Common dog breed disorders

This enumeration of ailments of certain breeds – based on observation of dogs over a long period of time – is not meant to frighten you. It reflects statistical probabilities of what problems owners might have to expect, and this list will help what to look out for in one’s dog.

Entroption

In this condition, found primarily in rough-haired breeds, one or both eyelids are inverted, creating itching and compulsive blinking. Later the irritation causes the cornea to become inflamed, and there is a slimy and pussy discharge from the eye. The condition may be congenital. Examine the eyes of a puppy carefully before buying it. Palliative treatment sometimes works, but usually surgery is necessary.

Ectropion

Here an eyelid, usually the lower one, is everted or turned out. Again, the constant irritation leads to reddening and inflammation of the eye and to tearing. The condition is sometimes congenital, but it can also be the result of paralyzed nerves or, in older dogs, or weakness of the lid muscles. In most cases, surgical correction is necessary.

Glaucoma

Here the fluid cannot properly drain. This causes pressure on the eye, tearing, sensitivity to light, dilated pupils, reddened conjunctiva, sensitivity to touch, and disturbances in general behavior. If the condition is not recognized and treated in good time, permanent damage is done to the eye. It is therefore crucial that one consults a veterinarian promptly.

Keratitis

In this ailment, which can have a number of causes, the cornea turns bluish white. Sometimes a foreign body lodges in the eye and results in keratitis. Mild, antibiotic eye drops may help, but if there are major injuries (ulcers) or if the keratitis persists, consulting the veterinarian is mandatory.

Signs: Sensitivity to light, blinking, tearing, opaqueness of the cornea, obvious pain of the eye.

Conjunctivitis

Particularly frequent in breeds with drooping lower eyelids. Often the so-called third eyelid becomes inflamed and swollen so that it protrudes from the inside corner of the eye, causing the hairs below to be caked with discharge.

Signs: Reddening of the eye, teariness, pussy secretion, and sensitivity to light.

Treatment: Remove the discharge gently with a soft cloth or tissue. Consult the veterinarian.

Impaired Hearing

Loss of hearing must be treated by a veterinarian in good time to prevent total deafness. Deafness has several causes. It develops quite commonly in dogs 12 to 14 years old, but a serious illness can also affect the hearing of younger dogs. Albinism (a congenital lack of pigments) is often accompanied by deafness.

Inflammation Of The Ear

Inflammation of the external ear canal can be caused by an accumulation of ear wax that begins to decay, the presence of foreign bodies, dirt, or water (sometimes from bathing), matted hair inside the ear that interferes with the self-cleaning of the ear canal, and through the closing off of the ear by unkempt drooping ears with long hair. Inflammation of the ears also occurs in cases of infections.

Signs: Swelling, red skin, increased scaliness, production of sticky to yellowish brown sebum, and ear wax that rots, smells bad, and aggravates the irritation.

Reactions: Shaking the head, scratching with the feet, rubbing the ears on the floor, tilting the head, and whining with pain. The condition must be treated by a veterinarian.

Allergies And Eczema

These conditions are caused by excessive sensitivity to certain allergens, such as anti-genetic proteins, some carbohydrates and fats, and substances derived from some plants, as well as various medications and chemicals.

Signs: Rashes and reddening or swelling of the skin; in severe cases diarrhea, vomiting, asthma, and sometimes fever are also seen. Eczema usually manifests in scaly and itchy skin. If it is acute, there may be inflammation with redness and swelling. In its chronic form it is less dramatic, lingering on with little outward signs of inflammation, but gradually leading to a thickening of the skin. Eczema can turn up on any part of the body, but in large dogs it affects primarily the elbows and the hocks. Spaniels and setters often get it on their lips. Eczema should be treated by a veterinarian. Basically, treatment starts with shaving off all the hair on and around the affected area so that air can get at the skin. Crusty places and bits of hair can be cleaned off gently with a three percent peroxide solution before the eczema is treated according to the veterinarian’s directions.

