Health Conditions Affecting Weimaraners
Bloat and Gastric Torsion Bloat occurs when there is a gas buildup in the stomach that is unable to naturally expel itself from the body. If the gas isn't relieved, it will progress to a gastric torsion where the stomach literally twists on itself. Once twisted the stomach quickly looses blood supply causing shock and death. Emergency surgery is mandatory for the best chance of survival in all cases of bloat. Bloat is very sudden and the first symptom is typically a distended abdomen that is usually painful when touched and/or palpated. Panting, loss of appetite, pale gums, fever, salvation, and dry heaving are common signs of bloat. Bloat can occur in all ages of Weimaraners, but the majority of cases are in older adult dogs. Research suggests that there is a genetic link to bloat, but environmental factors are usually the common trigger to this sudden condition. Bloat can be caused by many different factors including stress, overeating or overdrinking, digestive problems, eating too quickly, and intense exercise before or after eating. The following are guidelines to help prevent bloat from occurring. Soak dry kibble in hot water and allow food to partially expand before feeding. Feed smaller meals two to three times a day. Always have water available. Limit water consumption after a lot of exercise. Avoid feeding and limit water consumption if the dog appears to be exhibiting extreme anxiety for any reason until they are calm. Don't feed one hour before or two hours after an intense exercise. If you plan to change an older dog’s diet, do it slowly since they tend to digest their food at a slower rate. Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) HOD is an extremely painful bone disease affecting young fast growing large and giant breeds. HOD is characterized by varying levels of lameness and warm painful swollen joints. A fever above 103 degrees, reluctance to walk, loss of appetite, ocular discharge, vomiting, diarrhea and depression are commonly associated with this disease. HOD usually affects rapidly growing puppies between 3 and 7 months of age. Treating HOD is supportive and consists of corticosteroids and in some cases a long course of antibiotics. Proper and immediate treatment must be given for the best prognosis. HOD is an extremely serious disease and unless treated correctly can cause permanent structural damage or death in severe cases. The prognosis in most cases is excellent when properly treated. Length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the case. The cause of this disease is unknown but there are many speculations that the Distemper Vaccine and/or over supplementation (excessive Calcium) may be a trigger. There is also strong research evidence pointing to a genetic link in many cases of HOD. Cases of HOD should be confirmed with Radiographic evidence by a Board Certified Radiologist. Please click the link below for a more information about HOD written by Dr. Noa Safra. http://www.weimclubamerica.org/breeders_ed/columns/january2009.pdf Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is an abnormality of the hip joint that can affect one or both of the hips. Dysplasia can be caused by genetic inheritance or environmental factors such as poor diet or injury. Some dogs will exhibit lameness and/or discomfort where others may not ever display any clinical signs. Radiographs are the only way to confirm dysplasia. Click the link below for more information about Hip Dysplasia. www.offa.org Hygroma A Hygroma is a swelling typically occurring on the elbow of many Weimaraners. Hygroma's have the appearance of a cyst, but are fluid filled sacs under the skin commonly caused by repetitive bruising against hard surfaces. Hygroma’s range in many sizes, but some can be as large as a tennis ball. They can appear at any age, but usually during the growth stages especially around 6 months of age in more heavily boned dogs. Thick crate padding and not allowing your dog to rest on hard surfaces can sometimes prevent a hygroma from occurring. Once present, they can be extremely difficult to eliminate permanently. In most cases they don't cause any problems or discomfort to the dog. A Hygroma will typically go away on its own without any treatment in 12-18 months. Draining the fluid along with injecting a steroid under the skin of the affected area is one treatment. Many times this treatment is successful but occasional the sac fills back up with fluid and treatment must be repeated. Surgical removal is another treatment but is extremely risky and is not highly recommended. Distichiasis Distichiasis, also known as double eyelashes, is an extra row of lashes usually on the lower lid but occasionally on the upper lid. In some cases irritation can occur by the extra lashes rubbing on the cornea causing tearing. Mild conditions with very thin lashes don't require any treatment and typically doesn't cause any problems. In rare cases, the lashes may be very thick and coarse causing lots of irritation that require corrective surgery. Entropion Entropion is where the eyelid rotates in and the hair rubs against the cornea causing severe irritation, inflammation and can be very painful. This disorder is usually a genetic trait, but can also be caused by other problems such as conjunctivitis or an injury. Corrective surgery is required to fix severe and problematic cases. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is caused be a deficiency of thyroid hormone. The deficiency may cause signs of decreased energy, obesity, infertility, coarse and brittle hair, poor skin condition and hair loss. There is not a cure for this deficiency, but it can be managed very well with medication given daily for the rest of the dog’s life. Mastocytoma Mastocytoma, also known as a mast cell tumor, is a fast growing malignant skin tumor. If removed completely and in the early stages usually have a good prognosis. |