While there are many wonderful health benefits to owning a mini Goldendoodle, there are also some health concerns you should be aware of. Mini Goldendoodles are susceptible to certain health problems, including hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament ruptures. Both of these conditions cause the dog’s joints to not work properly and prevent the shins from moving freely.
Hypothyroidism
If your mini goldendoodle shows any of these symptoms, your pet may have hypothyroidism. This condition is treatable with a daily pill containing a thyroid hormone. However, this treatment is only effective if the condition is detected early. If it is diagnosed late, the condition can lead to complications.
In addition to these common signs of hypothyroidism, your mini goldendoodle may also show other symptoms. This condition can cause hair loss, a thin coat, and even patches of black skin. It can also cause a dog’s heart to beat slowly, as well as muscle loss. In addition, your pet may suffer from toenail infections and an intolerance to cold. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to infertility, seizures, and heart and blood vessel problems.
Hypothyroidism is often diagnosed with a blood test. A veterinarian will draw blood from your dog to determine thyroid function. The blood will be tested for total thyroxine levels, the main thyroid hormone. If the total thyroxine level is too low, this may indicate hypothyroidism.
Epilepsy
For dogs that are suffering from epilepsy, the best way to manage it is to treat it early. There are many treatments available, including medication. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with the right advice for your pet. You should also educate yourself about the symptoms of epilepsy.
When your dog is having a seizure, he will exhibit a number of odd behaviors. Seizures usually occur during the day. The dog will run around aimlessly and may bump into objects. While it might be a frightening experience to watch a Goldendoodle have a seizure, you can help him recover by following a few simple guidelines.
The most common type of seizure is generalized. Occasionally, the seizures may progress to focal seizures. In either case, you should call a vet as soon as possible.
Subvalvular aortic stenosis
Subvalvular aortic stenosis is a condition in which the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow to the heart. This condition is usually inherited, but it can be detected at an early age. The condition can be treated with medication. Symptoms may include lethargy, open mouth breathing, and fainting. In some cases, surgery is necessary.
Diagnosing subvalvular aortic stenotic disease can be difficult, but a veterinarian can use X-rays and electrocardiograms to make a diagnosis. For dogs that have a severe case, a veterinarian may perform a procedure called balloon catheterization. This can cost thousands of dollars, but can be an effective treatment.
Dogs with SAS often have a short lifespan and are prone to cardiac problems. The disease can lead to fainting, a decreased quality of life, and even death. It is more common in some breeds, such as the boxer, Bouvier des Flandres, Bullmastiffs, and Pit Bulls.
Cataracts
Dogs can develop cataracts just like human beings do, and early detection is key to managing the condition and keeping your dog as comfortable as possible. While there are no certain cures for cataracts, there are many options that can help your dog continue living a happy and productive life.
Cataracts in dogs are a serious medical condition, and they can lead to blindness. If they affect more than half the lens, dogs with cataracts can lose their sight permanently. They can also develop complications like glaucoma, which can be very painful and cause total blindness.
Before a dog has cataract surgery, an ophthalmologist will perform various tests to determine whether the retina is functioning properly. This includes an electroretinogram and an ocular ultrasound. These tests can take several hours and the dog will be sedated. If the retina is damaged, it may not be possible to remove the cataract without impacting the dog’s vision. Although there are no effective medical treatments for cataracts, topical aldose reductase inhibitors have shown success in treating cataracts in diabetic dogs.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common problem that affects many large and medium breed dogs. Often, these problems are not detected until the senior years of the dog. However, there are some small breed dogs that are prone to the disease, including the Miniature Poodle and Miniature Goldendoodle. A veterinarian can determine if your dog is at risk and can recommend appropriate treatment.
Early detection is critical. Treatment for hip dysplasia can help your dog live a normal and pain-free life. Conservative measures may include pain management, limited exercise, and physical therapy. However, in some cases, advanced therapies may be necessary. Surgery can be performed to treat your dog’s pain and restore hip mobility. The surgical procedure depends on your pet’s age and severity of symptoms.
Hip replacement surgery is a common surgery for dogs with hip dysplasia. The surgery can be performed as early as one year of age. It involves implanting metal pieces into the dog’s hip socket. Pre-operatively, your dog must lose weight as excessive weight can affect the surgical result.
Ear infections
Mini goldendoodles have very delicate ears and if you see an ear infection in your miniature goldendoodle, it’s important to get it treated as soon as possible. While a simple clean will do, you should also consult a vet for the most effective treatment. The vet can recommend a medicated ear cleaner or prescribe an antihistamine. If you can’t afford the vet’s services, you can learn how to clean your Goldendoodle’s ears yourself.
Ear infections are often the result of a bacterial or fungal infection of the external ear canal. They’re not a life-threatening condition, but they can be very uncomfortable for your dog. Your goldendoodle may scratch at the infected area to try to relieve the pain. It may also develop an aural hematoma, a condition in which blood vessels in the ear break.
Dental disease
A dog owner might be surprised to learn that mini goldendoodles are susceptible to dental disease, especially if they are small. Goldendoodles’ coats are straighter than many other breeds, so they tend to shed more. The long hair around their ears can be a breeding ground for bacteria. To prevent this from happening, owners should have their dog’s ears cleaned at least once a week.
Goldendoodles’ teeth are relatively healthy and durable, but they can experience tooth decay and fractured teeth. These issues may lead to coughing, difficulty breathing and a decreased lifespan. Ear infections are also common among Goldendoodles. A vet can diagnose and treat these problems before they become more serious.
Although dental disease can lead to a host of other issues, the most common cause of dental problems in dogs is plaque. This builds up on the teeth and hardens into a chalky calculus. When left untreated, the plaque can inflame the gums and cause tooth infection. A vet can help determine if your dog has dental disease by examining your dog’s mouth and teeth and determining the best course of treatment.
Floating knee cap
Floating knee cap is a common health issue in Mini Goldendoodles, and is commonly caused by patellar luxation. This condition causes the knee cap to float and may make the dog limp, especially when it is moved quickly. Most cases of patellar luxation are caused by a traumatic injury, but many Mini Goldendoodles are genetically susceptible to this problem. Treatment may include surgery or physical therapy.
Pet insurance
If you’d like to protect your little goldendoodle from medical costs, pet insurance is a great option. Many pet insurance companies offer different plans to suit your pet’s needs. However, keep in mind that not all vet services are covered by your pet’s basic insurance plans. Furthermore, many plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions. Therefore, if your pet has a health condition before enrolling, or has an accident during the waiting period, you might be out of luck.
Fortunately, there are a few things to keep in mind when searching for pet insurance for mini goldendoodles. First, you’ll want to consider how much your goldendoodle will cost you. Accident and illness policies typically cover most unexpected medical expenses, while wellness policies cover routine vet visits. Many providers have wellness policies, but these can be added on to accident-only policies or purchased separately.
