ALLERGIES

Allergies can affect all breeds of dogs, including mixed breeds.

E-Doc Allergies An Irish Setter With Intense Pruritus Food Allergies

CANINE LEUKOCYTE ADHESION DEFICIENCY (CLAD)

CLAD is a rare but hereditary immune system disorder that causes death in puppies, usually from multiple infections. It is mainly known in Irish setters in Europe but may be present in some North American dogs. A test is available that identifies dogs who are free of the recessive gene that carries CLAD.

Optigen CLAD Description & Testing Info Optigen Request Test Printable Form Optigen Request Test Online

DEGENERATIVE SPINAL MYELOPATHY

Degenerative Myelopathy is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system.  It is said to be equivalent to the human disease Multiple Sclerosis.  Although a few cases have been reported in other large breeds of dogs, the disease appears with relative frequency only in the German Shepherd breed.

University of Missouri - College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Roger Mayeda Clemmons, DVM, Ph.D. Spinal Myelopathy Chat Room

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism is relatively common in Irish setters. Symptoms may include lethargy, weight gain, and poor coat quality. The condition usual responds well to treatment with thyroid hormone. Proper diagnosis of low thyroid activity requires a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) response test in addition to the standard T4 test.

OFA General Thyroid Information OFA Thyroid Procedures OFA Veterinarian Instructions For Testing OFA Application For Thyroid Database (.pdf Format) OFA Thyroid Classification OFA Thyroid Statisitics OFA Michigan State University Thyroid Statisitic Thyroid-Info.com Dr. Jean Dodd On Thyroid problems Michigan State University Memo Irishsetterhealth.org contributors do not endorse any specific product, method, or treatment that may be advertised through links found on this site.