Boils

Boils are pussy inflammations of the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands. Short-haired dogs with deep folds of the skin get them most often, particularly on the nose, chin, and cheeks and on the elbows and hocks.

Treatment: Keep the dog from licking the places by putting a ruff on it. Clean the wound several times a day with three percent hydrogen peroxide or tincture of iodine, and apply a disinfectant salve (such as Betadine) to the surrounding area. If large areas are affected, apply bandages with Domeboro solution and change them every day. Food fortified with vitamins and baker’s yeast aids the body’s defense reaction. If boils are accompanied by other symptoms and fever or if the condition does not clear up, visit the veterinarian.

Lumps And Tumors, Benign And Malignant

Generally speaking, the faster a tumor grows, the greater is the possibility that it is malignant. As dogs grow older, the likelihood of growths increases, just as it does in humans. The most susceptible areas in dogs are the mammary glands, the anal canal, and, in males, the sexual organs. It is up to the veterinarian to decide whether an operation is in order and whether it is likely to be successful.

Hip Dysplasia

In some breeds this malformation of the hip joint may be congenital, but it can get aggravated by wrong diet and lead to lameness. Joint deterioration can be diagnosed with the help of x-rays. In a malformed joint, the socket and the ball are flattened and sometimes fit only loosely. If the condition is detected early enough, proper care and food, as well as hormone treatments, can have a beneficial effect and sometimes keep the disorder from progressing past the initial stages.

Prevention: Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used as breeding stock. (Make sure your puppy’s parents are healthy!)

Dislocation Of The Kneecap

In lively dogs, and particularly in poodles, this is usually the cause of lameness after a "false step" when jumping or climbing stairs, but the condition can also come on spontaneously. Sometimes the dislocated kneecap moves back in place by itself; if not, the veterinarian must help. In bad cases, an operation is often necessary.

Unprovoked Biting

This is a behavioral disorder that used to occur with some frequency and still does occasionally in unicolored red and black cocker spaniels. The biting is accompanied by signs of rage and fear and can be directed even against the dog’s master. In the modern strains of the breed, this disorder has been largely eliminated.

Epileptic Attacks

Epilepsy is sometimes congenital and manifests itself in some breeds when the dog is still young. In other cases it can occur as a result of another illness. The attacks, for which there is usually no external cause, frequently come during the heat period. They usually subside after a few minutes. If the veterinarian diagnoses true epilepsy, it is possible to try to keep the condition under control with medications.

Eclampsia

This is an acute metabolic disorder that affects female dogs, particularly of small and toy breeds. It may occur before or during whelping or even up to five weeks after it.

Signs: Restlessness, excessive panting, cramps, a panicked look in the eyes, and often a high fever. The condition is life threatening, and it is essential to call the veterinarian promptly.

Preventive measures: Feed your dog vitamin-and mineral-enriched food, especially in the last third of pregnancy, and make sure she gets plenty of exercise while the puppies are nursing.

Twisted Stomach

Dogs of large breeds can suddenly get a twisted stomach if they have been made to play and jump right after having wolfed down a large amount of rich food.

Signs: Restlessness, stomach pains that get worse rapidly, bloating, salivating and panting, retching, and a curiously cautious walk. Only prompt (surgical) treatment by a veterinarian offers any promise of success. If you wait over two hours after the first symptoms, all the efforts to save the animal may be in vain.

Kidney Stones

These may become dangerous, particularly in male dogs.

Signs: Difficulties in urinating and cloudy urine mixed with blood. The partial and sometimes complete blockage of the urinary tract causes the urine to back up, with painful distension of the bladder and sometimes complete blockage of the urinary tract causes the urine to back up, with painful distension of the bladder and sometimes the kidneys. Mild cases may be alleviated with dietary measures, diuretic medications, and flushing, but often only an operation will help. (Excerpted from The New Dog Handbook)