Specific breed brochure - Breed Nutrition
Specific breed brochure - Breed Nutrition
Specific breed brochure - Breed Nutrition
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R ottweiler<br />
Royal Canin scientific research:<br />
innovation in Health <strong>Nutrition</strong><br />
Tailor made<br />
nutrition<br />
for Rottweilers
C o n t e n t s<br />
The history of Rottweilers<br />
The <strong>breed</strong> standard<br />
1 - Key points<br />
for Rottweilers<br />
Rottweilers, powerful and robust<br />
A skeleton that needs protecting<br />
Strong jaws and teeth<br />
A heart function<br />
that requires monitoring<br />
2 - Tailor-made<br />
nutrition for Rottweilers<br />
Building, regenerating<br />
and maintaining muscle mass<br />
<strong>Nutrition</strong> formulated<br />
to support the joints<br />
A kibble tailored<br />
to the big jaws<br />
Helping preserve<br />
good heart tonicity<br />
References<br />
Scientific glossary<br />
Key innovations for pedigree dogs<br />
in the history of Royal Canin<br />
4<br />
6<br />
8<br />
8<br />
10<br />
13<br />
16<br />
18<br />
18<br />
20<br />
22<br />
24<br />
26<br />
28<br />
29<br />
© J.-M. Labat<br />
2<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
The Rottweiler, a canine protector<br />
with some unsuspected<br />
particularities<br />
It is with great pleasure that I am<br />
writing the foreword to this <strong>brochure</strong><br />
devoted to those unrivalled,<br />
talented protectors known as<br />
Rottweilers. 2007 is a special year<br />
in more than one way for this dog,<br />
commonly nicknamed the Rottie by<br />
enthusiasts. It is the centenary of its<br />
official selection in the <strong>breed</strong>’s<br />
home country Germany, but also<br />
an important year in terms of nutrition,<br />
with the launch by Royal Canin of Rottweiler 26*, a food perfectly tailored<br />
to the particularities of the <strong>breed</strong>.<br />
Rottweiler 26 is a logical step for Royal Canin, which has been pushing the<br />
boundaries of nutritional expertise on all dogs for the past forty years. In formulating<br />
best balance nutrition for our canine companions, we have always<br />
been guided by our credo: the animal before the owner!<br />
- Introduction in 1980 of AGR, an innovative food specially formulated for<br />
large dogs. AGR redefined the rules of nutritional science for dogs at a global<br />
level.<br />
- In 1997 Royal Canin introduced RCCI Size, the first dietary programme for<br />
dogs based on three fundamental factors: age, format (size/weight) and<br />
lifestyle.<br />
- In 2001 our knowledge enabled us to introduce a specific nutritional programme<br />
– Giant – for dogs weighing more than 100 lbs (45 kg) in adulthood.
- In 2007 Royal Canin broke new ground, with the launch<br />
of Great Dane 27*, dedicated to a second giant<br />
<strong>breed</strong>, as a response to particular needs justifying a targeted<br />
ration and formula.<br />
With Rottweiler 26, Royal Canin takes the next step in<br />
a process oriented to thoroughly examining and responding<br />
to the needs of different <strong>breed</strong>s.<br />
Rottweilers are accomplished athletes that have become<br />
the world’s most sought-after protector of property and<br />
people alike. This global expansion has highlighted the<br />
strengths, but also the weaknesses, of this emblematic<br />
<strong>breed</strong>. Famed for its strength and robustness – the male<br />
generally weighs more than 110 lbs (50 kg) – a<br />
Rottweiler subjects its joints to heavy mechanical strain,<br />
either during competition (ring, RCI, agility) or simply<br />
when walking with its owner. It is accordingly essential to treat its skeleton with<br />
care, especially the hips and elbows. The heart of such a Goliath must also<br />
be monitored closely.<br />
Our network of <strong>breed</strong>ers has provided the Royal Canin Research Centre with<br />
valuable information. Rottweiler 26 is the result of their combined efforts.<br />
Just like millions of enthusiasts across the globe, we are impressed by the<br />
Rottweiler, a dog that demands respect owing to the force of its personality.<br />
Thank you for sharing this passion with us.<br />
Pascal Jouannet<br />
President<br />
Royal Canin Group<br />
3<br />
*Rottweiler 26 contains 26% protein.<br />
© J.-M. Labat
© Private collection<br />
The history of Rottweilers<br />
The Rottweiler’s roots probably go back to ancient Rome. Mastiff-type sheepdogs from<br />
Mesopotamia and Assyria were employed by Roman legions to control and accompany cattle kept<br />
to feed the troops. These dogs were also responsible for protecting people and livestock from the<br />
attacks of predators and bandits.<br />
Rottweil and the Rottweilers<br />
Roman soldiers founded a town, which they called Arae Flaviae, in what’s now the region around<br />
Baden-Württemberg of present-day Germany, probably around 74 AD. The post was an important<br />
stop on the Roman road that crossed the south of what was called Germania.<br />
Renamed Rottweil at some time, probably due to the red tiled<br />
roofs (Rote Wil) that characterised it, the town was – and<br />
remained until the nineteenth century – the site of a major<br />
livestock market that attracted butchers from the south of the<br />
German lands. The dogs that guarded the animals were initially<br />
known as Metzgerhund (literally butcher’s dog), before<br />
adopting the Rottweiler name. Trade with Swiss, Hungarian<br />
and French butchers probably led to crosses with other herding<br />
dogs. The Rottweiler’s coat for instance could be<br />
influenced by the Swiss cattle dogs.<br />
The dogs were selected on the basis of their ability to lead<br />
and guard cattle as well as their protective aptitudes. They<br />
were also sometimes used to pull small carts of meat. The following<br />
prized qualities are still found in Rottweilers today:<br />
• Compact format and off-putting size<br />
• Strength, courage and endurance<br />
• Confidence and a well-developed guarding instinct<br />
• Calmness and robustness<br />
4
The fall and rise<br />
The Rottweiler population gradually fell as the centuries rolled past. Legend has it that the town was<br />
home to just one Rottweiler in 1905, undoubtedly due to the reduction in livestock numbers and<br />
the development of new ways of selling animals.<br />
Interest in the <strong>breed</strong> was rekindled at the turn of the twentieth century however. In 1899, a common<br />
club was founded for the Leonberger (after another Baden-Württemberg town) and the<br />
Rottweiler. The Deutsche Rottweiler Club was founded in 1907, the forerunner of the Allgemeiner<br />
Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK), the only present-day club charged with managing the <strong>breed</strong><br />
