• Dachshund
- Back Problems
• Cocker
Spaniel - Glaucoma
• Chihuahua
- Hydrocephalus
• Dalmation
- Bladder stones
• Westies
- Yeast Infections
• Cavalier
- Heart Disease
• Bichon
- Allergies
It is well known that each breed of
dog tends to have certain health problems more common to that breed. This
is probably due to genetics. As canine DNA is studied, it is hoped that
we can eventually develop genetic tests for early detection and possible
prevention of these diseases. In the meantime, when dog owners are
considering adopting a certain breed of dog, they should consult a veterinarian
to discuss what diseases are prevalent in that particular breed.
Trupanion, a pet health insurance
company, did a survey of their claims over the last decade to determine the
five most expensive dog breeds from a health care standpoint. They are,
in order, the English Bulldog, the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Rottweiler, the
Great Dane, and the French Bulldog.
The English Bulldog is prone to
cherry eye, an enlargement of a gland on the third eyelid that appears as a red
swelling in the inner corner of the eye; this responds to surgical
correction. English Bulldogs also commonly get brachycephalic syndrome, a
complex of several problems that includes a soft palate that is too long and
makes it hard for the dog to breathe. They may even faint when they have
this problem; this also makes it easier for them to suffer from heat
stroke. Another part of this syndrome is stenotic nares, which means
their nostrils are very narrowed. This contributes to the problem of
breathing. All of these conditions can be helped by surgery. Bulldogs are
also prone to the orthopedic problems of hip dysplasia, and patellar
luxation. The hip problem leads to arthritis. Patellar luxation causes
the kneecap to go in and out of place, and may lead to a rupture of the
cruciate ligament inside the knee. Surgeries are available for these
problems as well.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to
cataracts, and two kinds of cancer: mast cell tumors and histiocyctic
sarcoma. Elbow dysplasia is a very common problem, this leads to
arthritis of the elbow. Gastric torsion is more common in this
breed. This where the stomach twists on itself, cutting off the blood
supply to the stomach. Even with emergency surgery there is still a significant
mortality rate.
The Rottweiler is predisposed to
elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, and hypothyroidism, a condition where the
body does not make enough thyroid hormone. This is easily diagnosed with a
blood test, and if low, the dog is given thyroid supplement medication for the
rest of its life. Rottweilers are also prone to allergies. The
symptoms most commonly show as itchy skin, but food allergies may also present
as chronic vomiting and / or soft stools.
The Great Dane is inclined to get
elbow and hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, and cardiomyopathy. This last
disease is a severe condition of the heart muscle that has a poor
prognosis. An ultrasound of the heart, called an echocardiogram, is
required to diagnose this problem.
French Bulldogs are prone to
allergies, brachycephalic syndrome, stenotic nares, and hip dysplasia.
Every dog breed has their own set of
conditions to which they are predisposed. Unfortunately, no breed is
perfectly healthy, but some are better than others! Your veterinarian can
discuss each breed and any diseases.