THE NORWEGIAN LUNDEHUND CLUB OF AMERICA, INC.

FOUNDED IN 1988

Health

A Norwegian Lundehund's lifespan is considered unpredictable due to LUNDEHUND SYNDROME.

"With the help of our club and membership ongoing research is being conducted at Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. David A. Williams is assisted by Dr. Nora Berghoff, a veterinarian from Germany and others. The research team consists of:

Nora Berghoff, med vet

David A. Williams, MA, VetMB, PhD, ACVIM, Dipl. ECVIM-CA

Jorg M. Steiner, med vet, Dr. med vet, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, Dipl. ECVIM-CA

Craig G. Ruaux, BVSc (Hons), PhD, MACVSc (Int. Med.)

"Discoveries are being made and new paths in research are being explored to find out everything we can do to help these beautiful rare dogs." -Richard Schefer, President

The following is reprinted from the Newsday article:
"The uphill battle to save Lundies"
 dated 8/29/05

Lundehund Syndrome- the collective term for a group of gastrointestinal disorders that include bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) which causes abnormal protein loss in the intestines.

To say Lundehund syndrome is pervasive is an understatement: According to research, every Lundehund is affected, though some are asymptomatic.

"Most of these dogs start having symptoms) early on, when they are less than a year old," says veterinarian Nora Berghoff, part of a team researching Lundehund syndrome at Texas A&M University in College Station, which offers free testing of Lundehund blood and fecal samples to diagnose the syndrome. "They start out having diarrhea, or vomiting, or have a problem gaining weight while they are growing."

Progressing unpredictably, Lundehund syndrome can be frustrating for owners and vets alike. Severe cases can culminate in intestinal cancer; sometimes the dog's guts are simply unable to absorb any nutrients. Berghoff says 7 or 8 years is an average life-span.

Currently, there is no cure for Lundehund syndrome, only management tactics, including low-fat, high protein diets and vitamin injections to address B12 deficiencies. Controlling flare-ups can involve antibiotics, steroids, and anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medications. Future treatments might include experimental drugs for leak-gut syndrome and gene therapy."  * 

If you own a Norwegian Lundehund and would like to obtain further information regarding the study or to enroll, please click on the following link:

It is advisable to speak to your Vet. about Lundehund Syndrome before deciding if a Lundehund is right for you.

Many states have a law commonly referred to as a Puppy Lemon Law. The law usually requires a breeder to provide full disclosure about your dog and any recourse you might have.

For example California's lemon law requires certain breeders to provide a signed statement at the time of sale that includes:

(i) The dog has no known disease or illness.
(ii) The dog has no known congenital or hereditary condition that adversely affects the health of the dog at the time of the sale or that is likely to adversely affect the health of the dog in the future.

Research the Puppy Lemon Law in the state your breeder resides, to learn your rights if you decide to purchase a pet.

Before purchasing a Lundehund feel free to contact our club to learn more about Lundehunds and Lundehund Syndrome and the devastating affect it is having on our breed.

Informational Sources:

* For a full version of the Newsday Article visit: www.newsday.com/animalhouse

Read the author's opinions on different breeds including the Norwegian Lundehund.

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