standard by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In 2007 the ADRK celebrated its centenary<br />
in Rottweil.<br />
The Rottweiler was adopted by the<br />
German police service in 1910. Other<br />
countries have also used the <strong>breed</strong> as a<br />
police or army utility dog. The Austrian<br />
army still has a very large kennel of<br />
Rottweilers (von der Karl Adolf Ranch),<br />
which has a major influence on the <strong>breed</strong>.<br />
Rottweilers went global in the 1970s. The<br />
American Rottweiler Club was founded in<br />
1971 and the French equivalent was established<br />
in 1977.<br />
The <strong>breed</strong> that was once used to pull cartloads<br />
of meat at the market is now a<br />
strong competitor in the ring, which<br />
makes great demands on its speed and<br />
agility as well as its endurance, as trials<br />
can last anything up to 45 minutes.<br />
5<br />
© Private collection
Rottweilers from the tips of their toes…<br />
Rottweilers are robust dogs of medium to large<br />
size. The length of the torso measured from the<br />
tip of the shoulder to the tip of the buttocks must<br />
not exceed the height to the withers by more<br />
than 15%.<br />
Height to withers:<br />
• Males: 24-27? inches (61-68 cm)<br />
• Female: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm)<br />
Weight :<br />
• Males: ±110 lbs (±50 kg)<br />
• Females: ±90 lbs (±40 kg)<br />
(in kennels some females have been weighed at<br />
between 77 lbs and 90 lbs or 35-40 kg).<br />
Skull: medium length, broad between the ears;<br />
forehead line moderately arched as seen from<br />
the side; occipital bone well developed without<br />
being conspicuous.<br />
Stop: well defined.<br />
Nose: well developed, more broad than round<br />
with relatively large nostrils, always black,<br />
straight nasal bridge, broad at base, moderately<br />
tapered.<br />
Lips: black, close fitting, corner of the mouth not<br />
visible, gums as dark as possible.<br />
Jaws/teeth: Upper and lower jaw strong and<br />
broad; strong, complete dentition with the<br />
upper incisors closely overlapping the lower<br />
incisors in a scissor bite.<br />
Cheeks: zygomatic arches pronounced.<br />
The Rottweiler is classified<br />
in Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI))<br />
Group 2, Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossian type, Swiss<br />
Mountain and Cattle Dogs and other <strong>breed</strong>s, Section 2.1:<br />
Molossian type, Mastiff type<br />
GENERAL APPEARANCE HEAD EYES AND EARS<br />
6<br />
Large almond-shaped eyes, dark brown in<br />
colour; close-fitting eyelids.<br />
Medium-sized ears, pendant, triangular, wide<br />
apart, set high; with the ears laid forward close<br />
to the head, the skull appears broader than it<br />
really is.<br />
© J.-M. Labat
… to the tip of their nose<br />
Appearance (based on FCI standard N° 147 /19/06/2000)<br />
NECK, BODY AND TAIL LIMBS SKIN AND COAT<br />
Neck<br />
Strong, of fair length, well muscled, slightly<br />
arched, clean, free from throatiness, without<br />
dewlap.<br />
Body<br />
Straight, strong, firm body; short, strong, deep<br />
loins; croup: broad, of medium length, slightly<br />
rounded; neither flat nor falling away; chest:<br />
roomy, broad and deep (approximately 50% of<br />
the shoulder height) with well developed fore<br />
chest and well sprung ribs.<br />
Tail<br />
In natural condition, level in extension of the<br />
upper line, may hang at ease.<br />
Forequarters<br />
Seen from the front, the front legs are straight<br />
and not placed too closely to each other. From<br />
the side, the forearms are straight and vertical.<br />
The shoulder blade is at around 45 degrees.<br />
The shoulders are well laid back. The upper<br />
arms are close to the body. Forearms are well<br />
developed and muscular; pasterns are slightly<br />
springy, strong, not steep; front feet are round,<br />
tight and well arched; pads hard; nails short,<br />
black and strong.<br />
Hindquarters<br />
Seen from behind, the legs are straight and not<br />
too close together; obtuse angles between<br />
upper thigh and hipbone, upper thigh and<br />
lower thigh, and lower thigh and metatarsal;<br />
moderate length to upper thighs, which are<br />
broad and highly muscled; the lower thighs are<br />
long, powerful and broadly muscled, sinewy;<br />
sturdy, well angulated hocks, not steep; feet are<br />
slightly longer than the front feet. Strong,<br />
arched toes as tight as those on the front feet.<br />
7<br />
Skin<br />
Sur la tête, la peau est bien tendue ; lorsque le<br />
chien est très attentif, elle peut former de légères<br />
rides sur le front.<br />
Hair<br />
The topcoat is of medium length, coarse to the<br />
touch, smooth and flat; the undercoat must not<br />
show through the topcoat; the hair is a little longer<br />
on the hind legs.<br />
The colour is black with clearly defined rich tan<br />
markings on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest<br />
and legs, as well as over both eyes and under<br />
the base of the tail.<br />
© J.-M. Labat
1KEY POINTS<br />
FOR ROTTWEILERS<br />
Rottweilers,<br />
powerful and robust<br />
Character and aptitudes<br />
Rottweilers are peaceful, friendly animals. It is difficult to overawe a member of this self-assured<br />
<strong>breed</strong>, which is well balanced and highly attentive to what goes on around it. These docile, obedient<br />
dogs love to work with their handler.<br />
Results produced from<br />
a sample 225 members<br />
of the American Rottweiler Club<br />
Main activities Number of responses*<br />
Companion dog 210<br />
Obedience 178<br />
Shows 152<br />
Assistance for sick people 78<br />
Cattle dog 59<br />
Agility 48<br />
Other activities Number of responses*<br />
Ring (Schutzhund) 23<br />
Pulling trials 20<br />
Carting 16<br />
Emergency response 6<br />
*Several responses possible<br />
8<br />
All their qualities make Rottweilers very popular<br />
working and sporting dogs in several disciplines.<br />
A survey by the Rottweiler Health<br />
Foundation (USA) among members of the<br />
American Rottweiler Club revealed the wide<br />
array of activities the <strong>breed</strong> is used for.<br />
In some countries, like Austria and Russia,<br />
Rottweilers are widely used in state services as<br />
a canine assistant..<br />
A balanced<br />
body composition<br />
The Rottweiler’s vigorous, squat appearance<br />
suggests strength, suppleness and endurance.<br />
Its muscle mass is well developed, but it also<br />
possesses sufficient energy reserves (in the<br />
form of fat mass*) to stay on its feet without<br />
flagging for a relatively long time.
