Dogs and their typical illnesses

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Some dog breeds have a predisposition to certain diseases. So, bulldogs often have breathing problems, and pugs - with eyes. We have collected information on 25 dog breeds and their typical complications. Remember the symptoms of the disease, the risk of which your four-legged friend has, and then you will be able to help him in a timely manner.

Siberian Husky

Typical problem: autoimmune diseases.

Siberian huskies are prone to various autoimmune diseases. Many of these are skin-related, with ulcers and hair loss (especially on the face). Certain immune disorders also affect the eyes and can lead to vision problems such as glaucoma and cataracts.

English bulldog

Typical problem: difficulty breathing.

Like other dogs with cute, flattened faces, Bulldogs can have respiratory problems. Small nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and a narrow trachea are the reasons Bulldogs snore. And if the dog is overheated or overworked, these factors can provoke a life-threatening situation.

Pug

Typical problem: with eyes.

Pugs have eyes in danger. It's all about their bulging position on a flattened muzzle. The most serious thing that can happen is an eye drop when the eyeball goes out of orbit. This can be triggered by a strong blow or by fighting with another dog. If this happens to your pet, do not try to help him yourself. Apply a wet patch over the injured eye and take the dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The doctor will return the eye to its place, but whether the vision will remain at the same time depends on the severity of the damage.

German Shepherd

Typical problem: hip dysplasia.

German Shepherds, like many large dog breeds, experience hip dysplasia. Conformity is lost between the articular surfaces, and arthritis or dislocation occurs. The femoral head is deformed and partially or completely slips out of the joint cavity. The dog is in pain and cannot walk normally.

Labrador Retriever

Typical problem: obesity.

Any dog can have extra pounds, but Labradors are especially prone to obesity. Like humans, being overweight in dogs can lead to other health problems. Labradors must expend a lot of energy, and if your dog is constantly begging for food, try giving him raw carrots or apples as a snack.

Beagle

Typical problem: epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that manifests itself in sudden seizures. Epilepsy affects not only people, but also dogs, most often beagles. The first seizure in an epileptic dog usually occurs between six months and three years. Epilepsy is incurable, but the number of seizures can be reduced (to one per month) by taking anticonvulsants.

Shih tzu

Typical problem: displacement of the kneecap.

Patella misalignment (patella dislocation) is extremely common in dwarf dog breeds such as the Shih Tzu. As a result, the dog begins to limp or tuck his paw. Usually the veterinarian will adjust the patella, but in severe cases, surgery may be required to avoid arthritis.

Boxer

Typical problem: cancer.

Boxers are at high risk of developing certain types of cancer such as lymphoma and mastocytoma. Lymphoma is characterized by damage to the lymphatic system, and mastocytoma - by the appearance of malignant mast cell tumors on the skin of an animal. If you notice a strange lump or subcutaneous lump on your pet's torso, see your doctor. Cancer in dogs is curable if detected early. Also, if you have a boxer, check his lymph nodes regularly.

Dachshund

Typical problems: with the back.

Due to their elongated torso, dachshunds have a higher risk of back injury or vertebral disc problems than other dogs. To avoid this, keep an eye on your pet's weight. Extra pounds - an additional load on the back. Also try to limit descents and ascents of stairs and to stop your dog from jumping off furniture. All this greatly strains the spine.

Doberman

Typical problem: heart diseases.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious disease characterized by the development of stretching of the heart cavities. DCMP is extremely common in Dobermans. In this case, it can develop both at a young age and after 14 years, but is most often observed in dogs 7-8 years old. About 70–80% of all diseased animals are males. Dog owners are often unaware that their pet is sick until the end comes.

Cocker Spaniel

Typical problem: ear infections.

Dogs like the cocker spaniel with long, drooping ears often suffer from infections of this organ. To prevent them, clean your dog's ears every two weeks. Also, sometimes lift them up and blow the dirt out of them. Cut the hair out of the animal's ear so that it can hear better and moisture does not accumulate in the ear canal. The fewer ear infections, the less future health problems your dog will have.

Yorkshire Terrier

Typical problem: hepatic shunt.

Portosystemic shunts (PSS) are abnormal vascular connections that occur between the hepatic portal vein and the systemic circulation. In other words, blood from the gastrointestinal tract goes directly into the general bloodstream bypassing the liver - toxins are not excreted from the body. The disease usually occurs in small dogs like Yorkshire terriers. PSS leads to stunted growth, frequent vomiting, and seizures. Fortunately, hepatic shunt can be cured. After the surgery, the dog usually lives a normal, healthy life.

Golden retriever

Typical problem: allergy.

