Although there are a great number of hereditary conditions found in the canine species, a lot of these dog health issues can be successfully managed to have no serious impact on the dog's ability to lead a normal, happy life. Some of the more common hereditary dog health issues include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), von Willebrand's disease, and conjunctivitis. Although there are serious and fatal hereditary diseases and conditions, the dog health issues listed above are treatable and manageable, plus will be much less severe when identified early rather than later in the dogs life.
The following is a general introduction to the canine hereditary conditions and the dog health concerns faced by a great number of pets every year.
Dog Hip Dysplasia
Almost any breed of dog can have problems with hip dysplasia, although larger breeds are often more at risk for inheriting the condition. Hip dysplasia is actually an irregularity in the hip joint that eventually leads to degeneration and damage of the joint. Dogs can be treated with steroids and oral anti-inflammatories to help manage the condition, plus surgical processes can repair and strengthen the joint. All breeding males and females should be tested for hip and joint problems, especially in the lines where hip dysplasia is known to exist.
Dog Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
This degenerative disease slowly causes dogs to go blind, affecting both eyes at the same time. It is not painful for the dog and most of the dogs that develop the condition lose their eyesight very slowly and simply adjust to the condition. They can lead very healthy and happy lives provided there are some extra safety precautions put in place for the dog and there are no rapid changes in his or her environment. There is no cure for PRA however genetic testing is now available in some breeds. Since this is an inherited condition dogs with PRA or that are from litters where PRA was found should not be bred or should be removed from breeding programs immediately.
Von Willebrand's Disease in Dogs
This is the canine version of hemophilia and occurs when the blood does not clot after a cut, injury or wound. Most dogs with von Willebrand's disease will not show any signs of the condition until they are injured or go through a surgery, often the spaying or neutering operation. Generally dogs with this condition will lead very normal lives although they may be prone to bleeding from the gums and nose and sometime from the genital areas.
Dog Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is a condition of the eyes where the cornea becomes inflamed. The most common signs of the condition are squinting in bright lights and excessive tearing from one or both eyes. With constant irritation the whites of the eyes will become red and irritated and serious scratching and scaring of the cornea can occur, leading to vision problems. Early treatment with antibacterial medication can manage the condition.
Knowing the common canine hereditary diseases and ensuring the male and female used in the breeding program were tested for these conditions, particularly hip dysplasia, can help in ensuring your pet will not have problems with these dog health issues.
