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Weimaraner
When choosing a breed, it
is important to be aware of any particular health problems which may
be associated with that breed. The following list is provided as general
information. Individual Weimaraners may be more or less susceptible
to these problems depending upon genetic and environmental factors.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a problem
of the structure of the hip joint. The head of the thigh bone should
fit solidly into the cup (acetabulum) of the hip. In a dysplatic dog,
loose ligaments, an improperly shaped acetabulum, or poor muscle tone
allow the head to work free. This looseness of the joint leads to excessive
wear on the surfaces of the joint. In time, this leads to arthritis,
pain and limitation of movement.
Although environmental factors
such as weight and nutrition of the growing puppy play a role in the
development of dysplasia, the condition is considered to be moderately
heritable. It is strongly recommended that any Weimaraner under consideration
for breeding be certified free from hip dysplasia by either the Orthopedic
Foundation for Animals or other nationally recognized organizations.
Statistics compiled by the OFA show that breeding only those dogs with
non-dysplastic hips significantly reduces the incidence of hip dysplasia
in bloodlines.
For more information, visit
the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
web site which includes a searchable database of those dogs which have
been evaluated by the OFA. More information is also available
from PennHIP
at the University of Pennsylvania.
Bloat (Gastric Dilation-Torsion
Complex)
Bloat is a disease which
affects large, deep chested dogs such as Weimaraners, Irish Setters
and Great Danes. It involves a swelling of the stomach from gas and/or
fluid (gastric dilation). Once swelling occurs, the stomach may twist
along its axis. Minor twisting is referred to as torsion, while twisting
of more than 180 degrees is called volvulus. Torsion or volvulus are
life threatening occurrences which call for immediate veterinary attention.
The symptoms of bloat include retching with no vomiting, extreme salivation,
obvious discomfort, and distension of the abdomen.
To help minimize the risk
of bloat, Weimaraners should be fed two or more small meals per day,
rather than one large one. It is also recommended that a period of rest
precede and follow each meal period.
For more information
on current research, visit
Dog Fence DIY's
Canine Bloat Information web page.
Immune Mediated
Problems and Vaccination
Reprinted with permission
from the WCA Weimaraner Magazine
A small percentage of Weimaraner
puppies manifest an autoimmune reaction following vaccination with combination
MLV (modified live virus) vaccines. When the immune system of susceptible
individuals is challenged by multiple antigens it becomes hyperreactive
and responds in the same way it would to fight an infection, fever,
elevated WBC (white blood count) and inflammatory reaction of tissues
and joints.
Although many puppies can
be vaccinated with the combination MLV vaccines, there is no way at
the present time to determine which pups are going to adversely react.
Therefore, the Board of Directors of the Weimaraner Club of America
recommends that when vaccinating puppies the Distemper and Parvo vaccines
be administered separately, a two week interval between each vaccine.
Any other vaccines should be administered separately as well.
While this vaccine protocol
helps in preventing autoimmune reactions, it does not prevent it in
all susceptible individuals.
HOD (Hypertrophic
Osteodystrophy)
HOD affects the long bones
of growing puppies. The ends of the bones become swollen and tender
which may lead to lameness or impaired growth. Symptoms include pain
and swelling of the leg bones, fever, loss of appetite and depression.
These symptoms may be periodic. The exact cause is unknown, but it may
be associated with excessive dietary supplementation, vitamin C deficiency,
infection, or a reaction to vaccinations. Diagnosis can usually be confirmed
through radiographs (x-rays).
Other Issues
Weimaraners are also susceptible
to thyroid problems, various skin and food allergies, mast cell cancer,
distichiasis (extra eyelashes which may irritate the cornea), and Von
Willebrands Disease (a rare bleeding disorder).
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