Good dog health is important to all dog owners. All pet owners want to ensure their dog
has a happy and disease-free life. Dog health problems are either
hereditary/congenital or acquired through injury or environmental conditions. This
article is about inherited dog diseases and is intended to help you understand some of
the common canine health disorders.
Most breeders spend a lot of time and resources trying to get rid of genetic diseases in
their lines. However, some amateur breeders and puppy mills are breeding dogs
without screening the parents and perpetuating poor genetic health.
This article is not meant to be exhaustive but will attempt to describe some common
hereditary diseases and indicate some of the dog breeds that have shown a tendency
to inherit these diseases in the past. If you want to check on a particular dog breed you
can go to a particular dog breed and search for its health issues.
1.Eye Diseases
There are a variety of inherited diseases of the eye that can be serious to your dog’s
health and even lead to blindness. Fortunately the Canine Eye Registry (CERF) has a
registry for dogs that will be used for breeding. Buyers of pure-bred puppies should
ask to see this certification. Any dog that you plan to breed should have its eyes
examined by veterinary ophthalmologist, and then be registered with CERF.
Cataracts result from a hardening of the lens that causes it to become cloudy and
block light from reaching the retina. The usual cause is old age and/or diabetes but
juvenile cataracts are almost always hereditary. In severe cases your veterinarian can
remove the lens to somewhat improve eyesight. This disease can affect all breeds and
a large number of breeds are subject to juvenile cataracts.
Collie eye anomaly (CEA) is a problem with the blood supply to the retina that can
result in a detached retina. Retinal detachment usually occurs before two years of age
and will cause blindness in the affected eye. This disease can affect all collie breeds,
including the Border collie, Rough and Smooth Collie, and the Shetland sheepdog.
Ectropion is an inherited disease where the lower eyelid sags, droops and rolls out
exposing the interior of the eyeball. This exposure can lead to inflammation and
conjunctivitis Mild cases can be treated with drops and ointments, while severe cases
should be surgically corrected. This disease can be found in the American Cocker
Spaniel, Basset hound, Bloodhound, Boxer, Bulldog, Bull terrier, Clumber spaniel,
English cocker spaniel, English Springer spaniel, Gordon setter, Labrador retriever,
and Shih Tzu. Although less common, ectropion can be found in giant breeds such as
the Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland and Great Pyrenees.
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid, usually the lower, rolls or turns inward. This
results in the eyelashes and fur irritating the cornea and can eventually cause vision
problems. The problem is usually obvious by the time the dog reaches its first birthday
and if it is severe should be surgically corrected. The problem is very common in the
Chow chow, Bullmastiff, Mastiff and Shar-Pei. Entropion is also seen in the giant
breeds such as the Bernese mountain dog, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees,
Newfoundland and Saint Bernard. The condition is also seen in a wide range of
hounds, spaniels, toys, sporting and working breeds that are too numerous to list.
Glaucoma is an enlargement of the eye caused by a defect in the eye’s drainage
capability which allows pressure to build up and impair vision. Treatment of glaucoma
must be started as soon as it is detected in order to save the eye. Mild cases can be
treated by medications but severe cases are painful and will require the removal of an
eye. Dogs can adapt quite well to living with one eye or even without eyes. Primary
glaucoma is usually inherited and is common in the: Alaskan malamute, American
cocker spaniel, Basset hound, Beagle, Boston terrier, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, Great
Dane, Fox terrier (wire and smooth), Poodle (toy, miniature and standard), Samoyed,
Siberian husky, and Welsh Springer spaniel.
Lens luxation is a disorder where the lens is positioned in the wrong part of the eye -
either too far forward or backward. The primary or inherited disorder that occurs in
younger animals is a forward displacement of the lens that can result in glaucoma.