The fat mass – or adipose tissue – represents<br />
a dog’s biggest energy reserves.<br />
Its preferred gait is trotting and the standard<br />
states that when it trots ‘the back remains<br />
firm and relatively immobile. [The] gait is<br />
harmonious, bold, powerful and relaxed,<br />
characterised by good amplitude’.<br />
Rottweilers,<br />
world-class working<br />
and sporting dogs<br />
The German discipline Vielseitigkeitsprüfung<br />
(Schutzhund, RCI), which consists<br />
of three levels, is a good test of the most<br />
sought-after qualities in Rottweilers: endurance,<br />
obedience, sociability and defence.<br />
The ADRK even requires a dog to have an<br />
elementary certificate in the discipline before<br />
it is authorised to <strong>breed</strong>. The Körung<br />
rewards the best dogs.<br />
%<br />
100<br />
Comparison of the body composition<br />
of various large dogs<br />
The French Rottweiler club has developed<br />
a number of tests to evaluate a dog’s temperament<br />
and physical aptitudes. These<br />
tests are among the toughest employed<br />
by any <strong>breed</strong> club. The endurance test for<br />
instance requires the dog to complete a<br />
12? mile (20 km) course at an average<br />
speed of around 6-9 miles an hour, with three breaks of 15-20 minutes each. A successful dog<br />
proves that it can work at a given intensity without showing overt signs of fatigue.<br />
80<br />
60<br />
40<br />
20<br />
0<br />
Boxer<br />
(4)<br />
9<br />
Great<br />
Dane<br />
(6)<br />
(data from Royal Canin Research Centre, unpublished)<br />
German Rottweiler<br />
shorthaired (3)<br />
Pointer<br />
(4)<br />
German<br />
Shepherd<br />
(12)<br />
Saint<br />
Bernard<br />
(3)<br />
Golden<br />
Retriever<br />
(3)<br />
Lean mass<br />
Fat mass<br />
Labrador<br />
(8)<br />
With an average 78% lean mass* and 22% fat mass,<br />
the Rottweiler’s body composition is equivalent to that of the German Shepherd.<br />
© J.-M. Labat
1. Ulna<br />
2. Radius<br />
3. Process Medial coronoid<br />
4. Humerus<br />
A skeleton that needs protecting<br />
Weighing in often at more than 40 kg – even females – the Rottweiler is halfway between the large<br />
and giant <strong>breed</strong>s. Its particular conformation means that its joints are subjected to major mechanical<br />
pressure. Visits to the veterinarian due to limping are not uncommon as the Rottweiler’s joints are<br />
very susceptible to diseases commonly affecting large dogs. Good management of physical activity<br />
and diet is vital to keep the skeleton healthy.<br />
Fragmentation of the coronoid<br />
medial process<br />
Fragmentation of the medial<br />
coronoid process is an<br />
example of elbow dysplasia,<br />
a disease that often affects<br />
Rottweilers<br />
(Swenson et al, 1997).<br />
10<br />
Forequarters<br />
The most common complaints in the forelimbs<br />
relate to the elbow joint (Weinstein et al, 1995).<br />
In puppies, these are generally primary lesions,<br />
such as osteochondritis* due to an ossification<br />
problem in growth cartilage or fragmentation of<br />
the ulna (one of the bones in the forelimbs),<br />
known as the medial coronoid process. In older<br />
dogs, the source of pain can be secondary<br />
arthritis lesions. Males appear to be more often<br />
affected than females (Grondalen and Lingaas,<br />
1991).<br />
In 19% of cases of a chronic limp in one of the<br />
front legs, the diagnosis is a bone tumour, generally<br />
an osteosarcoma, causing the proliferation<br />
of abnormal bone tissue. Compared with the<br />
general dog population Rottweilers are 4.6 times<br />
more at risk of this type of disease (Langebach et<br />
al, 1998).
Although often discovered by chance and not causing the dog any pain, the frequency of fracture<br />
of one of the eight sesamoid bones should also be noted. These are the small bones of the foot<br />
that connect the metacarpi and the phalanges of the toes. Almost every other Rottweiler is said to<br />
be susceptible to this type of problem at some time (Desperiez, 1997).<br />
Hindquarters<br />
The most common diseases of the hindlimbs among Rottweilers are hip dysplasia and a ruptured<br />
anterior cruciate ligament of the knee.<br />
Incidence of dysplasia in Rottweilers<br />
Rottweilers are robust dogs, but they are much more susceptible to hip dysplasia than the dog<br />
population as a whole (6.5 times more susceptible according to LaFond et al, 2002). It is important<br />
to screen for dysplasia as early as possible as genetic selection is the basis of the fight to eradicate<br />
the hereditary component of this disease.<br />
A radiology examination can be used to<br />
diagnose dysplasia. Clinically, hip dysplasia<br />
Coxofemoral dysplasia<br />
can manifest itself as a ‘rolling’ gait as viewed<br />
from the rear or pain during exercises that<br />
require flexion-extension of the hindlimbs.<br />
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)<br />
database shows that in the US Rottweilers are<br />
among the <strong>breed</strong>s in which the percentage of<br />
dogs classified as having healthy hips after a<br />
radiology examination is rising fastest. These<br />
figures are skewed due to the greater likelihood<br />
of the healthiest dogs being screened,<br />
but the high rate of submission to this examination<br />
is still a positive factor (Morgan et al,<br />
2000).<br />
Dysplasia is due to hyperlaxity of the head<br />
of the femur inside the joint cavity of<br />
the pelvis. In time abnormal joint functioning<br />
leads to wear of the surfaces of the joint<br />
and subluxation of the femur.<br />
11<br />
1. Pelvis<br />
2. Head of femur<br />
3. Neck of femur<br />
4. Femur
could you please<br />
translate 2 words<br />
in pink colour?<br />
Predisposition to rupture of the cruciate ligament of the knee<br />
The anterior cruciate ligament keeps the hock joint in place. If it ruptures it will lead to instability<br />
(Weinstein and Mongil, 1995). In the absence of trauma the cruciate ligament rupture may be<br />
connected with the ligament’s gradual loss of resistance due to degenerative phenomena that<br />
increase with age.<br />
1. Femur<br />
2. Tibia<br />
3. Fibula<br />
4. Patella<br />
5. Meniscus<br />
6. Anterior cruciate ligament<br />
Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament<br />
Anterior cruciate ligament sain Anterior cruciate ligament rompu<br />
Rottweilers have been shown to<br />
be predisposed to knee cruciate<br />
ligament ruptures<br />
(Necas et al, 2000).<br />
12
Strong jaws and teeth<br />
Ingestion and digestion are connected<br />
Among the factors causing gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) – also known as bloat and torsion –<br />
are small kibbles and rapid ingestion (Glickman et al, 1994; Raghavan et al, 2004). As with all<br />
large dogs, the risk of GDV in Rottweilers is not to be brushed aside, although the likelihood of it<br />
occurring remains relatively low compared with<br />
other giant <strong>breed</strong>s. According to Ward et al<br />
(2003), 3.9% of individuals will suffer from<br />
the problem some time in their life.<br />
Dilatation occurs when the sphincter at the<br />
end of the stomach, the pylorus, does not<br />
allow the stomach to empty normally. This is<br />
quickly aggravated by the accumulation of gas<br />
emitted from the stomach contents and air ingested<br />
by the dog as it unsuccessfully tries to vomit. It<br />
can be followed by the rotation of the stomach,<br />
which is facilitated by the laxity in the way the stomach<br />
is attached in the abdomen. This disrupts<br />
local circulation, lowers blood pressure and provokes<br />
a sudden state of shock. If surgery is not performed<br />
in time GDV can be fatal.<br />
This means it is essential to take account of the anatomical<br />
characteristics of the Rottweiler’s teeth and<br />
jaws to ensure the dog is given a food that encourages<br />
it to chew and prevents it from sucking a<br />
large quantity of air in with its food.<br />
13<br />
© J.-M. Labat
Main muscles working the Rottweiler’s jaw<br />
1. Temporomandibular joint<br />
2. Mandible (lower jaw)<br />
3. Maxillary (upper jaw)<br />
4. The masseter muscle is the most powerful muscle involved in closing the jaws<br />
5. The temporal muscle raises the mandible<br />
6. The pterygoid muscle is involved in the lateral movements of the lower jaw<br />
7. The digastric muscle is the only muscle tasked with lowering the mandible<br />
Powerful, wide jaws<br />
Rottweilers have characteristically strong jaws. The lower jaw – the mandible – is connected at the<br />
back to the temporal bones, at a joint that works like a hinge. A dog’s jaws basically move vertically<br />
(open/closed), although small transversal movements are possible and are seen during mastication.<br />
Several muscles are involved in working the jaw<br />
Four muscles participate in the process of grasping and chewing food, three of them play a role<br />
in bringing the jaws together.<br />
Rottweilers are mesocephalic-type dogs<br />
Contrary to the Boxer, another molossoid <strong>breed</strong>, the Rottweiler’s head is not brachychephalic (short,<br />
wide, round skull) but mesocephalic, which means that the bottom of the skull and the muzzle are<br />
more or less the same size.<br />
14
The well-balanced proportions of the<br />
Rottweiler’s head permit the physiological<br />
implantation of 42 teeth, each with<br />
a different role depending on their size<br />
and shape:<br />
- 12 incisors cut and bite<br />
- 4 canines trap, hold and tear<br />
- 16 premolars hold, cut and tear<br />
- 10 molars cut and crush.<br />
Skull dimensions characterise the different types<br />
of canine morphology<br />
C<br />
3,62<br />
L 20,3<br />
LD<br />
8,34<br />
(Centre de Recherche Royal Canin : Komonski, 2004)<br />
C<br />
3,35<br />
LD<br />
8,01<br />
Z<br />
13,37 Z<br />
12,26<br />
Rottweiler Boxer<br />
The upper incisors (6) form a scissors joint with the lower incisors (6).<br />
15<br />
L 15,53<br />
Analysis clearly shows<br />
that the Rottweiler’s head<br />
is almost as wide as<br />
the Boxer’s but it is<br />
much longer.<br />
Z : width of the bones of the head<br />
between the zygomatic arches<br />
C : distance between the lingual<br />
border of the upper canines<br />
L : total length of the bones of the<br />
head de l’incisure intercondylaire<br />
à l’extrémité rostrale de l’os<br />
incisif<br />
LD : width of the palate between the<br />
vestibular borders of the upper<br />
molar arch<br />
© J.-M. Labat<br />
Could you please<br />
translate the pink<br />
sentence?
