Hip dysplasia is caused by a laxity of the muscles, connective tissue, and ligaments that would normally support the joint. As this happens, the articular surfaces of the two bones lose contact with each other. This separation of the two bones within the joint is called a subluxation, and this causes a drastic change in the size and shape of the articular surfaces. Most dysplastic dogs are born with normal hips but due to their genetic make-up (and possibly other factors) the soft tissues that surround the joint develop abnormally causing the subluxation. It is this subluxation and the remodeling of the hip that leads to the symptoms we associate with this disease. Hip dysplasia may or may not be bilateral; affecting both the right and/or left hip. Read more

Hip dysplasia is marked with the letters A to E. A and B are healthy hips, the other letters describe variable level of dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is inheritable, therefore it is recommended to breed only dogs up to C-hips (dogs with C-hips should only be bred with dogs with A-hips).

The elbow dysplasia is usually tested together with hips and marked with numbers 0 to 5. Number 0 marks healthy elbows
Dysplasia tests are recommended for Dalmatians. 

BAER

The white color of Dalmatian's coat or the lack of pigment there has been linked to the deafness in the breed. Unfortunately the deafness is a great problem in the breed and it is also an inheritable problem, therefore it is suggested that already the puppies should be tested for deafness. Deaf puppies are usually euthanized. The hearing test known as the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) or brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) detects electrical activity in the cochlea and auditory pathways in the brain in much the same way that an antenna detects radio or TV signals or an EKG detects electrical activity of the heart. The response waveform consists of a series of peaks. Because the response amplitude is so small it is necessary to average the responses to multiple stimuli (clicks) to unmask them from the other unrelated electrical activity that is also present on the scalp (EEG, muscle activity, etc).

The response is collected with a special computer through extremely small electrodes placed under the skin of the scalp: one in front of each ear, one at the top of the head, and one between and behind the eyes. It is rare for a dog to show any evidence of pain from the placement of the electrodes - if anything the dog objects to the gentle restraint and the irritation of wires hanging in front of its face. The stimulus click produced by the computer is directed into the ear with a foam insert earphone. Each ear is tested individually, and the test usually is complete in 10-15 minutes. A printout of the test results, showing the actual recorded waveform, is provided at the end of the procedure. It is common that the dog will be seducted for the procedure.

It is not recommended to use deaf or unilaterally hearing Dalmatians in breeding. 
Hearing test is recommended for Dalmatians. 

ARDS

Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrom (ARDS) appeared as a symptom of a genetic defect among Dalmatians in Finland (and once in Denmark) in the years 1987-1997. In Finland 6 litters were affected, the last in 1997, with a total of 17 dogs thought to be suffering from the disease. All the 17 dogs died or were euthanized. Early on, indications for an inherited disease were found by dr. A.-K. Järvinen and coworkers in Finland and studies of the pedigrees of the affected litters soon pointed towards the bitch O´Soul Escada as the probable source of a genetic defect. The damage to her genes is thought to have been caused by a point mutation. Several of the descendants from Escada were extensively used in breeding and the results (concerning ARDS) appeared to be in accordance with an autosomal recessive mechanism of inheritance. Although there has been no test matings to ultimately prove this mechanism, the national breed clubs in Finland, Norway and Denmark and the health committee of the Danish Kennel Club have accepted the recessive inheritance hypothesis based on strong circumstantial evidence.

The carriers of this disease are the dogs whose parents both have the "bad gene". The carriers and their descendants to variable extent of generations can not be used in breeding.
The table containing data about the known carriers is in the ECDC webpage.

ALLERGIES

Dalmatian is one of the breeds known to be very prone to allergies. One of the reason is surely the short and white coat of Dalmatian that lets you see even the minor processes and problems affecting the skin and coat. There are many reasons for allergies- contact allergy, allergy distributed by air, food allergy etc. Very common is flea allergy that can become repetative. Therefore it is recommended to use anti-flea treatment during the warm season from May to October. If you suspect food allergy it is wise to consult with your veterinarian. The most common way to find out to which food your dog is allergic to is elimination diet. There is no possibilities at the moment to do specific allergy tests for dogs in Estonia.  

URINARY TRACT PROBLEMS

Dalmatian is the only breed with the unique urine forming process. Therefore the purine level in their food is essential for their health. Purines are foremost the part of animal proteins and they become uric acid in the body that in turn can cause the formation of uric bladder stones in Dalmatians. Removing them needs a specific surgery. The amount of purins in certain foods can be found below in the article "Healthy Dalmatian Diet" Giving your Dalmatian food and treats high in purines can cause the formation of bladder infections, bladder crystals and finally bladder stones. It is interesting to know that in majority Dalmatians are forming urate stones that are not visual in common urine tests or common x-rays. It takes contrast x-rays, ultrasound or lab analysis to detect them. When you suspect urinary tract problems in your Dalmatian it is not hard to take the urine test and take it to the vet for analysis or if possible to do regular tests at home. The urine pH of the healthy Dalmatian is 7. 

MENTALITY

Mentality is very important in Dalmatian. A Dalmatian can not be neither shy nor agressive. In Nordic and other countries there are special tests to test the psychics of the dog (i.e. what the dog really is not what he can learn). The discussions over whether to include the successful passing of this test to the breeding recommendations of Dalmatians are still going on. Until the decision it is still a very interesting and useful experience for all Dalmatian owners. You still have to consider that the test is very hard on the psychics of the dog and therefore if failed you can take it again only one time. You need +70 points to pass this test.

Artus in Lohja clinic doing BAER test in 2008