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HEALTH

All breeds have some incidence of defects and diseases, just as humans do. Below are a list of such which have been noted to sometimes occur in this breed. If you are aware of these you will be better prepared to deal with the problem should they occur. The Weimaraner Club of Ireland actively encourages its members to hip score their dogs through the BVA/KC scheme.

GASTRIC DILATATION AND VOLVULUS (GDV, Commonly known as ‘BLOAT')

This is a life-threatening condition, which requires emergency treatment and there is an incidence of it in this breed. Ask your vet to tell you how to recognise it. The WCI recommend that you feed your dog, when adult, twice a day in order not to overload the stomach. Pre-soak dry food before feeding. Don't feed immediately before or after exercising. Don't allow your dog to drink large quantities of water just before, during or just after exercising (small quantities are OK). http://www.mhwc.org/weimaraners/bloat.html


HIP DYSPLASIA

Ill fitting hip joints, not life threatening but causes extreme discomfort in affected dogs. The WCI encourages members to X-ray breeding stock and submit plates to BVA/KC scheme to obtain a hip score.

http://www.bva.co.uk


EPILEPSY

Convulsions or fits are not common in this breed and can be controlled with medication.

A consortium of researchers from the Universities of Missouri, Minnesota, the Ohio State University and the Animal Health Trust in Great Britain are working together to discover the mutations responsible for hereditary epilespy in many breeds: http://www.canine-epilepsy.net


INTERSEXUALITY

This is where both sets of sexual organs are present in the same animal. The condition is rare in this breed but cases have been noted. Requires corrective operation.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/hermaphrodite-and-pseudohermaphrodite-in-dogs/page1.aspx


PANCREATIC INSUFFICENCY

This is caused by the lack of enzymes normally produced by the pancreas. Not common in the Weimaraner but a low incidence has been reported. Can be treated with medication. http://www.provet.co.uk/health/diseases/git-epi.htm


DISTRICHIASIS

Extra eyelashes growing inwards. Corrective surgery may be required if they irritate the eye. http://www.napoleon.org.uk/health/hereditary_eye_disease.htm


ENTROPIAN

Eyelids turn inwards. Not common but cases noted. Corrective surgery necessary. http://www.napoleon.org.uk/health/hereditary_eye_disease.htm

 

ECTROPIAN

Lower eyelid turns outwards. Not common but cases noted. Corrective surgery necessary. http://www.napoleon.org.uk/health/hereditary_eye_disease.htm


DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY

A condition affecting the heart muscle. Not common but a low incidence reported. Supportive treatment only.

http://www.provet.co.uk


SYRINGOMYELIA

This is a chronic progressive disease affecting the spinal cord. Rare in this breed but cases have been noted. No known treatment. http://www.greatdogs.co.uk/syringomyelia.htm


JUVENILE PYODERMA

Pustular skin condition with associated lymphadentis seen in puppies and young adults. Not common in the Weimaraner but cases noted. Requires treatment with medication. http://www.abbey-vetgroup.co.uk