© Bussadori<br />
A heart function that requires<br />
monitoring<br />
Large dogs are less affected by degenerative heart disease than small dogs, although there is a<br />
real risk of heart pathology. It is said to be 3.7 times higher in the former than in the dog population<br />
as a whole (Deeb and Wolf, 1994).<br />
Heart diseases that may be encountered<br />
<strong>Breed</strong> predispositions to cardiovascular disease have been identified in Rottweilers. The most common<br />
heart diseases are subaortic stenosis (Manczur, 2003) and dilated cardiomyopathy (Sisson et<br />
al, 2000). The <strong>breed</strong> was also very well represented in a study on atrial fibrillation (Menaut et al,<br />
2005), a very common heartbeat problem among dogs suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy.<br />
The risk of subaortic stenosis is 5.4 times higher among Rottweilers (Gough and Thomas,<br />
2004). This disease is characterised by lesions of the aortic valves that disrupt the flow of arterial<br />
blood, creating a specific heart murmur. There may be no clinical signs and the diagnosis is made<br />
during routine auscultation.<br />
Ultrasound showing<br />
dilated cardiomyopathy<br />
in a large-<strong>breed</strong> dog<br />
VG<br />
AG<br />
A right<br />
parasternal long<br />
axis view shows<br />
the dilatation of<br />
the left atrium<br />
(AG) as well as<br />
the spherical<br />
shape the left<br />
ventricle (VG)<br />
tends to assume.<br />
16<br />
Dilated cardiomyopathy (CMD) is<br />
the second major heart disease affecting<br />
Rottweilers. This disease is characterised<br />
by the large-scale dilatation of the heart<br />
cavities, together with thinning of the<br />
muscle wall. Ultimately, the myocardium*<br />
is unable to contract enough to<br />
pump blood around the body.<br />
Rottweilers probably have a genetic predisposition<br />
to DCM, although the disease<br />
is often linked to too low a plasma<br />
taurine and/or L-carnitine level.
The recently developed Doppler ultrasound technique appears to be more promising<br />
than other current ultrasound techniques in detecting DCM even before<br />
lesions develop (Chetboul et al, 2004). Early diagnosis helps prevent affected<br />
dogs from being used for <strong>breed</strong>ing before they manifest signs of the disease.<br />
Possible link between dilated<br />
cardiomyopathy and taurine deficiency<br />
The link between taurine* deficiency and feline DCM (Pion et al, 1987) has led to<br />
studies into the role of taurine in canine DCM. Taurine is an amino acid normally<br />
produced by dogs, but in the event of DCM the blood taurine concentration is<br />
often low.<br />
Taurine regulates the heartbeat and protects the heart muscle cells (Satoh and<br />
Sperakis, 1998). A simple blood test will reveal whether the dog is deficient in<br />
taurine, as it is present in blood cells.<br />
A retrospective study shows that the average dietary consumption of taurine is not<br />
significantly different between dogs with and without taurine deficiency (Freeman<br />
et al, 2001). The taurine deficiency<br />
could develop as a consequence of<br />
higher requirements or specific<br />
metabolic abnormalities.<br />
© Bussadori<br />
1<br />
2<br />
17<br />
Case of subaortic stenosis:<br />
ultrasound examination<br />
The inadequate production of taurine found<br />
in some <strong>breed</strong>s, like the Rottweiler, may<br />
induce the development of dilated<br />
cardiomyopathy.<br />
A 2-D ultrasound reveals<br />
hypertrophy of the<br />
interventricular septum (1)<br />
and the back wall of the left<br />
ventricle (2).<br />
© J.-M. Labat
© J.-M. Labat 2<br />
TAILOR-MADE NUTRITION<br />
FOR ROTTWEILERS<br />
Building, regenerating<br />
and maintaining muscle mass<br />
Objective #1: ensuring the regeneration<br />
of muscle cells<br />
Protein plays a major role in tissue regeneration. The greater the physical and/or psychological<br />
stress on the dog, the faster the cells are regenerated. During effort, 5-15% of the energy expended<br />
comes from protein, yet muscles are the only source of protein in a dog’s body. That means a<br />
higher intake of protein is vital to prevent the dog from drawing from its own muscle protein.<br />
An optimal protein level is essential in an active dog. If it is too low there is a correlation to a higher<br />
risk of muscle or tendon injuries among sporting dogs (Reynolds et al, 1999).<br />
18<br />
Too low a protein intake has dramatic<br />
consequences for a dog’s health,<br />
including anaemia, poor hair quality,<br />
lower immune defences and muscle<br />
atrophy. Conversely, an increase in<br />
the quantity and quality of the protein<br />
intake in sporting dogs helps<br />
improve performance while reducing<br />
the risk of muscle or tendon injuries<br />
(Reynolds et al, 1999). The low indigestible<br />
protein used in Rottweiler<br />
26 is 90% digestible, which helps the<br />
dog extract maximum benefit from<br />
the amino acids* in its food.
