Dog Health 🩺

A malformation of the hip joint where the ball and socket fit poorly, leading to wear and arthritis over time. Most common in large and giant breeds.

Signs: limping, stiffness after rest, reluctance to jump

A group of developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint causing pain and arthritis, seen mainly in fast-growing large breeds.

Signs: front-leg lameness, stiffness, reluctance to exercise

An underactive thyroid that slows metabolism. It is common, usually develops in middle age, and is manageable once diagnosed.

Signs: weight gain, lethargy, hair loss

A set of upper-airway abnormalities in flat-faced breeds that restrict airflow and make breathing and cooling difficult.

Signs: noisy breathing, snoring, exercise intolerance

A kneecap that slips out of its groove, common in small and toy breeds. Severity ranges from occasional skipping to persistent lameness.

Signs: skipping steps, intermittent hind-leg lameness, hopping

A life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and may twist, cutting off blood flow. Deep-chested large breeds are most at risk.

Signs: distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness

A group of inherited degenerative eye diseases that gradually destroy the retina, eventually causing blindness. It is not painful.

Signs: night blindness, dilated pupils, bumping into objects

A chronic allergic skin condition triggered by environmental allergens. It is common and managed long-term rather than cured.

Signs: itching, licking paws, red skin

Inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal, especially common in floppy-eared breeds and dogs with allergies.

Signs: head shaking, ear scratching, odour

Excess body fat that strains joints, heart and metabolism and shortens lifespan. One of the most common — and most preventable — health problems in dogs.

Signs: excess weight, no visible waist, low energy

Degeneration or herniation of spinal discs that presses on the spinal cord. Long-backed breeds like the Dachshund are especially prone.

Signs: back pain, reluctance to move, wobbly gait

A heart-muscle disease in which the heart enlarges and pumps poorly. It is seen more often in some large and giant breeds.

Signs: lethargy, coughing, rapid breathing