Welcome to a website that has been set up to investigate what might be the incidence of autoimmune and immune mediated illness in the Hungarian Vizsla. We are particularly interested in vizslas bred in the UK but input from other countries is also most welcome.
Our research is very specific and targeted in its purpose and scope and in no way does it replace or supplant other general vizsla health surveys such as those periodically conducted by the UK breed health coordinator (Sue Millson) or by the Vizsla Club of America.
Sue has encouraged this survey ...you have my total support and more ... and it also has the full backing and approval of the committee of the Hungarian Vizsla Club.
Since early 2005 we have been researching our breed's apparent predisposition to polymyositis This disease results from inappropriate immune system behaviour.
As our investigations unfolded we began to wonder at the incidence and relevance of other immune mediated disorders. Might there be a connection? We do not know and only by asking people to tell us of their experiences can we begin to establish what might be a bigger picture.
These other illnesses are described here. Of course we must also remember that chronic autoimmune disease is usually multi-factorial, meaning several things must happen for an individual to become ill. A trigger is required and this is something that we must also investigate.
We say to everybody that loves this breed and has had experience of an immune related disorder PLEASE complete this questionnaire in respect of ALL vizslas that you have ever owned or know about. The further back that we can go the better. We need to hear from you again even if you have previously completed a general survey and submitted it to the breed health co-ordinator (our databases are not interchangeable)
It is vital for the future wellbeing of the Hungarian Vizsla that people are honest and forthcoming about any health problems that they have experienced.
We promise total and absolute confidentiality about individual cases but for everybody's benefit we will tabulate and anonymously analyse all responses and represent the results graphically on this website.
Please everybody help. You really do have a huge chance to make a difference. Every very tiny bit of information contributes to the biggest understanding of how we might help our vizslas stay healthy. It would be wonderful if we could provide an example to other breeds of our corporate responsibility and determination to face up to problems because we care and are passionate about the future wellbeing of our beloved vizslas.
Once again we repeat that we are committed to a philosophy of anonymity and objectivity.
Contact details are here. A support group is here Vizsla polymyositis is here Our research project is here The Hungarian Vizsla Club Health Page is here An Australian project is here