Symptoms are intense pain, tearing of the eye and reduced vision and can lead to
blindness if not treated. This disorder is most commonly seen in the Border collie,
Brittany spaniel, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and in a number of terrier breeds including
the: Fox terrier (wire and smooth), Bull terrier, Scottish terrier, Sealyham terrier, Skye
terrier, Tibetan terrier and Welsh terrier.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary disease which kills off the pigment
cells in the center of the retina. Both eyes are affected and initially the dog cannot
perceive stationary objects. As the disease progresses, the dog will experience night
blindness and will not want to go outside at night and will start bumping into fixed
objects. After a year or two the condition progresses until there is a complete loss of
vision. There are two types of PRA – early onset which starts a few weeks after birth
and later onset which starts after the dog’s first birthday.
Early onset PRA is common in the: Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Collie, Cairn terrier, Gordon
setter, Great Dane, Irish setter, miniature Schnauzer, and Norwegian elkhound. Less
common is day blindness in the Alaskan malamute and retinal degeneration in the male
Borzoi. Later onset PRA is common in a large number of breeds which are too
numerous to list here. There is a slower progressive disease called Central
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA) in which the rate of vision is significantly slower
than the other forms of PRA and may not deteriorate into total blindness. CPRA is
usually restricted to dogs in the United Kingdom.
2. Musculoskeletal Disorders
There are a number of common inherited diseases for which reputable breeders
screen their breeding stock. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has
specialists evaluate x-rays, DNA, thyroid, cardiac and other tests and register the
results. A prospective buyer should ask to see the OFA results for the dog’s parents.
Chondrodysplasia or dwarfism in the legs is a disease that causes malformation of
the carpal and radius bones of the front legs resulting in a stunted and bowed look.
Puppies born with this disease do not show any signs until they grow older. The
disease can be painful and often the only choice is to euthanize the dog. This disease
is most common in the Alaskan malamute and the Beagle.
Elbow dysplasia is a hereditary disease in which the elbow joints of the front legs are
malformed. Lameness usually makes its appearance around 7 to 10 months of age
and is treated by anti-inflammatories and also surgery. All breeds are susceptible to
the disease but it is most common in large male breeds. These breeds include the:
Basset hound, Bernese mountain dog, Bloodhound, Bouvier des Flandres, Chow
Chow, German shepherd, Golden retriever, Great Pyrenees, Irish wolfhound, Labrador
retriever, Mastiff, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard and Weimaraner.
Hip dysplasia is a disorder that results when there is a loose fit of the ‘ball and socket’
hip joint and the ball may continuously slide part way out of the socket. Over time this
will cause osteoarthritis in the joint and the dog will become lame and weak in the hind
end. Some relief can be found with the use of nutriceuticals such as glucosamine and
chondroitin, and anti-inflammatories. Some cases are so bad that the dog must have
surgery or be euthanized. Ensuring that your dog isn’t overfed and overweight can
delay the onset of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is the most common inherited
orthopedic disease in large and giant breeds and many medium-sized breeds as well.
Panosteitis or ‘pano’ is a common condition which suddenly causes lameness in a
growing puppy or adolescent dog. The lameness is a result of inflammation of the long
bones of the front and hind legs and can be mild to severe. A veterinarian will probably
prescribe pain medication and ask you to restrict exercise. Affected puppies usually
grow out of the condition as they mature. It is most common in male medium- to giant-
sized dog breeds which include the: Basset hound, Doberman pinscher, German
shepherd, Labrador retriever and Rottweiler.
Luxating Patella (Patellar luxation) or slipped stifle is a hereditary condition where
the knee cap slips out of its groove. In some cases, the kneecap will slip back into
place while in other cases; a veterinarian may need to put it back in place. If it is not
corrected through surgery, then osteoarthritis will usually result. It is commonly seen in
the Affenpinscher, Australian terrier, Basset hound, Boston terrier, Chihuahua,
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Maltese, Papillon, Pekingese,
Pomeranian, Poodle (miniature and toy) and Lhasa Apso.
