Hereditary Orthopedic Diseases in Dogs
Excerpt : Do you ever read about a dog breed and discover that a particular breed can be prone to a number of diseases - most of which you can't understand? Are you in the process of choosing a dog and you
Do you ever read about a dog breed
and discover that a particular breed can be prone to a number of
diseases - most of which you can't understand? Are you in the
process of choosing a dog and you want to know which
breed-specific hereditary disease that the breeder should have
screened out in the breeding stock?
Most breeders spend a lot of time and resources trying to get
rid of genetic diseases in their lines. However, some amateur
breeders and puppy mills are breeding dogs without screening the
parents and perpetuating poor genetic health.
This article is not exhaustive but will attempt to describe some
common hereditary musculoskeletal diseases and indicate some of
the dog breeds that have shown a tendency to inherit these
diseases in the past. Since so many dogs have inherited
orthopedic problems, these disorders are
Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com
Also see :
Dogs - Is You Dog Overweight ?
Weight Problems in Dogs: Is Your Dog Fat?
Did you know that obesity is one of the greatest health risks
among dogs?
Obesity is caused by...read more
Dogs and Water
The sight of a dog frockling in water is a familiar one
especially when on holiday. Most dogs love water and some make a
beeline for every muddy...read more
|
extremely well
researched and studied. If you want to check on a particular dog
breed you can go to dog breed facts and search on a particular
breed for its health issues.
There are a number of common inherited diseases for which
reputable breeders screen their breeding stock. The Orthopedic
Foundation for Animals (OFA) has specialists evaluate X-rays,
DNA, thyroid, cardiac and other tests and register the results.
A prospective pure-bred puppy buyer should ask to see the OFA
results for the dog's sire and dam.
Chondrodysplasia or dwarfism in the legs is a disease that
causes malformation of the carpal and radius bones of the front
legs resulting in a stunted and bowed look. Puppies born with
this disease do not show any signs until they grow older. The
disease can be painful and often the only choice is to euthanize
the dog. This disease is most common in the Alaskan malamute and
the
Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com
Beagle.
Elbow dysplasia is a hereditary disease in which the elbow
joints of the front legs are malformed. Lameness usually makes
its appearance around 7 to 10 months of age and is treated by
anti-inflammatories and also surgery. All breeds are susceptible
to the disease but it is most common in large male breeds. These
breeds include the: Basset hound, Bernese mountain dog,
Bloodhound, Bouvier des Flandres, Chow Chow, German shepherd,
Golden retriever, Great Pyrenees, Irish wolfhound, Labrador
retriever, Mastiff, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard and Weimaraner.
Hip dysplasia is a disorder that results when there is a loose
fit of the 'ball and socket' hip joint and the ball may
continuously slide part way out of the socket. Over time this
will cause osteoarthritis in the joint and the dog will become
lame and weak in the hind end. Some relief can be found with the
use of nutriceuticals such as
Buy this Photographic Print at AllPosters.com
Also see :
Flea Control in dogs and cats
Flea control can be a very hard thing to do especially if you live in areas where fleas are largely populated. Weather has a lot to do with fleas and...read more
Can Cat Lovers Ever Love Dogs?
People often define themselves as either a cat lover or a dog
lover, but the question remains can a cat lover ever love dogs?
Or, dog lovers ever...read more
|
glucosamine and chondroitin, and
anti-inflammatories. Some cases are so bad that the dog must
have surgery or be euthanized. Ensuring that your dog isn't
overfed and overweight can delay the onset of hip dysplasia.
Larger breeds that grow fastest during the first four months
seem to be more prone to this disease. Hip dysplasia is the most
common inherited orthopedic disease in large and giant breeds
and many medium-sized breeds as well.
Legg-Calve-Perthes is a disease of the hip joint where the ball
or head of the femur deteriorates and causes pain and lameness
in the hind leg. This disease usually affects young small dogs
aged from 4 to 12 months. This condition is successfully treated
by surgery. This disorder can affect all terriers, Chihuahuas,
Dachshunds, Miniature pinscher, Miniature poodles, Pugs and Toy
poodles.
