The following are remarks from a veterinarian in the UK, Dr. Gordon Penman, husband of Pekingese breeder Stephanie Penman (Dragden) who judged Pekingese at Crufts 2008.  Here is Dr. Penman’s report following a study in the UK.

Dr. Penman writes:

"BREATHING PROBLEMS

These were shown to be significant with a small number resulting in death.

It was also shown that a combination of pinched nostrils and deep-set (embedded) noses, sometimes combined with heavy overnose wrinkles, contributed to the problem. Breeders are strongly reminded that when contemplating any matings the above points should be considered first and foremost.

Always go for the norm, not exaggeration: aim for wide open faces, large open nostrils and no heavy overnose wrinkle.

Breathing problems also lead to HEART PROBLEMS and TRACHEAL COLLAPSE."

Please review the following health report by Dr. Gordon Penman in the UK:

Health Survey Report

WE ARE INDEBTED TO MR. GORDON PENMAN (MRCVS) FOR HIS HELP AND DILIGENT WORK IN COLLATING THE HEALTH SURVEY.  His depth of knowledge of our breed helped tremendously in the following report.

Mr. Penman states:

"Whereas it is a simple matter to identify the more common conditions, the survey has shown that it is more difficult to assess their incidence.  It was very obvious from the returns that many answers were not limited to the number of dogs kept over the last five years, but were based on those bred/kept over the period that the breeders/owners had been associated with the breed.  Over a 32 year period, with an average lifespan of 13 years, this would allow for at least two dog life cycles.

The net result was that the number covered was just short of 700 (684) dogs surveyed.  Due consideration should be given to this when calculating the incidence of any of the conditions in our survey."

BACK/SPINAL

Although there was evidence of spinal problems within our breed, there was not enough information from breeders to form a thorough opinion.  The numbers stated gave an indication that the breed does in fact suffer from two forms of trouble, in the neck area and the lower lumbar area.  These may both be classified as INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE.

Pekingese are in the category of Chondrodystrophic breeds in which the disc degeneration begins at an early age.  This can result in calcification of the damaged discs, with or without prolapse of the discs.  These problems will show at an early age.

Having said this, it was agreed that most problems were caused by injuries - for example, falling, twisting, fighting, falling down staircases, jumping off owners' beds, jumping on or off furniture - the majority being in the pet-owning community.

It is therefore suggested that breeders make new owners FULLY aware of this problem.

Mention has been made in the press and, by shall we say, the more "strident" young vets, of a condition called SYRINGOMYELIA.  This condition is listed as supposedly affecting 8 Pekingese in the UK so far.  One was in fact a mis-diagnosed Peke which was eventually found to have a slipped disc in the neck.  However, it still figures in the statistics as suffering from syringomyelia.  After the national meeting held this year and then covered by the dog press it seems that the condition affects mainly breeds with small backskulls which leave inadequate space for the back section of the brain.  This slips through the opening at the junction of the skull and the spinal column, causing intense pain.  Since, by common agreement, the Pekingese does NOT have a small skull, if any vet diagnoses this condition the Committee suggests that the owner requests a second opinion before allowing any further intervention.  (This is a very costly process - in excess of £1,000.00).

EYES

It was very obvious from the outset that although there was an incidence of eye problems, mainly due to injuries, most occurred within the pet-owning community.  We recommend therefore that breeders must stress the importance of eye care and discuss the signs of problems/injuries with the new owner, together with the course of action to be taken.

In the light of the eye problems listed there was also a recommendation that the wrinkle be kept clear of the front of the eye globe at all times, since the action of the tiny hairs constantly rubbing on the front of the eye causes a condition that makes the eye produce a thickened and pigmented area that affects the eyesight.  Again, we recommend that breeders try and reduce the more exaggerated heavy overnose wrinkle.  Consideration must be given to this when planning breedings.

BREATHING PROBLEMS

These were shown to be significant with a small number resulting in death.

It was also shown that a combination of pinched nostrils and deep-set (embedded) noses, sometimes combined with heavy overnose wrinkles, contributed to the problem.  Breeders are strongly reminded that when contemplating any matings the above points should be considered first and foremost.

Always go for the norm, not the exaggeration:  aim for wide open faces, large open nostrils and no heavy overnose wrinkle.

Breathing problems also lead to HEART PROBLEMS and TRACHEAL COLLAPSE.

We have various veterinary opinions which concur that this could in some measure be alleviated by breeding for a medium length of neck, rather than the extreme shortness some strive for.  The tissues and structures in the throat would be less compressed/constricted.  Laboured breathing will over the years cause enlargement and infection of the saccules in the throat.  This in turn will inevitably affect the efficiency of the heart valves, the heart itself and the circulatory system.

The survey also showed a high incidence of DEGENERATIVE HEART VALVE DISEASE.  This may be congenital (born with it) or acquired as a result of the laboured breathing referred to above.

Thus we have a two-fold attack for this problem .

Simple testing of the heart can be carried out by qualified veterinary surgeons that are authorised by the Royal College.  This is carried out by simple auscultation; any murmur can be graded at this point and recommendations given as to any further action to be taken.  On the advice given it is recommended that these tests are commenced at the 12 month stage, and on a regular basis for Stud dogs and Brood bitches.

If breeders comply with this testing regime and use ONLY dogs that have been tested and scored this should go a long way to preventing/delaying any further intervention/interference from the EU or the Government or any other body intent on meddling in our breed.

It is recommended that the supporting clubs hold testing sessions at their OPEN shows.  This would also, hopefully, boost entries at these shows.  Sessions could be held in appropriate areas of the country, for example the North, Midlands and South.

We have a list of recognised vets who are supported by the Royal College and who are authorised to officiate at such sessions.  They also have the recognised form of certification for the dogs that are tested.

After consultation with the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society we understand that bad teeth and a high salt intake are NOT primary causes of Mitral Valve disease.  It is however strongly recommended that good dental hygiene and care with the diet are observed, since failure to do so can aggravate a pre-existing condition.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Subsequent to the above it is recommended that the breed in general and BREED CLUBS (for we have no Breed Council) ask The Kennel Club to incorporate into the breed standard:

• The neck length:  it is recommended that the neck be of medium length, thick and muscular, thus helping in the alleviation of any breathing difficulties.
• The eyes:  the eyes should be of medium size, dark and lustrous, neither too large nor too small, never bolting, bulging or prominent.

ANY DIVERGENCE TO ANY EXTREME TO BE CONSIDERED UNACCEPTABLE.

• In the section discussing the head properties there should be a paragraph describing the difference between a "Dish" face and a "Correct" profile, preferably with illustrations.

 In conclusion, the Committee earnestly requests that you read the Minutes of the Meeting held on 24 November once they are posted on this website.

The Meeting was most fortunate to be addressed by Dr. Sampson from The Kennel Club.  He stressed to us the absolute imperative that we put our own house in order, otherwise it will be done for us, by people who have little sympathy or understanding either for the Pekingese in particular or for dog-breeding in general. There is a very real risk that we may have extreme restrictions placed on us regarding our freedom to breed as we would like, or even ultimately, the banning of the breed.  It is that serious. 

For additional information contact any member of the PCA Health Committee and watch the Pekingese Club of America website for advisories and updates.