3. Heart Disease
Aortic Stenosis (AS) and Sub Aortic Stenosis (SAS) are caused by a narrowing of
the aorta (main blood vessel) as it leaves the left side of the heart. The heart must
work harder to push the blood through the opening and this can cause problems and
even death. This condition is hard to detect but with moderate to severe stenosis, it is
necessary to restrict exercise. This disease is one of the most common heart
conditions seen in large breed dogs. It is quite common in Newfoundland dogs and also
fairly common if Boxers, Golden retrievers and Rottweilers.
Mitral valve disease is a heart condition resulting from a leaky valve causing a
backflow of blood into the left atrium of the heart. This is one of the common forms of
heart disease seen in older dogs. However some early development of mitral valve
dysplasia is inherited in small dogs such as the Bull terrier, Cairn terrier, Cavalier King
Charles spaniel and Miniature poodle.
Tricuspid valve dysplasia is a heart condition resulting from a leaky valve causing a
backflow of blood into the right atrium of the heart. Mild cases will allow the dogs to live
normal lives, while severe cases will cause early death. The most commonly affected
breed is the Labrador retriever.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle where there is a loss of the normal
contracting abilities of the ventricles. The heart is forced to work harder which can
result in irregular beats and even death. The disease is most common in Doberman
pinschers but is also seen in giant breed dogs such as the: Great Dane, Irish
wolfhound, Saint Bernard and Scottish deerhound.
4. Endocrine Disorders
Diabetes mellitus is the inability of the dog’s system to correctly process
carbohydrates and sugars. In some dogs diabetes doesn’t develop until middle age
and can be associated with weight gain. In the inherited form of diabetes, the disease
is usually apparent by 6 months of age and is indicated by puppies that drink and eat
more than normal but do not gain weight very quickly. Breeds that show early signs of
inherited diabetes can include the: Alaskan malamute, Chow chow, Doberman
pinscher, English Springer spaniel, Golden retriever, Labrador retriever, Miniature
Schnauzer, Old English Sheepdog, Poodle, Schipperke and West Highland white terrier.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the dog’s thyroid produces insufficient thyroid hormone
which can result in lower energy levels and weight gain. Other symptoms can include
changes to the dog’s coat – dull, dry and hair loss and intolerance to cold. A number of
middle-aged mid- to large breed dogs can acquire hypothyroidism but are too
numerous to list here. The inherited form or congenital hypothyroidism is much less
common and will result in stunted growth in the puppy and in other abnormalities.
5. Blood Disorders
Auto-immune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) results when the new red blood cells are
destroyed by the immune system faster than new ones are produced. This results in
anemia and is most common in the English cocker spaniel, old English sheep dog, and
Poodle.
Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD) is a common inherited bleeding disorder or
hemophilia. It is caused by a reduction of the Von Willebrands factor in the blood and is
usually fairly mild. Affected animals are usually prone to nose bleeds and care must by
taken during any surgery. The disease is most common in the Doberman pinscher
breed and fairly common in the Scottish terrier and the Shetland sheep dog. The
disease is also occasionally seen in most other breeds.
6. Other diseases
Bloat which is also called canine gastric delation- volvulus (CGDV) is a dangerous and
life-threatening condition. The stomach swells with gas and fluid, then begins to twist
and traps the gas inside. This twisting will shut off the blood supply to the digestive
organs and if the dog is not rushed to a veterinarian he can go into shock and die. The
exact cause is unknown but certainly swallowing air while quickly eating a large meal
and exercising soon after a meal are contributing factors. The condition can be
detected in the initial stages when you see him in distress and pain and his stomach is
taut and swollen soon after eating. The best treatment for bloat is prevention:
a. Feed your dog several smaller meals rather than one large one
b. Don’t exercise your dog for an hour after eating
c. Don’t let your dog drink excessive amounts of water all at one time
e. Don’t overfeed your dog and encourage him to eat slowly
f. If you are feeding your dog a dry food then add water to it to encourage faster
digestion
All large, deep-chested dog breeds are susceptible to bloat. This includes the:
Labrador retriever, Bloodhound, Bullmastiff, Doberman pinscher, Greyhound, Great
Pyrenees, Great Dane, German shepherd, Irish setter and Weimaraner.
