5 Common Genetic Disorders In Dogs To Look Out For
Dogs are at risk for genetic conditions, the same way humans are. These conditions can significantly impact the overall health and wellness of dogs and make daily living more difficult for them. Read on to learn the top five most common genetic disorders in dogs.
Chondrodysplasia
A dog suffering from Chondrodysplasia will usually have short legs caused by an abnormal growth of the cartilage and bones. They might also present bowed legs, breathing problems, or IVDD (intervertebral disc disease). The short-legged appearance is common for some breeds like dachshunds or basset hounds. The problems arise when this genetic mutation occurs in other breeds.
If you are searching for white labs for sale, make sure that the breeder of your choice does genetic testing and gives you a health guarantee to avoid the problems that can come from Chondrodysplasia.
Joint dysplasia
Joint dysplasia is the most common genetic defect in dogs. This condition will give your dog a significant amount of pain and make it hard for your dog to move around comfortably. Observe how your dog walks around the home or navigates to their bed. If your dog has weak hind legs, it may be experiencing joint dysplasia.
Some dogs may whine, but many will suffer silently, making the condition difficult to diagnose. Make sure your dog has a comfortable dog bed to relax in when the pain flares up.
Cardiovascular conditions
Some dogs may be born with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions that will significantly impact their ability to live a comfortable life. Some dogs may be born with an abnormal heartbeat or may have a hole in their heart that needs to be addressed surgically. Other dogs may have heart muscle diseases or heart valve degeneration, making their heart less efficient at pumping blood through the body.
Patella luxation
Patella luxation occurs when your dog’s kneecap shifts and gets dislocated. The dislocation can cause your dog a lot of pain and should be fixed by a professional as soon as possible. However, it can be challenging to spot. Always give your dog a comfortable place to lie while they recover from this painful experience. Your dog may whine, chew at their legs, or lick their limbs to signal they are in pain.
Hereditary cancers
Many dogs can develop cancer as time passes. However, some dogs are born with lymphoma or other dog cancers. When this happens, your dog can be treated with medical care, but cancer may be aggressive, and your dog will always be at risk for cancer returning after it has been removed. Try to feed your dog plenty of healthy foods, including meals heavy in nutrients and probiotics, to help them recover from treatments.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can be born with a wide range of genetic disorders, including many heart conditions, epilepsy, and heredity cancers. Although you can do your best to prevent your dog from suffering from these conditions, there may not be much you can do to ease the symptoms of the condition.
These conditions can be spotted by a veterinarian or other pet care professional.
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