6 Very Common Hereditary Diseases in Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can inherit diseases. It is important to know how to identify them and to know them, you can also seek advice from your veterinarian, who will tell you what to do.

Whether purebred or crossbred, your dog may be predisposed to developing certain diseases, depending on his genetic heritage.

You can prevent them from worsening and prepare to deal with these conditions by knowing them and asking your veterinarian for advice.

To help you learn a little bit more about it, here are 6 hereditary diseases that are very common in dogs:

1. Hip dysplasia

Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Bulldog, Great Dane, Saint Bernard and Mastiff are some of the dogs that can develop hip dysplasia, whether they are purebred or mixed.

Symptoms of this disease are pain and difficulty running, walking, standing, lying down, climbing stairs, and jumping.

To lessen the consequences of hip dysplasia, weight control, pain medication, and physical therapy may be followed. Sometimes surgery is necessary to allow the dog to live more comfortably.

2. Urinary stones

Dalmatians, Newfoundlanders, Bichon frize and Miniature Schnauzers are the most predisposed to develop stones in the bladder.

Symptoms are difficulty passing urine, bloody or dark-colored urine. Clots are formed due to an accumulation of mineral crystals.

Some types of stones can be treated with antibiotics, while others require surgery to remove them. Filtered water and periodic examinations are advised to monitor the problem and its appearance.

3. Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy is present in some dogs without any structural or metabolic cause. However, seizures can be caused by heat stroke, a reaction to certain medications, poisoning or even a hereditary factor.

It is difficult to diagnose in dogs because we are not by their side all the time and therefore cannot be present during a crisis.

The German Shepherd, the Beagle, the Belgian Shepherd Tervueren, the Wolf Spitz, the Dachshund, the Labrador, and the Golden Retriever are among the breeds affected by idiopathic epilepsy.

There is no cure or way to prevent it, but medications can reduce the severity of attacks.

4. Heart disease

Several breeds of dogs are susceptible to heart disease, including the Dachshund, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Doberman, Great Dane, Boxer, and Bulldog.

Although symptoms vary depending on the exact type of heart disease, common signs include weakness, cough, abdominal distension, fainting, difficulty breathing, or sudden death.

5. Degenerative myelopathy

It is a neurological pathology that manifests itself in older dogs and causes discomfort in the hind extremities and dragging of the hind legs, the inability to support one’s weight and even paralysis (destruction of motor neurons is the cause) .

She goes untreated and all dogs eventually develop mobility and incontinence problems. The outcome of this disease is always fatal.

6. The “brachycephalic syndrome”

Brachycephalic (flattened-faced) dogs like the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Pug, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are certainly adorable, but this appearance causes several problems. .

In fact, their noisy breathing and snoring are indicators of certain hereditary diseases.

These dogs are particularly predisposed to heatstroke. Fortunately, surgery can reduce the appearance of these disorders.