Congenital deafness is inherited and occurs in one or both ears due to the
degeneration of the inner ear structure after a few weeks of age. Deafness seems to
be linked to coat colors in breeds with piebald or merle color genes or breeds with
more white in their coats. Congenital deafness is very common in the Dalmatian but is
also prevalent in Australian shepherds, Border collies, Bull terriers, Doberman
pinschers, English setters, Pointers, Rottweilers and Shetland sheepdogs.
Epilepsy is a hereditary disease that occurs in all breeds and mixed breeds. The
symptoms vary in severity but the dog will usually foam at the mouth and appear to be
chewing on something. This will be followed by the dog collapsing, legs going rigid, leg
movement, and uncontrolled bladder or bowel movement. Seizures can last for several
minutes and during recovery the dog appears dazed and wobbly. Frequent epileptic
seizures can be treated by drugs similar to those used for humans but your vet will first
want to rule out other causes. You should not breed a dog with this condition. While
this condition can be present in all breeds, it is most prevalent in American cocker
spaniels, Australian shepherds, Beagles, Border collies, Golden retrievers, Italian
greyhounds, Irish setters, Miniature pinschers, and Shetland sheepdogs.
Kidney diseases include many inherited disorders ranging from renal dysplasia to an
inability to process protein correctly. While the underlying problem varies between
breeds, the kidneys start to deteriorate by the end of the first year and will fail before
middle age. These diseases affect many breeds but the most common are the:
Bernese Mountain dog, Bull terrier, Cairn terrier, Chinese Shar-Pei, Doberman
pinscher, English cocker spaniel, Golden retriever, Lhasa Apso, Norwegian elkhound,
Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Samoyed, Standard Poodle, and Soft-coated Wheaten terrier.
Respiratory disorders are most commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds and range
from tracheal narrowing to respiratory difficulties because the face is very short.
Tracheal narrowing is most common in the English bulldog and Boston terrier while
respiratory difficulties occur in the same two dogs as well as the Cavalier King Charles
spaniel, Chinese Shar-Pei, French bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese and Shih Tzu.
Zinc-responsive dermatosis occurs when the dog fails to absorb enough zinc from its
food because it has a higher than normal requirement. The condition results in scaling
and crusting of the skin which can be seen on the dog’s nose, paw pads and stomach.
Treatment usually consists of zinc supplements added to the dog’s diet. The most
commonly infected breeds are the northern ones such as the Alaskan Malamute,
Samoyed and Siberian Husky. Young and rapidly growing Doberman pinschers and
Great Danes sometimes have a transient zinc deficiency and exhibit similar symptoms.
There are many more hereditary diseases that are prevalent in a number of dog
breeds and can seriously affect your dog’s health. Contact your breed’s national breed
club for a list of the most common inherited genetic diseases.
Lyme Disease
Be sure to check your dogs for ticks after they've been outside. If you notice any of these symptoms,
call your vet:
Here's how to safely remove a tick:
Here's what NOT to do:
has a happy and disease-free life. Dog health problems are either
hereditary/congenital or acquired through injury or environmental conditions. This
article is about inherited dog diseases and is intended to help you understand some of
the common canine health disorders.
Most breeders spend a lot of time and resources trying to get rid of genetic diseases in
their lines. However, some amateur breeders and puppy mills are breeding dogs
without screening the parents and perpetuating poor genetic health.
This article is not meant to be exhaustive but will attempt to describe some common
hereditary diseases and indicate some of the dog breeds that have shown a tendency
to inherit these diseases in the past. If you want to check on a particular dog breed you
can go to a particular dog breed and search for its health issues.
1.Eye Diseases
There are a variety of inherited diseases of the eye that can be serious to your dog’s
health and even lead to blindness. Fortunately the Canine Eye Registry (CERF) has a
registry for dogs that will be used for breeding. Buyers of pure-bred puppies should
ask to see this certification. Any dog that you plan to breed should have its eyes
examined by veterinary ophthalmologist, and then be registered with CERF.
