Obvious genetic defects caused by limiting the gene pool include conditions like deafness in Dalmatians and hip dysplasia in German Shepherds. Most dog aficionados can recite a list of these conspicuous conditions that plaque specific breeds.

However, not well known to pet lovers is the impact that genetic flaws have on the biological functioning of the animal. If poor breeding routinely causes visible defects in an animal, than even elementary logic would conclude that it likewise could cause system-wide weaknesses.

At the core of this weakness, which I’ve determined through three decades of study, is a malfunctioning adrenal cortex; which I call the “computer chip of the body.” This gland, through hormone production, regulates the pituitary, thyroid, electrolytes, and immune cells.

Immune cells are comprised ofT-cells and B-cells. T-cells normally help protect an animal from viral infections and fungal infections, both superficial and deep. The B-cells protect the animal from bacteria and also allow for various reactions to trauma like bee stings or sensitivity to food ingredients. So if the adrenal cortex produces abnormal amounts ofhormonal “messages,” it can disrupt this normal functioning of the immune cells.

A complex structure, the outer layer of the adrenal gland has three sub-layers, and a variety of chemicals are produced in different parts of the gland. My research has isolated the source of system-wide imbalances that occur in the middle and inner layers.

The middle layer of the adrenal gland produces two kinds ofsteroids. I’ve found that half of the middle layer usually produces a steroid that regulates sodium and potassium. When this production is abnormal, it results in a condition called Addison’s Syndrome; with signs that include vomiting, diarrhea, and heart blockage.

The syndrome that I’ve studied is caused by abnormal production of the other steroid produced in the middle layer: glucocorticoid. This steroid is involved with regulating the pituitary gland, immune cells, and the thyroid gland.

If glucocorticoid production is low, the thyroid fails to covert bound or stored T4 into active T3. This renders the T4 T) unusable. The chain reaction causes an abnormal production (either high or low) of adrenal estrogen, which is produced in the inner layer of the adrenal gland.

An imbalance of adrenal estrogen, in turn, can further suppress the immune cells’ ability to protect the body, rendering it more susceptible to disease.

Unfortunately, the interrelated hormonal imbalances in animals are common, but fortunately it’s not difficult to identify the problem. A simple blood test will determine if an animal has an imbalance of hormones. While the results of this test won’t necessarily provide the unequivocaldecision to breed or not breed the animal, at the very least it can provide a strong warning to breeders not to pair two animals that have this imbalance… a recessive trait!

Your veterinarian should examine resting cortisol, 73,74, total estrogen, IgA, lgM, and lgG. The cortisol, 13,14, and estrogen are the regulatory hormones of the population of immune cells: igA, lgM, and lgG When the regulatory hormones are imbalanced, oral or injectable replacements can help push the system to a balanced state.

Responsible and caring breeders can use these simple good tests to develop standards and predictable measurements for healthy animals within every breed, and not just judging them by appearance and performance. As more breeders understand the healthy range for these hormones and immune cells, higher quality breeding can occur: this is because animals with recessive negative health conditions (as shown in quick bloodwork) won’t ever be paired.

If breeders ignore some of the most basic foundations in wise breeding, veterinarians will continue to see weaker specimens within breeds, and I feel that coming generations of people may see some breeds possess serious inherent genetic flaws that may grow beyond recovery.