Genetic Diseases in Purebred Dogs

The best thing you can do to reduce the chances of your purebred dog developing a genetic disease is by purchasing from a reputable breeder. A reputable breed will be a member of national breed organization, they will only breed to achieve the breed standard, and they will be willing to teach and advise you on the breed.

The same selective breeding that breeders use to magnify desirable traits increases the chances of genetic illnesses in purebred dogs. Almost every purebred dog breed is prone to a list of common genetic diseases. Before adopting or buying a purebred dog you need to be aware of which diseases are common in certain breeds.

Allergies
When a dog's immune system over-reacts to a specific environmental factor the dog develops allergies. The allergen may be a food ingredient, grass, or a bug bite. These allergens may cause hot spots, itching, and gastrointestinal disorders. Pugs and Bichon Frise's are two breeds that often develop allergies. The best way to reduce allergies in your purebred dog is by feeding a high quality pet food.

Back Problems
Just like you and I your dog may develop a slipped disk. Purebreds with extended bodies like Dachshunds and Corgis are likely to suffer from back problems. Outside of surgery there is little that can be done for dogs with back problems.

Bloat
Bloat is a dangerous condition that effects large purebred breed dogs. Bloat is caused by a build-up of gas that causes the stomach to rotate. The rotation causes the stomach to be twisted at each end like a sausage link. Bloat in dogs is caused by excessive exercising after eating or by eating to quickly. Keep your large breed purebred dog safe from bloat by feeding three or four small meals a day and by avoiding strenuous exercise after meals.

Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Cataracts are treatable through surgery, unfortunately the surgery is expensive. Cataracts if left untreated will eventually cause blindness. Rottweilers and Poodles are prone to developing cataracts.

Deafness
Until recently most breeders would destroy deaf dogs as soon as the disorder was evident. Fortunately the development of visual training for dogs has allowed many of these deaf purebred dogs to thrive. Dogs that develop hearing loss late in life usually cope well with a bit of retraining. Even the sweetest dog can become unpredictable once deaf though so caution should be used in families with small children.

Diabetes
Just as in humans purebred dogs can develop diabetes. Dogs that develop diabetes will require medicine and special diets, but a diabetic dog can still live a relatively normal life. Merrick Pet Foods has developed a line of foods that are safe for diabetic dogs. Dachshunds are the purebred breed that is most likely to develop diabetes.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is much more common than Elbow Dysplasia. Dysplasia is an abnormal positioning of the joint. Dysplasia can be painful. Dysplasia can be treated with surgery. Mild cases of Dysplasia may receive relief using prescription drugs or over the counter supplements like Arthrotol. Any breed can be affected by dysplasia, however the larger the breed the more likely the dog is to develop Dysplasia.

Rage Syndrome
Rage Syndrome is rare and is found only in Spaniels, especially Red and Brown Cocker Spaniels. This odd condition results in a sudden attack . The dog will not respond to commands and seems disoriented and unaware oh its actions. It is important to remember that true Rage Syndrome is rare and completely unpredictable.

*There have been some reports of Rage Syndrome in other breeds. After careful research these cases have proven to be behavior related or undetermined, not true Rage Syndrome.