Cataracts result from a hardening of the lens that causes it to become cloudy and
block light from reaching the retina. The usual cause is old age and/or diabetes but
juvenile cataracts are almost always hereditary. In severe cases your veterinarian can
remove the lens to somewhat improve eyesight. This disease can affect all breeds and
a large number of breeds are subject to juvenile cataracts.
Collie eye anomaly (CEA) is a problem with the blood supply to the retina that can
result in a detached retina. Retinal detachment usually occurs before two years of age
and will cause blindness in the affected eye. This disease can affect all collie breeds,
including the Border collie, Rough and Smooth Collie, and the Shetland sheepdog.
Ectropion is an inherited disease where the lower eyelid sags, droops and rolls out
exposing the interior of the eyeball. This exposure can lead to inflammation and
conjunctivitis Mild cases can be treated with drops and ointments, while severe cases
should be surgically corrected. This disease can be found in the American Cocker
Spaniel, Basset hound, Bloodhound, Boxer, Bulldog, Bull terrier, Clumber spaniel,
English cocker spaniel, English Springer spaniel, Gordon setter, Labrador retriever,
and Shih Tzu. Although less common, ectropion can be found in giant breeds such as
the Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland and Great Pyrenees.
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid, usually the lower, rolls or turns inward. This
results in the eyelashes and fur irritating the cornea and can eventually cause vision
problems. The problem is usually obvious by the time the dog reaches its first birthday
and if it is severe should be surgically corrected. The problem is very common in the
Chow chow, Bullmastiff, Mastiff and Shar-Pei. Entropion is also seen in the giant
breeds such as the Bernese mountain dog, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees,
Newfoundland and Saint Bernard. The condition is also seen in a wide range of
hounds, spaniels, toys, sporting and working breeds that are too numerous to list.
Glaucoma is an enlargement of the eye caused by a defect in the eye’s drainage
capability which allows pressure to build up and impair vision. Treatment of glaucoma
must be started as soon as it is detected in order to save the eye. Mild cases can be
treated by medications but severe cases are painful and will require the removal of an
eye. Dogs can adapt quite well to living with one eye or even without eyes. Primary
glaucoma is usually inherited and is common in the: Alaskan malamute, American
cocker spaniel, Basset hound, Beagle, Boston terrier, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, Great
Dane, Fox terrier (wire and smooth), Poodle (toy, miniature and standard), Samoyed,
Siberian husky, and Welsh Springer spaniel.
Lens luxation is a disorder where the lens is positioned in the wrong part of the eye -
either too far forward or backward. The primary or inherited disorder that occurs in
younger animals is a forward displacement of the lens that can result in glaucoma.
Symptoms are intense pain, tearing of the eye and reduced vision and can lead to
blindness if not treated. This disorder is most commonly seen in the Border collie,
Brittany spaniel, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and in a number of terrier breeds including
the: Fox terrier (wire and smooth), Bull terrier, Scottish terrier, Sealyham terrier, Skye
terrier, Tibetan terrier and Welsh terrier.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary disease which kills off the pigment
cells in the center of the retina. Both eyes are affected and initially the dog cannot
perceive stationary objects. As the disease progresses, the dog will experience night
blindness and will not want to go outside at night and will start bumping into fixed
objects. After a year or two the condition progresses until there is a complete loss of
vision. There are two types of PRA – early onset which starts a few weeks after birth
and later onset which starts after the dog’s first birthday.
Early onset PRA is common in the: Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Collie, Cairn terrier, Gordon
setter, Great Dane, Irish setter, miniature Schnauzer, and Norwegian elkhound. Less
common is day blindness in the Alaskan malamute and retinal degeneration in the male
Borzoi. Later onset PRA is common in a large number of breeds which are too
numerous to list here. There is a slower progressive disease called Central
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA) in which the rate of vision is significantly slower
than the other forms of PRA and may not deteriorate into total blindness. CPRA is
usually restricted to dogs in the United Kingdom.
