Weimaraners are lovable companions, but as with many purebred dog breeds they are susceptible to certain health problems. Here are some of the most common health problems for Weimaraners.
1) Canine Hip Dysplasia
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a condition where a dog’s hip joint is unstable or loosely fits its socket. CHD occurs when a dog grows. Over time the ill fitting hip joint can result in the loss of cartilage around the hip joint and the building up of scar tissue.
Symptoms of Canine Hip Dysplasia in Weimaraners
Weimaraners that have CHD exhibit the following symptoms:
- Limping
- Not wanting to get up or jump
- Loss of muscle mass on rear legs
- Hip pain
Canine Hip Dysplasia treatment
Treatment for CHD often involves some sort of surgery, though what kind and how invasive it will be depends largely on how soon a Weimaraner was diagnosed with CHD and the severity of the condition.
How to prevent Canine Hip Dysplasia in Weimaraners
CHD is more common in large breed dogs like Weimaraners. The biggest contributing factor to the condition is genetics. If your Weimaraner gains weight over a short amount of time it can exacerbate any hip or joint issues.
The best way to prevent CHD is regular visits to the vet. A vet will be able to diagnose the condition early on and prescribe treatment. A healthy diet with a premium dog food, and regular exercise won’t hurt either!
2) Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) is a developmental orthopedic disorder that most commonly affects large breed dogs less than a year old.
Symptoms of Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy in Weimaraners
Weimaraners who have HOD will consistently limp (usually in their front legs). Some Weimaraners with this health problem might have diarrhea, a fever, or loss of appetite.
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Treatment
Treatment for HOD often includes a prescription for anti-inflammatory drugs and a review of your Weimaraner’s diet to ensure that a lack of nutrients isn’t a contributing factor.
How to prevent Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy in Weimaraners
The exact causes of HOD in Weimaraners is unknown. Because this condition sets on early in a Weinmaraner’s life the best precaution against it are regular vet visits with your Weimaraner puppy.
3) Entropion
Entropion is a condition that occurs when a Weimaraner’s eyelid grows inward and the eye lashes agitate the cornea (the clear part of a dog’s eye).
Entropion symptoms in a Weimaraner
- Excessive tears
- Discharge from the eye such as mucus or pus
- Constantly closed eye
- Redness in the eye
Entropion can be quite painful for dogs. Weimaraners who have it might show signs of a bad temperament due to the pain and discomfort.
Entropion treatment for Weimaraners
Treatment for this condition usually requires a surgery where the extra eyelid skin is removed. If the condition is caught before a Weimaraner is 12 weeks old, a different procedure called eyelid tacking may be used.
How to Prevent Entropion
Entropion is more common in purebred dogs than in mixed breeds. The best thing Weimaraner owners can do to protect their dogs from this health problem is consult a vet if they think their Weimaraner might have entropion.
4) allergies
Weimaraners can develop allegeric reactions to pollen, dust mites, specific animal proteins (like pork, beef, or chicken), or even grains. Symptoms of allergies in Weimaraners can include hair loss, itching or sensitive skin, diarrhea, or excessive self scratching.
If you suspect that your Weimaraner has an allergy its best that you consult your vet who may recommend a limited ingredient dog foo
5) von Willebrand’s Disease
von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD) is a bleeding disorder. Dogs who have vWD have a deficiency with a specific protein which helps blood clot and seals broken blood vessels.
von Willebrand’s Disease symptoms
- Excessive bleeding after an injury
- Skin easily bruises
- Blood in stool or urine
- Bloody nose
- Bleeding gums
von Willebrand’s Disease prevention
Screenings for vWD aren’t routine. The best way to prevent the disease is to question a breeder about the genetics of a dog before purchasing.
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