Dog Genetic Health Conditions

Labrador Retriever

Generally a healthy breed and the most popular breed in the U.S. because of their gentle and affectionate disposition. Labs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia —which is abnormal development of joints. Prospective owners are advised to purchase from OFA approved breeding. Eye problems can also be present: PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) which is when the light-receptive area of the eye deteriorates and eventually results in blindness (no cure or treatment but nutritional antioxidant supplements for retinal health may slow the deterioration). Other eye problems include: cataracts, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplastia. Rarer conditions include: muscle myopathy, and hypothyroidism

Golden Retriever

Skin diseases/conditions and allergies are common—and when they get a bite of some kind, like fleas, they chew on it and that produces a hot spot (use of a collar or bandage can be helpful). Some dogs are also allergic to wheat. Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases including cataracts (most common) and pigmentary Uveitis—inflammation of the eye not due to infection—which medication can help. Cancer is the leading cause of death. OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) for potential joint problems and CERT (Canine Eye Research Foundation) for eye problems as well as checking for heart problems can be helpful in identifying a healthy Golden Retriever.

	Yorkshire Terrier The breed is prone to tooth decay (brushing is important), bronchitis, digestion problems, poor tolerance of anesthesia, and due to their small size and fragile bones –spine and back problems. Genetic disorders include: luxating patellas (kneecap moves), distichiae, hypoplasia of dens, and Legg-Perthes disease (degerneation of the hip joint ).

	German Shepherd Genetic conditions can include hip and elbow dysphasia, bloat (which can be life threatening), pancreatic insufficiency, anal furunculosis (an auto-immune condition), epilepsy, skin allergies, and von Willebrand’s disease which is a blood clotting defect (has some similarities to hemophilia in humans).

	Beagle Epilepsy, heart disease, and eye problems— glaucoma and corneal dystrophy and “cherry eye.” Lifestyle issues which can affect their overall health include: ear infections, obesity (which can lead to heart and joint problems), fleas/ticks, and reverse sneezing which is not felt to be harmful to the dog.

	Dachshund Spinal disc degeneration, which can lead to paralysis in the back, is present in this breed because of its elongated spine. Heart disease, diabetes and urinary tract problems are also prevalent. Obesity can also aggravate the back because of the long spine.

	Boxer Hip dysplasia, heart conditions, epilepsy, and impaired thyroid function—hypothyroidism. They are also sensitive to heat and humidity and Acepromazine, a preanesthetic agent (and occasionally used to tranqualize dogs during travel), should not be used on boxers.

Poodle

Addison’s disease—insufficient production of adrenal hormones—vomiting and poor appetite can be symptoms—often mistaken for other conditions …there is a test…as it can be fatal. Other conditions include: PRA (eye), hepatitis, Cushing’s syndrome, cataracts, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, Legg-Calve-Perthes and patellar luxation. Miniature poodles have some incidence of deafness and cryptorchidism.

	Pomeranians Knees that slip out of place (luxating patella) are the most common problem. Hypothyroidism, heart problems, epilepsy, collapsing trachea, eye disorders and cataracts can also occur in this breed. Skin diseases, hot spots and allergies as well as being prone to bad teeth also occur.

	Cocker Spaniels Eye problems—cataracts, PRA and glaucoma—are common. Ear infections, atopic dermatitis, knees slipping out of place—luxating patella are also present in this breed.

	Shih Tzu Eye and kidney problems are common. Eye problems include trouble closing the eyelid/inflamed cornea, dry eye, distichiasis and several other eye conditions. Renal dysplasia which is a kidney problem and patellar luxation are also present in this breed.

	Miniature Schnauzers Pancreatitis—vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite and energy and abdominal pain are symptoms—seek a vet immediately. Cataracts at birth (costly surgery to fix), PRA (eye), urinary tract infections and bladder stones, Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism are also present in this breed.

	Rottweilers Hip and elbow dysplasia, SAS (heart problem), OCD (disease during bone formation), Von Willebrand’s disease, bloat, a few types of eye problems which can generally be corrected surgically, epilepsy, cancer (bone is most frequent), and hypothyroidism.

	Pugs Luxating patella (dislocation of aknee cap—can fall back into place on its own or veterinarian may need to do it and it could require surgery if severe). PRA (eye), cataracts, dry eye, elongated soft palate (blocks airway), and stenotic nares (soft nasal tissue).

	Bulldogs Lots of health issues including hip dysplasia and arthritis, cherry eye, skin problems, and heart disease. Daily cleaning of face folds and teeth is recommended.