2. Musculoskeletal Disorders
There are a number of common inherited diseases for which reputable breeders
screen their breeding stock. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has
specialists evaluate x-rays, DNA, thyroid, cardiac and other tests and register the
results. A prospective buyer should ask to see the OFA results for the dog’s parents.
Chondrodysplasia or dwarfism in the legs is a disease that causes malformation of
the carpal and radius bones of the front legs resulting in a stunted and bowed look.
Puppies born with this disease do not show any signs until they grow older. The
disease can be painful and often the only choice is to euthanize the dog. This disease
is most common in the Alaskan malamute and the Beagle.
Elbow dysplasia is a hereditary disease in which the elbow joints of the front legs are
malformed. Lameness usually makes its appearance around 7 to 10 months of age
and is treated by anti-inflammatories and also surgery. All breeds are susceptible to
the disease but it is most common in large male breeds. These breeds include the:
Basset hound, Bernese mountain dog, Bloodhound, Bouvier des Flandres, Chow
Chow, German shepherd, Golden retriever, Great Pyrenees, Irish wolfhound, Labrador
retriever, Mastiff, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard and Weimaraner.
Hip dysplasia is a disorder that results when there is a loose fit of the ‘ball and socket’
hip joint and the ball may continuously slide part way out of the socket. Over time this
will cause osteoarthritis in the joint and the dog will become lame and weak in the hind
end. Some relief can be found with the use of nutriceuticals such as glucosamine and
chondroitin, and anti-inflammatories. Some cases are so bad that the dog must have
surgery or be euthanized. Ensuring that your dog isn’t overfed and overweight can
delay the onset of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is the most common inherited
orthopedic disease in large and giant breeds and many medium-sized breeds as well.
Panosteitis or ‘pano’ is a common condition which suddenly causes lameness in a
growing puppy or adolescent dog. The lameness is a result of inflammation of the long
bones of the front and hind legs and can be mild to severe. A veterinarian will probably
prescribe pain medication and ask you to restrict exercise. Affected puppies usually
grow out of the condition as they mature. It is most common in male medium- to giant-
sized dog breeds which include the: Basset hound, Doberman pinscher, German
shepherd, Labrador retriever and Rottweiler.
Luxating Patella (Patellar luxation) or slipped stifle is a hereditary condition where
the knee cap slips out of its groove. In some cases, the kneecap will slip back into
place while in other cases; a veterinarian may need to put it back in place. If it is not
corrected through surgery, then osteoarthritis will usually result. It is commonly seen in
the Affenpinscher, Australian terrier, Basset hound, Boston terrier, Chihuahua,
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Maltese, Papillon, Pekingese,
Pomeranian, Poodle (miniature and toy) and Lhasa Apso.
3. Heart Disease
Aortic Stenosis (AS) and Sub Aortic Stenosis (SAS) are caused by a narrowing of
the aorta (main blood vessel) as it leaves the left side of the heart. The heart must
work harder to push the blood through the opening and this can cause problems and
even death. This condition is hard to detect but with moderate to severe stenosis, it is
necessary to restrict exercise. This disease is one of the most common heart
conditions seen in large breed dogs. It is quite common in Newfoundland dogs and also
fairly common if Boxers, Golden retrievers and Rottweilers.
Mitral valve disease is a heart condition resulting from a leaky valve causing a
backflow of blood into the left atrium of the heart. This is one of the common forms of
heart disease seen in older dogs. However some early development of mitral valve
dysplasia is inherited in small dogs such as the Bull terrier, Cairn terrier, Cavalier King
Charles spaniel and Miniature poodle.
Tricuspid valve dysplasia is a heart condition resulting from a leaky valve causing a
backflow of blood into the right atrium of the heart. Mild cases will allow the dogs to live
normal lives, while severe cases will cause early death. The most commonly affected
breed is the Labrador retriever.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle where there is a loss of the normal
contracting abilities of the ventricles. The heart is forced to work harder which can
result in irregular beats and even death. The disease is most common in Doberman
pinschers but is also seen in giant breed dogs such as the: Great Dane, Irish
wolfhound, Saint Bernard and Scottish deerhound.
