Cerebella Ataxia: This usually affects a dog in their older years, but reports have stated as early as 6 months old. Ataxia is hereditry through carriers and affected parents. Some do not show signs until as late as 6-8yrs old. Some may show signs after being put under, vaccinations and so on. Signs are usually a 'drunkingly' walk, staggering, tilt of the head, loss of balance.
There is currently no cure for Ataxia, but there is a test available now. Breeders in NZ are aware of this and most are getting their dogs tested. A dog can come back as the following:

Clear - No signs of Ataxia, therefore they are CLEAR of the gene.They will not produce any offspring with Ataxia

Carrier - They are a carrier of the gene and can be passed onto their offspring. A carrier can be bred to a clear, which will produce 50/50. Puppies born from this breeding will need to be tested IF they are considering breeding.

Affected - Are Ataxia affected. This will be passed onto their offspring if bred from. Offspring will be carriers.

Breeding Ataxia will give the following results:

Clear to clear will produce all Clear offspring and will not be affected by the Ataxia Gene - No testing is required

Clear to Carrier will produce 50% clears and 50% carriers - Any Breeding pups MUST BE TESTED

Clear to Affected will produce 100% carriers

Carrier to Carrier will produce 25% clear, 25% affected & 50% carriers

Carrier to Affected will produce 50% Carriers and 50% affected

Affected to Affected will produce 100% Affected

Please ask breeders if they have tested their dogs and to view the certificates. Testing is only available in France so please be patient with breeders in NZ. Most breeders only found out late 2008 .               For more information please click HERE

Hip Dyplasia: Loose fitting hip joints will cause stretching of the joint capsule and abnormal cartilage wear.
Pain and inflammation will result from the cartilage distruction. Arthritis sets in which is very painful for your dog. Symptoms are usually stiffness after resting, reluctant to jump or climb onto objects. You may also hear noises while your dog is walking. Please seek vet help if you think your Amstaff may be suffering from this.

Skin Irritations: A common issue with Amstaffs, especially during the warm summer months. Looks like heat rash, under the belly, arm pits and under the neck area. These irritations can be very itchy for your amstaff and could cause scratching and then scabbing if not sort after quickly. Check for spots that look red with white dots in the middle.

Not all rashes are caused by change of diet. Rashes can appear, especially in that of heat, dust, fleas and dry grass. Cremes & antibiotics are available from your vet. If what your vet has not helped your Amstaff, go back. If still nothing seek a second opinion or in some cases, ask for a skin scrape. Some skin irritations are caused by different chemicals, such as dog shampoo or flea powders. Take note of what you use and or feed. When you first see the signs, watch and note down where your amstaff has been. Any change in food habits, maybe you used a different shampoo. Some amstaffs can get skin irritations from over vaccinating, worming meds and so on