Objective #2: facilitating<br />
the use of fatty acids<br />
through L-carnitine<br />
L-carnitine is the only substance that can<br />
transport long-chain fatty acids to the<br />
mitochondria*, where they are oxidised<br />
to produce energy. L-carnitine is synthesised<br />
in the liver but the more active the<br />
dog, the greater the risk that this process<br />
will be restricted.<br />
When the content is increased in the food<br />
(700 IU/kg in Rottweiler 26), the<br />
serum L-carnitine concentration will<br />
return to normal much faster. L-carnitine<br />
is traditionally used in slimming diets to<br />
accelerate weight loss while preserving<br />
lean mass (Allen, 1998).<br />
Objective #3: providing sufficient calories<br />
to cover expended energy<br />
A high fat diet (20% in Rottweiler 26) helps spare the glycogen* reserves in the muscles as their<br />
exhaustion corresponds to the appearance of signs of fatigue in dogs (Grandjean, 1983).<br />
A diet rich in fats improves a dog’s sporting performance in endurance (Reynolds, 1998) and<br />
speed disciplines (Hill et al, 2000). It increases the maximum amount of oxygen – VO2 max* –<br />
that the body is able to use (Reynolds and Taylor, 1996).<br />
It is important to maintain a good balance between omega 6 and omega 3 unsaturated fatty acids<br />
through an intelligent mix of fat sources (animal fat, fish oil, soy oil and copra). Copra provides<br />
short-chain fatty acids, which are not well incorporated into fat tissue and do not require the presence<br />
of L-carnitine to provide energy to the muscle cells.<br />
% mitochondrial<br />
volume/muscle fibre<br />
20<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
Impact of fat content in the diet<br />
on the capacity of the muscle cells<br />
to produce energy from fatty acids<br />
Study on dogs trained for three months and fed with each of the diets<br />
before measurement (Reynolds & Taylor, 1996)<br />
19<br />
11,59<br />
+ 37 %<br />
15,97<br />
High carbohydrate diet* High lipid diet**<br />
* Carbohydrates<br />
represent 65%<br />
of metabolisable<br />
energy<br />
**Lipids represent<br />
65% of<br />
metabolisable<br />
energy<br />
The mitochondrial volume is a manifestation of the cell’s ability to oxidise fatty acids to<br />
produce energy. A high fat diet improves the body’s ability to burn fat. When a<br />
carbohydrate-rich diet is imposed there is a return to initial values.
<strong>Nutrition</strong> formulated<br />
to support joint health<br />
Around 40% of large dogs aged upwards of seven years old suffer from arthritis (Deeb and Wolf,<br />
1994), particularly those with dysplasia or osteochondritis and those that practised a physical activity<br />
at too young an age or too intensely, causing repeated microtraumas to joint cartilage.<br />
<strong>Nutrition</strong> is a way of providing substances that help maintain joint health. They can stimulate the<br />
regeneration of cartilage cells (glucosamine* and chondroitin*) and promote cartilage hydration.<br />
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate<br />
is a synergistic mix that helps support cartilage health<br />
Rottweiler 26 contains a high level (1200 mg per kg) of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine,<br />
natural substances that help maintain the health of joints and cartilage (Johnston et al, 2001).<br />
These substances belong to the glycosaminoglycan family (GAGs), natural components of cartilage.<br />
GAGs facilitate the hydration of cartilage, which helps it fulfil its role as a shock absorber. They<br />
are also present in synovial fluid, helping lubricate the joints.<br />
glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are given to dogs to help<br />
Structure of a joint cavity<br />
maintain joint health and mobility.<br />
1. Synovial fluid<br />
2. Synovial membrane<br />
3. Joint cartilage<br />
The joint is protected by a capsule lined with the synovial<br />
membrane, which secretes the fluid needed to nourish<br />
cartilage. After oral administration, glucosamine and<br />
chondroitin are concentrated in the synovial fluid.<br />
- Glucosamine is precursor of many components of cartilage.<br />
After oral administration it is concentrated in the joints<br />
(Davidson et al, 2000), where it stimulates the regeneration of<br />
cartilage, particularly by promoting the synthesis of collagen.<br />
(Braham et al, 2003).<br />
20
- Chondroitin sulphate is a component of cartilage and the synovial fluid that lubricates the<br />
joint. It can absorb a great deal of water, facilitating good cartilage hydration, which in turn helps<br />
cartilage in its role as a shock absorber. It tends to inhibit the enzymes responsible for cartilage<br />
degradation (Basleer et al, 1998). Like glucosamine, it is concentrated in the synovial fluid and<br />
the cartilage after oral administration (Conte et al, 1995; McLaughlin 2000). When daily administration<br />
is repeated, the effect is cumulative (Adebowale et al, 2002).<br />
Glucosamine and chondroitin have long been used for humans and animals. The earlier they are<br />
given regularly, the greater the likelihood of the joints remaining in good health.<br />
Supporting joint health<br />
Long-chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA/DHA)*, found in fish oil improve<br />
local microcirculation (Enikeeva et al, 1998) and so favour tissue oxygenation.<br />
A higher intake of omega 3 fatty acids helps maintain health of the elbow joint (Hazewinkel et al,<br />
1998).<br />
21<br />
© J.-M. Labat
Rottweilers have a<br />
remarkable head,<br />
characterised by powerful,<br />
wide jaws and<br />
well-developed zygomatic<br />
arches (supporting<br />
the cheeks).<br />
© J.-M. Labat<br />
A kibble tailored<br />
to big jaws<br />
The ergonomics of the kibble designed for Rottweilers must be studied on the basis of the strength<br />
of the <strong>breed</strong>’s jaws and teeth, as these characteristics impact its dietary behaviour.<br />
Four distinct objectives were pursued during the development of the food’s physical characteristics<br />
(size, shape, texture, density):<br />
- facilitating kibble prehension so the dog finds it easy to grasp its food, as<br />
the first contact with the food is a key factor of palatability<br />
- encouraging the dog to chew to maintain the masseter muscles,<br />
which shape the cheeks and reduce the size of particles arriving in the<br />
stomach<br />
- minimising speed of ingestion to limit the risk of regurgitation<br />
or poor digestion<br />
- promoting the penetration of the teeth in the kibble to<br />
minimise build up of dental plaque and slow down tartar<br />
formation.<br />
0 10 20 30 mm<br />
The kibble’s shape<br />
Seven different kibble prototypes were evaluated in a five<br />
month period on a group of 41 dogs belonging to seven different<br />
<strong>breed</strong>ers. The selected kibble is in the shape of an arc.<br />
It took several attempts before we found a way to produce<br />
the shape on an industrial scale to the satisfaction of our<br />
panel of <strong>breed</strong>ers. The curve of the kibble helps the dog<br />