4. Endocrine Disorders
Diabetes mellitus is the inability of the dog’s system to correctly process
carbohydrates and sugars. In some dogs diabetes doesn’t develop until middle age
and can be associated with weight gain. In the inherited form of diabetes, the disease
is usually apparent by 6 months of age and is indicated by puppies that drink and eat
more than normal but do not gain weight very quickly. Breeds that show early signs of
inherited diabetes can include the: Alaskan malamute, Chow chow, Doberman
pinscher, English Springer spaniel, Golden retriever, Labrador retriever, Miniature
Schnauzer, Old English Sheepdog, Poodle, Schipperke and West Highland white terrier.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the dog’s thyroid produces insufficient thyroid hormone
which can result in lower energy levels and weight gain. Other symptoms can include
changes to the dog’s coat – dull, dry and hair loss and intolerance to cold. A number of
middle-aged mid- to large breed dogs can acquire hypothyroidism but are too
numerous to list here. The inherited form or congenital hypothyroidism is much less
common and will result in stunted growth in the puppy and in other abnormalities.
5. Blood Disorders
Auto-immune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) results when the new red blood cells are
destroyed by the immune system faster than new ones are produced. This results in
anemia and is most common in the English cocker spaniel, old English sheep dog, and
Poodle.
Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD) is a common inherited bleeding disorder or
hemophilia. It is caused by a reduction of the Von Willebrands factor in the blood and is
usually fairly mild. Affected animals are usually prone to nose bleeds and care must by
taken during any surgery. The disease is most common in the Doberman pinscher
breed and fairly common in the Scottish terrier and the Shetland sheep dog. The
disease is also occasionally seen in most other breeds.
6. Other diseases
Bloat which is also called canine gastric delation- volvulus (CGDV) is a dangerous and
life-threatening condition. The stomach swells with gas and fluid, then begins to twist
and traps the gas inside. This twisting will shut off the blood supply to the digestive
organs and if the dog is not rushed to a veterinarian he can go into shock and die. The
exact cause is unknown but certainly swallowing air while quickly eating a large meal
and exercising soon after a meal are contributing factors. The condition can be
detected in the initial stages when you see him in distress and pain and his stomach is
taut and swollen soon after eating. The best treatment for bloat is prevention:
a. Feed your dog several smaller meals rather than one large one
b. Don’t exercise your dog for an hour after eating
c. Don’t let your dog drink excessive amounts of water all at one time
e. Don’t overfeed your dog and encourage him to eat slowly
f. If you are feeding your dog a dry food then add water to it to encourage faster
digestion
All large, deep-chested dog breeds are susceptible to bloat. This includes the:
Labrador retriever, Bloodhound, Bullmastiff, Doberman pinscher, Greyhound, Great
Pyrenees, Great Dane, German shepherd, Irish setter and Weimaraner.
Congenital deafness is inherited and occurs in one or both ears due to the
degeneration of the inner ear structure after a few weeks of age. Deafness seems to
be linked to coat colors in breeds with piebald or merle color genes or breeds with
more white in their coats. Congenital deafness is very common in the Dalmatian but is
also prevalent in Australian shepherds, Border collies, Bull terriers, Doberman
pinschers, English setters, Pointers, Rottweilers and Shetland sheepdogs.
Epilepsy is a hereditary disease that occurs in all breeds and mixed breeds. The
symptoms vary in severity but the dog will usually foam at the mouth and appear to be
chewing on something. This will be followed by the dog collapsing, legs going rigid, leg
movement, and uncontrolled bladder or bowel movement. Seizures can last for several
minutes and during recovery the dog appears dazed and wobbly. Frequent epileptic
seizures can be treated by drugs similar to those used for humans but your vet will first
want to rule out other causes. You should not breed a dog with this condition. While
this condition can be present in all breeds, it is most prevalent in American cocker
spaniels, Australian shepherds, Beagles, Border collies, Golden retrievers, Italian
greyhounds, Irish setters, Miniature pinschers, and Shetland sheepdogs.
