The effort to ensure certain standards consistently show up in some of the most popular dogs has propagated breed-specific health concerns. You can deal with them in a couple of ways. The first is proactive and involves research before you even buy a puppy. You will want to know what issues different breeds are prone to and what the breeder does to lessen the incidence of hereditary problems in their puppies. In the second case, you coordinate with your veterinarian to prevent or ameliorate any conditions that may inevitably arise.
Dachshunds
Dachshunds have exaggerated traits like elongated backs and shortened legs. You will commonly see intervertebral disc disease in Dachshunds. Disc problems can manifest as severe pain or even full paralysis. Most dogs will require pain medication and potent anti-inflammatories. Others need emergency back surgery to restore function. Close monitoring of your dog’s weight may help prevent the likelihood of a herniated disc.
English Bulldogs
Selective breeding for exaggerated characteristics has left the bulldog with myriad hereditary problems. Bulldogs suffer from skin, ear and tail infections related to their wrinkles. They may develop dry eye from their optic structure and chronic allergies. Most concerning, however, is brachycephalic airway syndrome from a pushed-in face and snub nose. Their narrow breathing passages and inordinately small nares make it difficult for them to breathe, which puts them at high risk for heat stroke and respiratory failure. To manage bulldogs, ensure moderate exercise, protection from heat, weight control, regular Schirmer tear tests and medicated baths. Make sure you interview the puppy breeder to get early warning about any health concerns you may need to be made aware of.
Doberman Pinschers
The Doberman, with its elegant head carriage, is susceptible to disc disease in the neck vertebrae. They can also fall victim to bone cancer or osteosarcoma, cardiomyopathy (a specific type of heart disease and enlargement), hip dysplasia, bloat and von Willebrand’s disease (a bleeding disorder). Make sure to obtain your Dobie from a reputable breeder and closely follow your veterinarian’s recommendations about feeding. You can manage this breed by monitoring any lameness. Your veterinarian should regularly check bleeding times and echocardiograms, especially before elective surgery. You can avoid hip dysplasia by obtaining a puppy from a breeder who certifies the hips of the parents.
Keeshonds
The surge in popularity of the Keeshond after World War II has led to a host of specific health concerns secondary to widespread inbreeding. Keeshonds are overrepresented in the areas of diabetes mellitus, hair loss or alopecia, epilepsy, heart defects and hypothyroid disease. Most of these issues have a genetic component. Therefore, it is important that you become familiar with a breeder before deciding to purchase a Keeshond puppy. Diabetes, seizures and hypothyroidism can be managed with medication.
Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds are bright, beautiful, and popular dogs. Although they suffer developmental bone problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, their eyes are their major complaint areas. Collie Eye Anomaly, or CEA, causes improper eye development. It is commonly linked with colobomas, or holes, in the choroid that supplies nutrients to the retina. Aussies inherit this disease as a recessive trait, and in severe cases, it can cause blindness. Australian Shepherds also show a tendency to develop cataracts. As always, buy your Aussie pup from a reputable and responsible breeder. Genetic tests for the condition can help eliminate carriers from the breeding pool. CEA is difficult to diagnose with 100 percent certainty in puppies. Nevertheless, you should plan on having your Australian Shepherd’s eyes checked after six weeks of age and annually thereafter.
Beagles
Beagles remain popular because their friendly and docile natures enable them to get along with animals and children. Unfortunately, they have a long list of moderate to severe health concerns. A cherry eye, or an inflamed gland in the third eyelid, is unsightly but not life-threatening. Depending on its severity, your veterinarian may not even treat it. Glaucoma, increased pressure in the eyes, is much more serious. Beagles are afflicted with ear infections, epilepsy, disc disease in the mid-back and right-sided heart disease. You should have your veterinarian check eye pressure at least yearly. Keep your Beagle’s ears clean and dry. You still may have to treat them occasionally with ear drops or oral antibiotics. Beagles sometimes have heart disease secondary to structural abnormalities and require surgery. The remainder of their conditions can usually be treated with medication. Uncommonly, a Beagle may need back surgery.
Bichon Frises
The Bichon Frise is one of the most popular dogs because of its gentle personality and small size. It is surprisingly susceptible to orthopedic problems such as hip dysplasia. They also suffer from luxating patellas and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease whereby the ball of the hip in puppies degenerates. All of these conditions are hereditary, and they may require surgery. The Bichon also contends with frequent ear infections. More serious diseases that affect Bichons with particular frequency are Kartagener’s Syndrome and diabetes mellitus, sometimes combined with other endocrine disorders. Diabetes may require lifelong insulin administration and blood tests. Kartagener’s syndrome is a respiratory disease with recurring infections from excessive mucus and bacteria build-up. Minor ailments that commonly affect Bichons include allergies.
Unfortunately, some of the most desirable traits in dog breeds are linked to detrimental health problems. Conscientious breeders are more aware of these issues than they were in the past, and they now take steps to decrease the incidence of these issues. You, too, can play an active role in minimizing the risks of hereditary problems in your dog. If your pet does develop breed-specific health concerns despite your best efforts, you can team up with medical professionals to effectively deal with your dog’s ailments.