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Dog Breeds and health issues
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10-09-2010 8:49pm#1Thought it might be a good idea to start a thread as a resource to people with information about the health issues various dog breeds are suceptible to and identifying those breeds with fewer health problems. I'm aware of a large number of dog owners on Boards who have acquired a wealth of knowledge about the breeds they love and it may be helpful to prospective owners and as general information for the rest of us.
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West Highland White Terrier
Cons: Suceptible to skin allergies and have a delicate digestive system
Both can be controlled to a certain degree just by feeding a suitable diet.
Pros: Allround they are generally a healthy breed with few other common problems and many remain very active well into old age 0 -
Not a health problem as such but certainly something to be aware of:
Springer Spaniels can suffer with excitable colitis (sp) My guy has this as has most springers I have come across in the past year. It means when they get worked up or excited they can poo for Ireland
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Possible healthy probs:
Seasonal alopecia (not really a problem but can spook first time owners);
Most boxers over 4 years can suffer from patchy hair loss around their hind hips and back. Grows back in a few months.
Snotty nose syndrome:
In the cold weather some boxers can suffer from an excessively runny nose, this can cause the dog to cover you in snot as they say hello!
Arthritis:
My last two boxers had problems with arthritis in their hips. On reading up on it, it can be quite common.
Heart murmurs.
Pros:
Super friendly dogs with bundles of energy and need walked a lot to keep them quite in the house. Great companions with a real buddy personality.
A good healthy diet and smaller dog companion will have a boxer live well up to 12.
A definite winner in the most cute'st pup category
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Labrador Retriver
This breed is rife with common ailments
Hip Dysplasia causes pain and lameness. The malformation of the hip joints is also a primary factor in the development of arthritis problems. An abnormal gait, bunny hopping and a reluctance to climb stairs or exercise are some of the common symptoms of canine dysplasia.
Retinal Atrophy results in the degeneration of the retina causing vision loss and even blindness.
Juvenile Cataracts and Corneal Dystrophy are other eye problem that consistant with the breed.
Muscular Dystrophy results in muscular weakness, stiff gait and a tendency to avoid exercises. Dogs that have this can suffer from problems like heart muscle disease.
Gastric torsion results in the twisting and congestion of the stomach and its contents. This results in gas formation accompanied by rapid swelling of the abdomen. Excruciating pain and even death are the outcome of the untreated gastric torsion.
Elbow Dysplasia results in uneven joint surface, inflammation, joint swelling, lameness and arthritis. The most common cause of elbow dysplasia are genetic factors.
Osteochondritis Dissecans is a disease of the cartilage layer of the joints, The most commonly affected parts are the elbow, shoulder and ankle joints in dogs and resulting in limping, swelling and stiff gait.
Other Labrador health problems include obesity, megaesophagus, hypothyroidism, laryngeal paralysis, diabetes mellitus and epilepsy. They are also prone to common injuries like ruptured cruciate ligaments and limber tail syndrome.
My own lab lived to the ripe old age of 14 but suffered from everything I have bolded in this post 0 -
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Pro's: Relatively long-lived. Typical life span is 15-17 years.
Very friendly, sociable dogs. They are companion dogs, so can't be left alone for long periods of time, otherwise they can be destructive. If you're not into long walks this can be an ideal dog for you. They only need 1-1.5 hours exercise a day. Unless you have one like mine who adores five mile walkies!. If you only have a flat or a small garden this is the ideal dog for you! Shih Tzu do not shed, and so are an excellent breed if you're houseproud or have allergies.
Cons:
As Shih Tzu are a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, they can be prone to breathing problems. They do not regulate heat very well either, so very important to keep them cool, and don't over-exert them.
Shih Tzu also have big bulging eyes. They can be prone to infection, so it's important to keep a close eye (!) on them. I wipe over my dog's eye's with warm salt water to keep the tears down. Shih Tzu are very prone to staining, so I do my best to keep the staining down by washing my dog's face and paws with warm camomile tea. Great for keeping staining to a minimum, but it's slow work!
They are also fur-balls!! Shih Tzu need to be brushed at least every other day, and to visit the groomer every six weeks. If you don't have the time or the resources to go to the groomer, then this is not the dog for you.
All in all - a great little dog! Stubborn and 'own wayish'. They can rule YOU if you do not set the boundaries early, but the rewards far outweigh any problems you might get along the way.
I'm not an expert, but hope these pointers help someone who might be considering this breed.
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