Kidney diseases include many inherited disorders ranging from renal dysplasia to an
inability to process protein correctly. While the underlying problem varies between
breeds, the kidneys start to deteriorate by the end of the first year and will fail before
middle age. These diseases affect many breeds but the most common are the:
Bernese Mountain dog, Bull terrier, Cairn terrier, Chinese Shar-Pei, Doberman
pinscher, English cocker spaniel, Golden retriever, Lhasa Apso, Norwegian elkhound,
Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Samoyed, Standard Poodle, and Soft-coated Wheaten terrier.
Respiratory disorders are most commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds and range
from tracheal narrowing to respiratory difficulties because the face is very short.
Tracheal narrowing is most common in the English bulldog and Boston terrier while
respiratory difficulties occur in the same two dogs as well as the Cavalier King Charles
spaniel, Chinese Shar-Pei, French bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese and Shih Tzu.
Zinc-responsive dermatosis occurs when the dog fails to absorb enough zinc from its
food because it has a higher than normal requirement. The condition results in scaling
and crusting of the skin which can be seen on the dog’s nose, paw pads and stomach.
Treatment usually consists of zinc supplements added to the dog’s diet. The most
commonly infected breeds are the northern ones such as the Alaskan Malamute,
Samoyed and Siberian Husky. Young and rapidly growing Doberman pinschers and
Great Danes sometimes have a transient zinc deficiency and exhibit similar symptoms.
There are many more hereditary diseases that are prevalent in a number of dog
breeds and can seriously affect your dog’s health. Contact your breed’s national breed
club for a list of the most common inherited genetic diseases.
Lyme Disease
Be sure to check your dogs for ticks after they've been outside. If you notice any of these symptoms,
call your vet:
- fatigue
- fever
- lameness
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
Here's how to safely remove a tick:
- place fine-point tweezers around the tick's mouth where it's connected to your dog's skin
- gently pull up until the tick detaches
- disinfect the bite site and tweezers and wash your hands thoroughly (never use your bare
hands to remove a tick) - place the tick in a small container, labeled with the date, name and type of your pet, and
contact your vet to see if the tick needs to be tested
Here's what NOT to do:
- don't crush, puncture, or squeeze the tick
- don't apply petroleum jelly, nail polish, or alcohol to the tick
- don't try to burn the tick with a match, lit cigarette, or hot nail
Links
West Nile Virus
This site is maintained by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, and has the latest
information on the spread of West Nile Virus in the US, as well as information on
disease transmission, symptoms, etc.
Heartworm Society
Everything you ever wanted to know about heartworm disease can be found here!
West Nile Virus
This site is maintained by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, and has the latest
information on the spread of West Nile Virus in the US, as well as information on
disease transmission, symptoms, etc.
Heartworm Society
Everything you ever wanted to know about heartworm disease can be found here!
Do you operate a dog health or veterinary service in New England and want to be
listed here with a complete description and link to your Web site? Click here for more
information.
listed here with a complete description and link to your Web site? Click here for more
information.
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Please Note: The BeanTown Dogs website provides information and listings of dog breeds, clubs and associations, rescue organizations, health and nutrition, breeders,
trainers, groomers, boarding kennels, and other pet services and products. However, we do not recommend, endorse, or support any one of these listings over another. The links
provided on the site are for information purposes only and should not be viewed as a recommendation or endorsement. Accuracy of information is the sole responsibility of the
owner of the listing and we cannot be held responsible for any misrepresentation. We reserve the right to refuse any listing at our sole discretion. The BeanTown Dogs website is
not affiliated or associated with any organization or business - It is a completely independent project. - Archie and Mum
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Disclaimer: None of the information on this page or on its
links should be substituted for your veterinarian's advice.
links should be substituted for your veterinarian's advice.