grasp it easily in all circumstances, even when its bowl is<br />
almost empty.<br />
Rottweiler 26 was awarded a maximum five for palatability<br />
in the trials.<br />
22
Kibble size<br />
When dogs are forced to chew, the food particles that enter the stomach<br />
are smaller, which makes the work of digestive enzymes easier,<br />
thus improving digestibility. In tests, the faeces produced by a diet of<br />
Rottweiler 26 were graded ‘very good’.<br />
A large kibble also helps prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). The<br />
risk falls when the food is presented in pieces larger than 30 mm<br />
(Theyse et al, 1998). While Rottweilers are much less likely to suffer<br />
from GDV than other giant <strong>breed</strong>s, the risk cannot be ignored, so it is<br />
recommended that the daily ration be split into two servings.<br />
Kibble texture<br />
The texture is the result of a compromise:<br />
- The teeth have to sink deep enough into the kibble to produce a kind<br />
of mechanical brushing<br />
- The kibble must be resistant enough not to<br />
shatter too soon and negate the beneficial<br />
effect on the teeth.<br />
Only a perfect mastery of the cooking and<br />
extrusion process (temperature and pressure<br />
during cooking, length of drying etc)<br />
guarantees kibbles with the right elasticity<br />
to produce both these effects.<br />
Effect of crushing the kibble and addition<br />
of calcium chelators on the tartar index<br />
Tartar index (Warrick and Gorrel)<br />
2<br />
1,5<br />
1<br />
0,5<br />
0<br />
To optimise the role of the food in oral hygiene, the Rottweiler 26 kibble contains<br />
sodium polyphosphates*, which are known to curb the deposition of calcium in dental<br />
plaque and so slow the formation of tartar (White et al, 2002).<br />
23<br />
1,86<br />
-41%<br />
Crunching -73%<br />
Crunching +<br />
calcium<br />
chelators<br />
1,11<br />
0,5<br />
A B C<br />
A : Non-crunchy food<br />
(control)<br />
B : Crunchy test food<br />
C : Crunchy test food +<br />
addition of calcium<br />
chelators<br />
© J.-M. Labat
Helping preserve<br />
good heart tonicity<br />
Preventing any taurine deficiency<br />
Taurine is an amino acid normally produced by the dog, but synthesis may be limited sometimes.<br />
It is essential to heart muscle contractility. Several publications have shown the benefit of a taurine<br />
supplement when a dog fails to synthesise enough or fails to use it properly (Alroy et al, 2000;<br />
Sanderson et al, 2001; Fascetti et al, 2003).<br />
Rottweiler 26 contains 0.26% taurine, which corresponds to an ingested average of 1500 mg<br />
per day for a 45kg dog whose activity level is normal. Feeding a complete food rich in taurine<br />
ensures regular and cost effective taurine intake.<br />
L-carnitine to help the heart find energy<br />
Role of L-carnitine in the production<br />
of energy by the cells<br />
exterior of the mitochondrion<br />
fatty acids<br />
carnitine<br />
L-carnitine is produced in the dog’s liver and kidneys from two amino acids – lysine and<br />
methionine – although production may sometimes be insufficient.<br />
24<br />
energy<br />
La L-carnitine* is a substance synthesised<br />
by the body the main purpose of which is<br />
to facilitate transport of fatty acids into the<br />
mitochondria where it is used to produce<br />
energy in the cells.<br />
A study among dogs suffering from heart<br />
failure shows that the L-carnitine concentration<br />
in the myocardium is often reduced<br />
(Pierpont et al, 1993). The higher the<br />
L-carnitine dose (Rottweiler 26 contains<br />
700 mg/kg) and the earlier it is administered<br />
in the dog’s life, the more beneficial<br />
it is.
Helping heart cells<br />
neutralise free radicals through<br />
the incorporation of a patented<br />
antioxidant complex<br />
The main antioxidants in Rottweiler 26 are:<br />
- Lycopene from tomatoes: a carotenoid pigment<br />
that helps protect cell DNA<br />
- Taurine: in addition to its impact on heart contractility,<br />
it also has antioxidant properties<br />
- Polyphenols from green tea and grapes:<br />
intake of polyphenols (flavanols) is beneficial to support<br />
cardiovascular health (Urquiaga and Leighton,<br />
1999)<br />
- La lutéine* neutralises free radicals and protects<br />
the health of the lipid membranes<br />
- Vitamin E: as the disease develops dogs produce<br />
more oxidants and their level of vitamin E decreases<br />
(Freeman et al, 1999)<br />
- Vitamin C: promotes the regeneration of vitamin E.<br />
Helping support normal heart<br />
rhythm through inclusion of<br />
EPA/DHA<br />
1. Interior of the nucleus (DNA)<br />
2. Mitochondrial membrane<br />
3. Lysosomes<br />
4. Cell membrane<br />
5. Endoplasmic reticulum<br />
6. Golgi apparatus<br />
Antioxidant action sites<br />
Dogs with cardiac disease have lower plasma EPA and DHA levels (Freeman et al, 1998; Rush et<br />
al, 2000). Some heart problems are said to increase the use of omega 3 fatty acids, so an<br />
EPA/DHA supplement is recommended for Rottweilers to ensure normal levels are maintained.<br />
When the DHA concentration in the myocardium is high, normal rhythm can be maintained (Smith<br />
et al, 2007).<br />
25<br />
Polyphenols<br />
Vitamin C<br />
Vitamin E<br />
Lutein<br />
Taurine<br />
Un apport très diversifié d’antioxydants agissant en synergie permet de<br />
mieux protéger les différents points sensibles de la cellule et d’optimiser<br />
la protection contre l’oxydation.<br />
Could you please<br />
translate the pink<br />
sentence?
References<br />
1. http://www.rottweilerhealth.org/RHF_surveyresults.html<br />
2. Allen TA - The effect of carnitine supplementation on body composition in<br />
obesity prone dogs. Symposium Proceedings (L-Carnitine/What difference<br />
does it make?) ; Leuven, Belgium, 15th December 1998: 41.<br />
3. Baasler C, Rovati L, Franchimont P - Stimulation of proteoglycan production<br />
by glucosamine sulfate in chondrocytes isolated from human osteoarthritic<br />
articular cartilage in vitro. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 1998; 6: 427-434.<br />
4. Braham R, Dawson B, Goodman C - The effect of glucosamine supplementation<br />
on people experiencing regular knee pain. Br J Sports Med 2003; 37:<br />
45-49.<br />
5. Davidson G - Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Compend Contin Educ<br />
Pract Vet 2000; 22: 454-458.<br />
6. Grandjean D - High fat nutrition and endurance stamina in dogs, study on<br />
physiological biochemical and hematological parameters. PhD University<br />
Paris 6, 1983: 378 p.<br />
<strong>Nutrition</strong> formulated to support joint health<br />
11. Adebowale A, Du J, Liang Z, et al - The bioavailability and pharmacokinetics<br />
of glucosamine hydrochloride and low molecular weight chondroitin<br />
sulfate after single and multiple doses to beagle dogs. Biopharm Drug<br />
Dispos 2002; 23: 217-225.<br />
12. Curtis CL, Rees SG, Little CB, et al - Pathologic indicators of degradation<br />
and inflammation in human osteoarthritic cartilage are abrogated by<br />
exposure to n-3 fatty acids. Arthritis Rheum 2002; 46: 1544-1553.<br />