Does your golden retriever lick itself all the time? Alas, this is not because the dog likes his beautiful coat. When dogs are allergic, they don't sneeze like humans do. Allergic reactions are expressed as itchy skin. If your dog often licks, scratches or bites itself, take it to the doctor. Otherwise, a "hot spot" (hot spot, or acute wet dermatitis) may form on the skin.

Poodle

Typical problem: glaucoma.

Poodles are one of the breeds at risk of serious eye diseases. With glaucoma, due to increased intraocular pressure, the dog feels pain and may go blind. In the early stages, glaucoma is treated with special medications that lower the pressure in the eye. But, if the optic nerve is severely damaged, surgical intervention may be required, up to and including removal of the eyeball.

Rottweiler

Typical problem: with joints.

Large dogs such as Rottweilers often have joint problems such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and osteochondrosis dissection (OCD). In OCD, the cartilage is detached from the adjacent bone and displaced from the joint cavity. Rapid growth of the puppy may be the reason.

Miniature schnauzer

Typical problem: diabetes.

Does your miniature schnauzer drink after a walk like running a marathon? He may have diabetes. Any dog can get diabetes, but Miniature Schnauzers are particularly prone to it. Diabetes is a serious medical condition, but with insulin and diet, your dog can live a normal canine life.

Chihuahua

Typical problem: collapse of the trachea.

Does your dog cough, and sometimes he is so worried that he rushes from corner to corner and does not find a place for himself? She may have a collapsed trachea. It is typical for dwarf breeds. The trachea is a tubular organ that connects the upper and lower airways. It is strengthened by cartilaginous half rings. If they soften, the trachea loses its stiffness and the tracheal tube becomes deformed. This is called collapse. In some cases, it does not cause any special problems for the animal, and sometimes medical intervention is required.

Pomeranian

Typical problem: hair loss.

Pomeranian Spitz are prone to adrenal disease called alopecia X and is expressed in hair loss. Baldness usually starts at a young age. Long hair falls out first. The likely cause of alopecia X is an imbalance in sex hormones. Therefore, after sterilization and castration, the coat is usually restored. Taking melatonin can also help.

Kurzhaar

Typical problem: aortic stenosis.

Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aorta due to the fusion of its valve cusps, which prevents normal blood flow. Due to aortic stenosis, the load on the heart increases and cardiac arrhythmias may occur. In mild cases, aortic stenosis may be asymptomatic, in severe cases, the dog gets tired quickly, shortness of breath appears during exertion, and there may be convulsions. Unfortunately, aortic stenosis significantly shortens the life span of the animal. But it can be prolonged by timely treatment.

German dog

Typical problem: volvulus.

Large dogs such as the Great Dane are at high risk for gastrectasia (enlargement of the stomach, or volvulus). This is an extremely life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with gas and the intestines twist, pinching the arteries. If you notice that the dog is breathing heavily after eating, it is drooling profusely, take it to the veterinarian immediately.

Shetland Sheepdog

Typical problem: collie eye anomaly.

Shelties are at risk of developing an eye condition known as collie eye anomaly. The main symptom of the disease is the underdevelopment of the choroid. The degree of manifestation of the disease can vary from minor visual impairment to complete blindness. Collie eye anomaly is incurable and inherited.

Maltese

Typical problem: tremor.

It usually develops in white dogs, but it can also occur in other colors of maltese. At a signal, a tremor begins in the dog's cerebellum, sometimes so strong that the animal cannot walk. However, this is treated with corticosteroids. Then the tremor disappears after a few weeks.

Boston terrier

Typical problem: "Cherry eye".

Boston Terriers have bulging eyes, which means they are at risk. Among the eye diseases encountered in them, the so-called cherry eye is typical. Dogs have a third eyelid, which contains a gland that produces a significant portion of the tear film. When this gland falls out of its orbit, a "cherry eye" is obtained. Reduction of the third eyelid gland is performed surgically. In addition to the "cherry eye", keratoconjunctivitis dry, cataract and entropion (eyelid volvulus) are common in Boston Terriers.

French Bulldog

Typical problems: with breathing.

Like its cousin from England, the French Bulldog often faces breathing problems. In particular, with brachiocephalic syndrome, in which respiratory function is impaired in dogs. Causes: small nostrils, elongated soft palate and narrow trachea. Difficulty breathing is possible with high ambient temperatures and physical exertion. Therefore, on hot days, it is better to keep your pet in a cool place.

Cavalier king charles spaniel

Typical problem: Insufficiency of the mitral valve.

This problem is common in small dogs in old age, but in Cavaliers it can also be present in their youth. The leaflets of the mitral valve can deform, then it does not close completely and cannot normally interfere with the reverse flow of blood. This puts stress on the heart. Symptoms are shortness of breath during exertion and coughing fits. With early detection and treatment of mitral valve insufficiency, a dog can live a long and (almost) happy life.