have a form to fill in, which would be easier.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2084&aid=464

See it does mention genetic links (and it is generally conditions that are considered hereditary/ conformation altering that don't get permission to show) - but if there's uncertainty about the condition - like cruciate ligament problems do seem to be at least partly hereditary in certain breeds, but there isn't sufficient evidence etc, they usually give permission to show. I do get the Kennel Gazette, where they report applications for permission to show and whether granted or not - but I don't actually recollect seeing an OCD one of late.

Sorry, that doesn't help much - think it's a wait and see!!

It was about 8 and alf years ago as he is ten now.  Would like to also point out that he was never used at stud and was only ever lightly shown but although he is showing signs of, we presume, arthritis on that front leg now - he limps a bit on that leg if he has had a longer walk than usual the day before.  But almost every critic he got remarked on his sound movement which was true he was a lovely mover.

Sorry if you got the impression I was criticising - I wasn't - I just wondered if it was a while ago, as understanding of diseases moves at a rate of knots, and 8.5 years is a long time from that point of view!

Which doesn't help the OP at all, unless maybe someone has had an op for OCD reported within the last year or so - otherwise it's probably just a question of wait and see. :-)

And a ten year old Bernese - I am very impressed! :-D

No didn't think you were criticising :) but you are right it was a long time ago and the kennel club change things daily!!  Ten years is nothing to us, up until January we had a bernese that was 12!!  :) :)  Funnily enough they were both from the same breeder who apparently still has the mother of our 10 year old and she is 13.

That sounds like some line of Bernese - I think the average age in the KC Breed Health Survey was 7yrs wasn't it?

Yep around 7/8.  Think it is getting better though as you seem to hear of more living that wee bit longer.

Its really nice to hear your bernese is still healthy at 10 fifi. Ours is now 5 but our first one died at 4 - far too young. Both Bramble's mum and Grandmother died at about 8 I think so I only hope she lives much longer.

> Funnily enough they were both from the same breeder who apparently still has the mother of our 10 year old and she is 13.

thats great longevity for a bernie! thats lovely to hear :) how are they in their old age? are they still fit for most of it? (though slowed a bit)

>up until January we had a bernese that was 12!!     Funnily enough they were both from the same breeder who apparently still has the mother of our 10 year old and she is 13.

Longevity should certainly be considered when breeding, along with hipscores and eye tests and all the rest of it.

The one of 12 that we had to have put to sleep at 12 was fine up until about the last year or so when he was ok in himself but not fit enough to go out long walks with the rest of the dogs so just got a dawdle around the block.  The one of 10 looks no where near that and at a champ show last year when he was 2nd in a veteran class and foreign breed specialist was judging and she commented on his lovely movement.  We have also inherited a 7 year old bitch (our close friend died and we have her bernese), she is from totally different lines so will be interesting to see how long we have her for as her breeder says he has never had one survive into double figures.

I love hearing of more Bernese living for longer. I love what they do for the GB club and they celebrate all dogs over 10yrs of age and the number is increasing each year. They also get a certificate as well.
There are some lines which are very prominent in my mind which have great longevity which is great to see.
Fifi i hope your's have a lot more in them yet.. BTW can you PM me your 10yr olds pedigree. Would be interesting to see a picture of him, got to be somewhere on the Bernie websites. Well done on the 2nd placing as well.

Hi,

Just over 2 years ago I had the same problem and I made an enquiry on how the KC stood with OCD and this is the response I received:

If surgery is undertaken on your puppy you will need to obtain a letter from your Veterinary Surgeon confirming the procedure that was undertaken.  This should be forwarded to the Shows Department of the Kennel Club in Piccadilly with a letter from you, giving the dog's full registration details, requesting Permission to Show.

We would advise you that in the case of OCD, when the Committee consider the matter permission is sometimes not granted.  However, in order that the matter can be clarified for you, you should contact the Committee Vet at her surgery for her advice.  Please phone Mrs Gill Simpson, Telephone No 0113 2505522, advising her that we recommended you should contact her.

I did make contact with the vet and I was given the impression that permission to show would not be granted.  To be honest she is slightly lame on the leg as it was in the hock so she wouldn't be any good for the show ring, but she is a happy family pet that has the good looks to go with it :-)

Ok, I have to backtrack a little on my original reply to this post.  Other Half just home from Southern Bernese Club Ch show and was telling him about this topic and he said what he actually got from the kennel club was "temporary" permission to show until the Kennel Club made a decision but person he spoke to joked that the dog would prob be dead before they made a decision and considering he is now 10 and we have never heard another peep about it the person was right!!!! The kennel Club don't you just love 'em!!!!

> considering he is now 10 and we have never heard another peep about it the person was right!!!!

Errm... not a lot to say there really is there!! LOL....