What is an LUA Dalmatian? This was published on a page we follow. It was written by Fred Gerstacker: The Dalmatian Backcross Project commenced in 1973 with the Pointer/Dalmatian in an effort to address the Dalmatian fixed genetic defect that affects uric acid metabolism and that may lead to increased urinary uric acid, urate crystals, urinary bladder aggregate formation, stones, urinary tract obstruction and even death. This produced what we refer to as LUA (Low Uric Acid) Dalmatians, you may even hear them called NUA (Normal Uric Acid). Most Dalmatians bred in the US, unless specifically told so, are typically HUA (High Uric Acid) Dalmatians. If you haven’t been told, assume you have an HUA Dal. AKC registered Dalmatians were used in subsequent matings of the progeny of the original Dalmatian-Pointer cross. The first three matings, termed “backcrosses”, yielded progeny generally distributed as ½ Low Uric Acid (LUA) and ½ High Uric Acid (HUA). LUA and HUA backcrosses were initially distinguished by a ten-fold difference in their urinary uric acid to creatinine ratios in spot urine samples. The breeding program is now termed the “Dalmatian Low Uric Acid Project” and is presently at the 14th generation from the original cross. The progeny have 99.98% AKC registered Dalmatians in their pedigrees and on parentage analysis meaning their DNA is 99.8% the same as AKC registered Dalmatians. These facts suggest that the LUA/HUA Descendants cannot be distinguished genetically from AKC registered Dalmatians. This means they are no longer considered crossed breed dogs. This defect affects the Dalmatian’s metabolism of uric acid. Unchecked, this can lead to problems caused by increased urinary uric acid, which includes the formation of urate crystals, urinary bladder aggregate formation, urate stones, and ultimately may lead to urinary tract obstruction and even death. So, what does this mean? It is very confusing, right? Don’t worry, I’m going to try and simplify it for you. So, ALL Dalmatians form crystals. And going to the vet with your puppy will probably end up being very confusing because the vet is going to say your Dal has crystals. Well, YES they do!!! Your question should be, “Are the levels of URATE CRYSTALS high??” Urate crystals are what form the sludge, which in turn form the stones, which in turn causes you all that grief. If your Dalmatian is an LUA Dal, trust me, you will know, typically because that is like a gold medal sales pitch for breeders. Low uric acid means that your Dal will have crystals, but lack the urate crystals that form the stones, making dietary, hydration needs and the constant stress we (HUA Dals owners) constantly have chasing around our wild ones trying to catch p*e. To simplfy things even more. Compare your Dal to someone with the gout. But with the gout, the urate crystals settle typically in the feet and toes, in a Dalmatian it settles in the bladder and starts to sludge and solidify (forming stones). So, if you treat your Dal as if it has the gout, diet and hydration and purine and protein wise, you will place yourself ahead of the curve. This is why I always recommend 21-25% crude protein in dog foods, simply because if you stay lower, it means you are avoiding red meats, turkey and items with high purines. Again, staying ahead of the curve. So if your vet states that your Dal has a lot of sludge, well, that’s not a good thing!!!! It’s time to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate an possibly look into specialized food or possibly even medication. The medication used is the same as what is used to treat the gout (gasp, you don’t say!?!?!?) Yes I DO say!!! This medication is Allopurinol, typically a harmless med but with this med comes poss liver function test bloodwork at times to measure liver function (LFT – liver function test) . This is a simple test, so don’t stress over it just have to dish out a few more dollars for the test. Sometimes vets don’t even worry about the LFT if the Dal is young enough. Diets: So many people telling me so many things!! Yeah, I had anxiety attacks over it also!! Now my breeder was a GODSEND!!!! She suggested and taught me about these drawbacks, and prepared me a lot, I followed her recommendations and things were great, until he turned one year and quit eating the food I was feeding him!!!! OMG, what am I going to do!??!?!?! I literally went to the pet store and spent a good 4-6 hours there reading labels (I’m pretty sure the store thought I was nuts) But I wanted the best for my Dalmatian without breaking the bank. So let’s talk feeding RAW first. Raw food diets are easy because you are avoiding a majority of the purine ingredients bagged food has, I am not against raw diets, I am simply against cost and time consumption it takes to prepare the meals. Contrary to what people think I advocate, raw is probably the best diet. But who has that time??? I don’t. It’s much simpler to me to run to the store, buy a 21% crude protein bag of dog food, watch what I give him, and make sure my Dal is hydrated. I know, I know, many of you think I’m anti-raw, SURPRISE, I’m not!!!! What I am for is whatever works for YOU and your DAL!!!! If that means bagged food, and it’s working for your dal, as it does mine, go for it!!! If you have the time to make dinner for your Dal and do the raw food route, go for it!!!! As you have seen, unless asked, I NEVER recommend a specific food, here’s why. 1. Your dog may not like it. 2. It may not be available in your area 3. It may not be in your budget, and 4. Your breeder may have suggested something else that has been WORKING, so why change it??? Just like you shop for food for yourself and possibly your kids, you have to shop around for your dogs. If you are just going to the store and buying whatever is on sale and changing food constanly with the best price, YOU ARE DOING A DISSERVICE TO YOUR DAL!!!! 1. Dals are prone to allergies, 2. They are prone to sensitive tummies, and 3. You’ve just read 6 paragraphs how important diet is to your Dal. BE AN ADVOCATE FOR YOUR DOG!!! I say this a lot, because it’s what you signed up for!!!! Isn’t it? I hope this was helpful and insightful. And remember, don’t have the anxiety attack AT the pet store, trust me, people stare!!!! LoL. Love You All!!!! Fred (and Lou)
