 Like all purebred dogs, the Poodle has its share of inheritable health problems. Fortunately, with purebred dogs, all genetic problems are predictable. The Toy and Miniature seem to share the same disorders, while there is some variation in the Standard's disorders. The following are disorders a Toy Poodle owner should know about: Note: All OFA and CERF test results for our breeding stock may be verified online through the CHIC database. Please click the following link to search test results: www.caninehealthinfo.org Legg-Calve-Pertles Disease (lcp):  Is a disorder of hip joint conformation. It is most often seen in the miniature and toy breeds between the ages of 4 months to a year. LCP is caused when the blood supply to the femoral head is interrupted resulting in the bone tissue dying. This is followed by a regrowth of the tissue one the bone causing the bone to not fit properly into the hip joint. This disease is very painful to the dog. Patellar Luxation: Is where the knee cap does not fit in the groove of the leg bone properly and causes a popping of the knee cap when the leg is bent. Some dogs with this genetic disease can be seen to limp or jerk the leg up occasionally when running or walking. This disease can be diagnosed by your vet by preforming a simple manipulation of the knee cap. Reports can be registered with OFA after 1 year of age. www.offa.org: Click on the link to find out more. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (pda): Is the most common congenital heart defect seen in dogs. The vessel that carries the blood in neonate puppies closes immediately at birth. This disease happens when this vessel does not close at birth. This can cause an overload on the left side of the heart which causes an enlargement of the left side of the heart. A bounding pulse and heart murmur are signs of this disease. www.pda.com: Click on the link to find out more. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (pra): It causes a breakdown of the tissues at the back of the retina causing blindness. This is a hereditary disease. You may see a cloudiness of the eyes resulting in cataracts. The Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) records examination findings by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists on examined dogs, which also include any other eye disease. In addition, toys and miniatures can utilize Optigen DNA testing for the PRCD form of PRA. All dogs on this site or Optigen A or Optigen A by parentage. If a dog tests clear for PRCD by an "A" test result, they cannot pass on the gene for PRCD to offspring. www.vmdb.org: Click on this CERF site to find out more. www.vmdb.org/verify.html: Click here to verify CERF results. Addisons Disease: This disease is caused by the adrenal glands not producing enough cortisone and aldosterone. Symptoms may include decreased appetite, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and weight loss. The dog will require medication for the rest of its life. Dogs are tested for this disease by a simple blood test. This test does not prove/disprove carrier status. The dog may test clear but could still develop the disease later in life. Hypoglycemia: While this is not an inheritable disease, it is no less important! Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be caused by stress, improper diet or a missed meal, being chilled, or too much energy being used on play time. Puppies that are usually affected are the toy breeds at 6 weeks to 12 weeks old as they have difficulty maintaining their blood sugar. The liver stores energy, but in a small puppy it can not store enough for long periods, especially with additional stress factors. Low blood sugar creates listlessness and in-coordination where the brain cannot burn fat or protein and relies entirely on sugar. Signs of this can be as slight as a depressed attitude or as serious as finding your puppy in a coma. If you suspect this condition, consult your Veterinarian for even a mild case. Repeated episodes can lead to further more severe complications. The puppy may need to be rushed to an animal hospital for treatment where a Dextrose Solution can be given intravenously by your Veterinarian. Before you take your puppy home I discuss the potential for hypoglycemia and what you can do about it. For treatment Karo syrup can be rubbed on the gums were it will absorb through the gums. Nutrical is a wonderful supplement and I send a tube home with every puppy. www.marvistavet.com: Click on the link to find out more. www.nutricalhelp.com: Click on the link to find out more. .........................................................................................................................
|
|
 Ear Infections: This is typical in "drop-eared" breeds because the ears hang close to the head preventing fresh air from circulating. If the ear hair is not removed from the ear canal it may cause an infection. Your groomer must remove the hair from the ear canal every time your baby visits (every 4-6 weeks). If a brown color or a smell is present in the ear, it may indicate an infection. You should visit your vet as soon as possible. Epiphora: Is a watery ocular discharge typical in all poodles. There is no such thing as a "dry" eyed poodle. All water dogs have watery eyes. It helped to flush the debris out of the eye after retrieving the water fowl. Some poodles have staining in addition to watery eyes. This does not indicate an infection! The Ptyrosporin (red yeast) that causes the discoloration, can easily be stopped with Angels Glow. It will kill the yeast and stop the discoloration from continuing. www.angelsglow.com Things that can kill your poodle: There are many dangerous and deadly things that can harm your baby! Click on the skull and crossbones to learn more... |
|
     |
     |
    |
|
|
