Chodsky pes

Ernesto vom Böhmerwald / 6.2.2011 - 14.5.2021 R.I.P.

Eno ( Ezra von Repin) / 18.6.2021

The Bohemian Shepherd, or Chodský pes, is an ancient breed of dog known for its roles in sheep herding and as a guardian, originating from what is now the Czech Republic. This medium-sized canine has a rectangular shape, standing between 48 and 55 cm tall at the withers and weighing around 15 to 25 kg. Its long, thick fur, along with a rich undercoat, equips it to thrive in challenging weather conditions. The ideal coat color is black with tan. The dog’s body is compact and well-proportioned, featuring small, pointed ears that stand erect and a long, elegant neck. A characteristic of this breed is its fluid, light, and unhurried movement.

Ernesto became ill at the age of 8. Diagnosis: Canine degenerative myelopathy, also referred to as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy, is a progressive and incurable condition affecting the spinal cord of dogs, sharing similarities with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The disease typically manifests in dogs over the age of seven and is most commonly observed in breeds such as the German shepherd, Pembroke Welsh corgi, and boxer. Notably, a gene mutation in SOD1 has been linked to this disorder, identified in 43 breeds as of 2008, including the wire fox terrier, Chesapeake Bay retriever, Rhodesian ridgeback, and Cardigan Welsh corgi. The initial symptoms in affected dogs often include progressive weakness and lack of coordination in the hind limbs, which can eventually lead to total paralysis. Myelin, the protective sheath surrounding neurons in the spinal cord, may be compromised due to an immune system attack, disrupting communication between the nerves in the animal's lower body and the brain.