HEALTH CONCERNS IN TOY POODLES

HEALTH CONCERNS IN THE TOY POODLE

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. Dogs found to have luxating patellas should NOT be bred.

More information can be found at this site

http://www.offa.org/patluxinfo.html

or at this site

http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/health.htm

LEGG-CALVE-PERTHES 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. This is a genetic disorder and dogs found to have this disease should NEVER be bred.

More information can be found at this site

http://www.offa.org/lcpgeninfo.html

or at this site

http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/health.htm

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. Dogs with this disease should NEVER be bred.

More information can be found at this site

http://www.stvetspecialists.com/PDA.htm

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. Dogs can be tested for this at local eye clinics by certified eye specialists. Dogs with this Disease should NEVER be bred.

More information can be found at this site

http://www.netpets.com/dogs/healthspa/pra.html

or here at the CERF site

http://www.vmdb.org/history.html

or at this site

http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/health.htm

This site is a great source of information on genetic health concerns in the poodle.

http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org

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 and may produce puppies with this disease.

More information can be found at this site

http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/health.htm