Panosteitis or 'pano' is a common condition which suddenly
causes
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
lameness in a growing puppy or adolescent dog. The
lameness is a result of inflammation of the long bones of the
front and hind legs and can be mild to severe. A veterinarian
will probably prescribe pain medication and ask you to restrict
exercise. Affected puppies usually grow out of the condition as
they mature. It is most common in male medium- to giant-sized
dog breeds which include the: Afghan Hound, Basset hound,
Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees,
Labrador retriever and Rottweiler.
Luxating Patella (Patellar luxation) or slipped stifle is a
hereditary condition where the knee cap slips out of its groove.
In some cases, the kneecap will slip back into place while in
other cases; a veterinarian may need to put it back in place. If
it is not corrected through surgery, then osteoarthritis will
usually result. The condition is quite prevalent in toy breeds.
It is
Buy this Matted Print at AllPosters.com
commonly seen in the Affenpinscher, Australian terrier,
Basset hound, Boston terrier, Chihuahua, Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Maltese, Papillon, Pekingese,
Pomeranian, Poodle (miniature and toy) and Lhasa Apso.
There are many more hereditary diseases that are prevalent in a number of
dog breeds. Contact your breed's national breed club for a list
of the most common inherited genetic diseases.
About the author:
Mike Mathews is a contributing writer and editor for the popular
dog breed site: http://www.dog-breed-facts.com. He provides
informative, real-world advice and tips on dog breeds, dog
health, dog
grooming and more.
More Dogs Articles
Heartworms in Dogs
The heartworm ( Dirofilaria immitis ) is a deadly parasite
that is carried by mosquitoes. The highest infection rates are
in areas within 150 miles...
How to Correct Your Dog's Stay on the Agility Starting Line
Does your Agility Dog Stay everywhere but on the starting line? My "over the edge Border Collie", started breaking her start line stays after...
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
For Dog Lovers Like You and Me
|
sitemap
Partners :
Package Holidays | WoW Gold | Life Insurance | Package Holidays | Kamala Harris
copyright www.knowaboutdogs.com 2006
|
Recently Added Dogs Articles
Crate Training Dogs & Puppies- FAQ
1) Why should I crate train my dog? Crate Training is the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Have you ever seen a dog under...read more
The Power Of Dogs
Well first of all I was always a cat owner, till my husband bought our first Chihuahua (Stitch) in 2002, Stitch was about 6 weeks old and was...read more
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) In Dogs
The canine distemper virus (CDV) causes a highly contagious disease in dogs known as distemper. Dogs who contract distemper suffer damage to their...read more
Parvovirus in Dogs
Parvovirus infection, commonly called "parvo," is a disease of
dogs that affects the intestinal tract and causes vomiting,
diarrhea, fever, and...read more
Heartworm Treatment for Cats and Dogs
The treatment for heartworms is different for cats and dogs. Do not ever give medicine intended for a cat to your dog or vice versa. Once your...read more
Allergies - Dogs May Suffer Too
Many people don’t realize that their dogs, just like human beings, can suffer from allergies. In fact, about twenty percent of the dogs in the United...read more
Dogs - Fight Flea Infestations
How to fight fleas
The natural way:
* Vacuum your home frequently and seal vacuum bags before
disposing.
* Wash the bedding of your...read more
Boxer Dogs: Clowns Not Guard Dogs
Boxers have been traced to exist for over a hundred years now.
They are said to have originated from Germany as the crossbreed
between the...read more
How Dogs Can Benefit Children
Thinking of getting a dog? You know your child wants a dog to play with but did you know that the love and companionship of a dog can have long...read more
Seven Games Dogs Just Love To Play
Have you ever wonder why some dogs seem to be so happy and playful even up to their twilight years? The answer is not far from reach. If your dog is...read more
Some News About Dogs
|