13. Desperiez F - Affections des os sésamoïdes métacarpo-phalangiens chez le<br />
chien : à propos de deux cas. Prat Méd Chir Anim Comp 1997; 32: 325-<br />
329.<br />
14. Enikeeva NA, Manasova PA, Kostiv ED - Effect of diet enriched with marine<br />
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on microcirculation system in<br />
patients with cardiorespiratory pathology. Vopr Pitan 1998; 4: 39-41.<br />
15. Grondalen J, Lingaas F - Arthrosis in the elbow joint of young rapidly growing<br />
dogs : a genetic investigation. J Small Anim Pract 1991; 32: 460-464.<br />
16. Hazewinkel HA, Theyse LF, Wolvekamp WT, et al - The influence of dietary<br />
omega-6: Omega -3 ratio on lameness in dogs with osteoarthrosis of the<br />
elbow joint. In: Recent Advances in Canine and Feline <strong>Nutrition</strong> vol II (ed<br />
Building, regenerating and<br />
maintaining muscle mass<br />
26<br />
7. Hill RC, Bloomberg MS, Legrand-Defretin V, et al - Maintenance energy<br />
requirements and the effect of diet on performance of racing Greyhounds.<br />
Am J Vet Res 2000; 61(12): 1566-1573.<br />
8. Reynolds AJ - The role of fat in the formulation of performance rations.<br />
Recent advances in canine & feline nutritional research. Proc Iams Int Nutr<br />
Symposium 1998: 277-282.<br />
9. Reynolds AJ, Reinhart GA, Carey DP, et al - Effect of protein intake during<br />
training on biochemical and performance variables in sled dogs. Am J Vet<br />
Res 1999; 60(7): 789-795.<br />
10. Reynolds AJ, Taylor CR - The effect of diet on sled dog performance, oxidative<br />
capacity, skeletal muscle microstructure, and muscle glycogen metabolism.<br />
Recent advances in canine & feline nutritional research. Proc Iams<br />
Int Nutr Symposium 1996: 181-198.<br />
GA Reinhart & DP Carey); Orange Frazer Press, Wilmington (OH), 1998:<br />
325-336.<br />
17. Johnston KA, Hulse DA, Hart RC - Effects of on orally administered mixture<br />
of chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and manganese<br />
ascorbate on synovial fluid chondroitin sulfate 3B3 and 7D4 epitope in a<br />
canine cruciate ligament transaction model of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis<br />
Cartilage 2001;1: 14-21.<br />
18. LaFond E, Breur GJ, Austin CC - <strong>Breed</strong> susceptibility for developmental<br />
orthopaedic diseases in dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2002; 38: 467-477.<br />
19. Langebach A, Anderson MA, Dambach DM, et al - Extraskeletal osteosarcomas<br />
in dogs : a retrospective study of 169 cases (1986-1996). J Am<br />
Anim Hosp Assoc 1998; 34: 113-120.<br />
20. Morgan JP, Wind A, Davidson AP - Hereditary bone and joint diseases in<br />
the dog. Schlütersche Verlag; Hannover, 2000.<br />
21. Necas A, Zatloukal J, Kecova H, et al – Predisposition of dog <strong>breed</strong>s to rupture<br />
of the cranial cruciate ligament. Acta Vet Brno 2000; 69: 305-310.<br />
22. Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) - www.offa.org/stats.html
23. SwensonL, Audell L, Hedhammar A - Prevalence and inheritance of and<br />
selection for elbow arthrosis in Bernese Moutain Dogs and Rottweilers in<br />
Sweden and benefit:cost analysis of a screening and control program. J Am<br />
Vet Med Assoc 1997; 210: 215-221.<br />
26. Komonski N - Intégration de la biométrie maxillo-faciale et du comportement<br />
alimentaire dans la conception de croquettes pour chiens. Mémoire<br />
de fin d'études Esitpa (2004).<br />
27. White DJ, Cox ER, Suszcynskymeister EM, et al - In vitro studies of the anticalculus<br />
efficacy of a sodium hexa-metaphosphate whitening dentifrice. J<br />
Clin Dent 2002; 13: 33-37.<br />
30. Alroy J, Rush J, Freeman L, et al - Inherited infantile dilated cardiomyopathy<br />
in dogs: Genetic, clinical, biochemical, and morphologic findings. J<br />
Med Genetics 2000; 95: 57-66.<br />
31. Chetboul V, Carlos C, Blot S, et al - Tissue Doppler assessment of diastolic<br />
and systolic alterations of radial and longitudinal left ventricular motions<br />
in Golden Retrievers during the preclinical phase of cardiomyopathy associated<br />
with muscular dystrophy. Am J Vet Res 2004; 65: 1335-1341.<br />
32. Deeb BJ, Wolf NS - Studying longevity and morbidity in giant and small<br />
<strong>breed</strong>s of dogs. Supp to Vet Med 1994; 89 (Suppl 7): 702-713.<br />
33. Fascetti AJ, Reed JR, Rogers QR, et al - Taurine deficiency in dogs with dilated<br />
cardiomyopathy: 12 cases (1997-2001). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2003;<br />
223: 1137-1141.<br />
34. Freeman LM, Brown DJ, Rush JE - Assessment of degree of oxidative stress<br />
and antioxidant concentrations in dogs with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.<br />
J Am Vet Med Assoc 1999; 215: 644-646.<br />
35. Freeman LM Rush JE, Brown DJ, et al - Relationship between circulating<br />
and dietary taurine concentrations in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy.<br />
Vet Therapeutics 2001; 2: 370-378.<br />
36. Freeman LM, Rush JE, Kehayias JJ, et al -<strong>Nutrition</strong>al alterations and the<br />
effect of fish oil supplementation in dogs with heart failure. J Vet Intern<br />
Med 1998; 12: 440-448.<br />
37. Gough A, Thomas A - <strong>Breed</strong> predispositions to disease in dogs and cats;<br />
Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2004.<br />
38. Manczur F - Pathological heart development IV. Clinical aspects of hereditary<br />
cardiac diseases in dogs. Kisallat Praxis 2003; 4: 2-10.<br />
A kibble tailored to the big jaws<br />
24. Weinstein MJ, Mongil CM, Smith GK - Orthopedic conditions of the<br />
Rottweiler - Part I. Continuing Education 1995; 17: 813-828.<br />
25. Weinstein MJ, Mongil CM - Orthopedic conditions of the Rottweiler – Part<br />
II. Continuing Education 1995; 17: 925-938.<br />
28. Theyse LFH, Van De Brom WE, Van Sluijs FJ, et al - Small size food particles<br />
and age as risk factors for gastric dilatation volvulus in Great Danes. Vet<br />
Rec 1998; 143: 48-50.<br />
29. Ward MP, Patronek GJ, Glickman LT - Benefits of prophylactic gastropexy<br />
for dogs at risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Prev Vet Med 2003; 60: 319-<br />
329.<br />
Helping preserve good heart tonicity<br />
39. Menaut P, Belanger MC, Beauchamp G, et al - Atrial fibrillation in dogs with<br />
and without structural or functional cardiac disease: a retrospective study<br />
of 109 cases. J Vet Cardiol 2005; 7: 75-83.<br />
40. Pierpont MEM, Foker JE, Pierpont GL - Myocardial carnitine metabolism in<br />
congestive heart failure induced by incessant tachycardia. Basic Res Cardiol<br />
1993; 88: 362-370.<br />
41. Pion PD, Kittleson MD, Rogers QR, et al - Myocardial failure in cats associated<br />
with low plasma taurine: A reversible cardiomyopathy. Science<br />
1987; 237: 764-768.<br />
42. Rush JE, Freeman LM, Brown DJ, et al - Clinical, echocardiographic, and<br />
neurohumoral effects of a sodium-restricted diet in dogs with heart failure.<br />
J Vet Intern Med 2000; 14: 513-520.<br />
43. Sanderson SL, Gross KL, Ogburn PN, et al - Effects of dietary fat and L-carnitine<br />
on plasma and whole blood taurine concentrations and cardiac function<br />
