Vizsla Health – Immune Mediated Illness in the Hungarian Vizsla

Welcome to a website that has been set up to investigate the incidence and distribution of autoimmune and immune mediated illness in the Hungarian Vizsla. The project has the support of the UK breed health coordinator and also of the 2 UK breed associations – the Hungarian Vizsla Club and the Hungarian Vizsla Society.

Interest in immune mediated disease developed as a result of veterinary recognition of a disease known as Vizsla Inflammatory Polymyopathy (VIP) . It used to be known as Vizsla Polymyositis and is a breed specific presentation of an inflammatory muscle disorder. The illness is typified by pharyngeal dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) together with drooling and muscle wasting (especially round the head)

VIP results from inappropriate immune system behaviour. Here is a Guide as to why Auto-Immune Disease happens

As the investigations unfolded more began to be heard more about other immune mediated diseases. We wonder at their incidence and distribution. 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 the bigger picture.

For the purpose of this investigation it is hoped to explore some less defined disorders and there is particular interest in allergies and intolerances (skin and food) and gastro-intestinal problems also.

The other immune mediated illnesses are described here It must be remembered that autoimmune disease is multi-factorial, meaning several things must happen for an individual to become ill. A trigger is required and this is something that must also be looked at.

If you have had experience of an immune related disorder in a vizsla 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. Please help if you can. Everybody has a chance to make a difference. Even tiny bits of information will contribute 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.

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.

Once again we repeat that we are committed to a philosophy of anonymity and objectivity.

Contact details are h ere A support group is here

NOTE 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.