A congenital disease is one that is present in the puppy from birth, although the symptoms may not appear until the dog is an adult.
Although they can be caused by environmental factors — such as stress during pregnancy or poor nutrition of the mother — these conditions have a strong genetic component. For this reason, pure breeds are more prone to them than mixed-breed dogs. Here we explain the most common congenital diseases in dogs.
Which congenital diseases are most common in dogs?
The fact that a breed is prone to developing a particular disease doesn’t mean every dog will suffer from it. Below we show some of the breeds most vulnerable to congenital diseases.
Brachycephalic breeds
So-called “flat-faced” dogs are very prone to respiratory conditions, because the short shape of their skull prevents the elements of the upper respiratory tract (nostrils, palate, throat, etc.) from being distributed naturally along the muzzle. The airways become obstructed, causing snoring, panting, fatigue, excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing. It’s therefore wise to pay special attention to keeping them from becoming overweight and, during the warmer months, to keeping them cool and hydrated.
Toy breeds
Very small dogs such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Bichon, Chihuahua or Toy Poodle can suffer from tracheal collapse. This is a deformation of the windpipe that stops air from circulating properly and causes coughing, panting, retching and even suffocation in the most extreme cases. Although it’s a degenerative condition, there is treatment to control the symptoms.
Large breeds
Some conditions, especially in German Shepherds, relate to the musculoskeletal system. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the joint that connects the femur to the pelvis, and it can cause a lot of pain when walking, lameness, wasting of the hind legs and even disability. It’s important to watch your dog’s diet and to make sure it doesn’t make dangerous movements while playing.
Dachshund (Teckel)
The long little bodies of the dogs affectionately known as “sausage dogs” can give them serious problems because of their tendency towards slipped discs. These alterations of the intervertebral discs put pressure on the spinal cord. Symptoms can vary in severity, ranging from mild pain or tingling to very intense pain and paralysis of the hind legs. To help prevent this, it’s essential to manage your Dachshund’s weight and to avoid, as far as possible, big jumps or climbing lots of stairs.
Precautions you can take
Knowing your breed’s predispositions, keeping your dog at a healthy weight, avoiding risky movements and making regular vet visits are the best ways to catch any problem early. And having good veterinary insurance means that, if a congenital condition does appear, cost won’t be an added worry.