in healthy dogs fed protein-restricted diets. Am J Vet Res 2001; 62:<br />
1616-1623.<br />
44. Satoh H, Sperelakis N - Review of some actions of taurine on ion channels<br />
of cardiac muscle cells and others. Gen Pharmacol 1998; 30: 451-463.<br />
45. Sisson D - Medical management of refractory congestive heart failure in<br />
dogs. In: Bonagura JD (ed). Current veterinary therapy XIII, 2000a. WB<br />
Saunders, Philadelphia; 752-756.<br />
46. Smith CE, Freeman LM, Rush JE, et al -Omega-3 fatty acids in Boxer dogs<br />
with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med.<br />
2007; 21: 265-273.<br />
47. Urquiaga I et Leighton F - Plant polyphenol antioxidants and oxidative<br />
stress. Biol Res 2000; 33: 55-64.<br />
27
Scientific glossary<br />
Amino acids: base elements of protein; there are 22 in all, ten of which are essential to dogs, which means they must be<br />
provided in the diet<br />
Arrhythmia: irregularity of the heartbeat<br />
Chondroitin: natural cartilage extract that facilitates the hydration of cartilage<br />
Dysplasia: disease characterised by abnormal joint development resulting in accelerated wear of articular cartilage<br />
followed by the appearance of arthritis<br />
EPA/DHA: (eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid) omega 3 long-chain fatty acids; abundant in fish oil<br />
Free radicals: by-products of oxygen metabolism responsible for oxidising the unsaturated fatty acids that make up cell<br />
membranes<br />
Glucosamine: base element in the cartilage structure that encourages the regeneration of cartilage by stimulating the synthesis<br />
of its constituents<br />
Glycogen: form in which glucose is stored in the muscles and the liver<br />
L-carnitine: carrier that helps get the fatty acids to the mitochondria, where energy is generated for the cells<br />
Lutein: antioxidant of the carotenoid family (yellow-red pigments)<br />
Lean mass: heterogeneous whole composed mainly of the body’s muscles, bones and liquids<br />
Mitochondria: cell component responsible for the production of energy based on oxidation of fatty acids<br />
Myocardium: heart muscle<br />
Osteochondritis: osteoarticular disease common in large dogs due to irregular cartilage development<br />
Sodium polyphosphates: mineral substances that can capture (chelate) salivary calcium, rendering it unavailable for the mineralisation of<br />
dental plaque<br />
Taurine: amino acid derivative that remains in free form; essential to the heart function and a constituent part of the<br />
retina, it also possesses antioxidant powers<br />
VO 2 max: maximum quantity of oxygen that can be absorbed by the body during effort; expressed in millilitres per<br />
kilogram of body weight per minute<br />
28
Key innovations for pedigree dogs<br />
by Royal Canin<br />
Since the launch in 1980 of AGR – the first food<br />
specially formulated for large-<strong>breed</strong> puppies –<br />
Royal Canin has continued to break new ground<br />
in nutrition, providing <strong>breed</strong>ers and owners with<br />
products that are fully tailored to the age, size<br />
and lifestyle of their dogs.<br />
© J.-M. Labat<br />
New BREED HEALTH NUTRITION<br />
programme: tailor-made nutrition<br />
specially adapted to the requirements<br />
of different <strong>breed</strong>s of dog<br />
In 2002, Royal Canin introduced the first-ever<br />
tailor-made food for the Yorkshire Terrier.<br />
Yorkshire 28 was the first product to take<br />
account of the particular characteristics of the<br />
<strong>breed</strong>. The <strong>Breed</strong> Health <strong>Nutrition</strong> line now comprises<br />
no fewer than 23 specially formulated<br />
foods (for adult dogs and some puppies) for 15<br />
different <strong>breed</strong>s:<br />
• Boxer<br />
• Cavalier King Charles<br />
• Chihuahua<br />
• Cocker Spaniel (English and American)<br />
• Dachshund<br />
• English Bulldog<br />
• German Shepherd<br />
• Golden Retriever<br />
• Great Dane<br />
• Labrador Retriever<br />
• Poodle<br />
• Rottweiler<br />
• Shih Tzu<br />
• Miniature Schnauzer<br />
• Yorkshire Terrier<br />
29<br />
Written by Aniwa S.A.S.<br />
on behalf of Royal Canin<br />
Publisher: Royal Canin Group<br />
Communication Department,<br />
Aimargues, France<br />
Editor/supervisor: Pascale<br />
Pibot (responsible for scientific<br />
publications)<br />
Publisher’s contact: Marie-Laure<br />
Rémy-Néris<br />
Producer: Diffomédia Paris<br />
Printed in the EU<br />
© Royal Canin 10/2007<br />
Artistic direction:<br />
Élise Langellier<br />
Graphic design concept:<br />
Guy Rolland<br />
© Illustrations:<br />
Diffomédia/Élise Langellier,<br />
Mickaël Masure<br />
Editorial coordination:<br />
Céline Davaze<br />
Cover photo:<br />
Jean-Michel Labat
Up to<br />
18 months<br />
Birth<br />
3 weeks<br />
Supplementing<br />
and/or replacing<br />
mother’s milk.<br />
A NUTRITIONAL PROGRAMME FOR<br />
An exclusive patented complex<br />
of antioxidants (lutein, taurine,<br />
vitamins E and C) combined with<br />
mannan-oligosaccharides supports<br />
the immune defences of giant puppies.<br />
GROWTH PHASE<br />
2 months<br />
For the whole weaning period (first<br />
mixed with water, then dry). Giant<br />
Babydog can be fed to thin puppies or<br />
those with particularly sensitive<br />
digestion until 5 months.<br />
8 months<br />
GIANT Puppy helps control how fast the<br />
puppy grows and prevents excessive<br />
weight gain. The purpose of its nutritional<br />
balance is to protect the puppy in the<br />
growth phase and ensure optimal<br />
mineralisation of the skeleton.<br />
30<br />
GIANT Junior helps protect joint<br />
and cartilage health through<br />
the addition of glucosamine<br />
and chondroitin. The omega 3<br />
fatty acids provided by fish oil<br />
(EPA and DHA) also support<br />
joint health.<br />
© J.-M. Labat<br />
End of the growth phase<br />
(24 months)
EVERY STAGE OF THE ROTTWEILER’S LIFE<br />
from<br />
18 months ADULT AND MATURE PHASES<br />
ROTTWEILER 26<br />
Tailored nutritional food exclusively<br />
formulated for the Rottweiler.<br />
© J.-M. Labat<br />
Helps support the heart function<br />
of this athletic dog through<br />
beneficial nutrients: EPA/DHA,<br />
taurine to encourage good heart<br />
contractility, L-carnitine to ensure<br />
the cells can make energy,<br />
vitamins E and C to neutralise<br />
free radicals.<br />
31<br />
More protein, an essential component of the muscles, and L-carnitineet en<br />
L-carnitine.<br />
More chondroitin, glucosamine and EPA/DHA.<br />
An exclusive kibble specially tailored to the Rottweiler’s physiological<br />
characteristics. Its shape, size and texture control ingestion, encourage<br />
chewing, protect the teeth and promote oral hygiene.<br />
Kibble exclusively designed to suit the<br />
Rottweiler’s jaws and encourage it to<br />
chew.
KNOWLEDGE AND RESPECT<br />
Customer Services<br />
Royal Canin (UK)<br />
Oak Tree Meadow<br />
Blackworthy Road<br />
Castle Cary<br />
Somerset<br />
BA7 7PH<br />
Tel: 0845 300 50 11<br />
www.royalcanin.co.uk<br />
Royal Canin <strong>brochure</strong>s for individual <strong>breed</strong>s are available from:<br />
www.royalcanin.com