If you’re concerned about your wolfhound’s health, you may be wondering about common health problems that afflict these dogs. These ailments may not seem severe, but they’re more common than you might think. Fortunately, there are ways to help your pet live a long and healthy life. Read on to learn more about some common problems and how you can prevent them.
Causes
There are various health problems that can befall the Irish Wolfhound. Some of these problems are musculoskeletal in nature. Fortunately, these conditions can be diagnosed and treated. Proper home care and awareness of diseases affecting bones, joints, muscles, and eyes can prevent undue pain.
One of the most common health problems that can befall Irish Wolfhounds is bloat. Bloat is a dangerous condition that occurs when the stomach twists inwards, cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and stomach. If not treated in time, the illness can kill the animal. Some symptoms of this condition include restlessness, drooling, pale gums, and lip-licking. If your pet displays any of these signs, take them to a veterinarian immediately. If your pet is suffering from bloat, your vet may have to perform stomach tacking to prevent the stomach from twisting.
Another common problem that can affect Irish Wolfhounds is atrial fibrillation. This condition occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t produce enough of the factor that helps blood clot. This leads to bleeding that is prolonged and can be fatal. This condition is similar to hemophilia, except it occurs in dogs. Depending on the severity of the condition, it can affect the dog’s heart and result in fainting, exercise intolerance, and even congestive heart failure.
Another common cause of wolfhound health problems is a respiratory infection called pneumonia. This can be difficult to diagnose, and the symptoms of this condition can persist for long periods. If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible structural damage and death. It is essential that you know the symptoms so that you can treat your pet before it becomes too late.
Another problem that affects wolfhounds is a serious medical condition known as epilepsy. Epilepsy can cause your dog to have seizures and can be fatal. The condition is often caused by an injury or traumatic event. A veterinarian should monitor your wolfhound for seizures and make sure the treatment is appropriate.
Irish Wolfhounds can also be prone to several eye problems. They can become blind if they aren’t treated and may suffer extreme pain. Your veterinarian should check your dog’s eyes at every exam for any of these problems.
Prevention
Prevention of wolfhound health issues is vital for the welfare of your dog. In addition to providing a healthy diet and ensuring your puppy is socialized, there are other issues that you must be aware of. While wolfhounds are not as large as other breeds, their small size makes them susceptible to joint and bone problems. Fortunately, many of these conditions are treatable.
If your wolfhound shows any of these symptoms, you should take it to a vet right away. A veterinary visit will likely require antibiotics and rehydration. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a cough medicine. This can help soothe your pet’s throat and aid in the recovery process. Ultimately, a veterinarian can help prevent wolfhound health issues and give them the best chance at a full recovery.
Irish wolfhounds are especially vulnerable to heart issues. A condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy weakens the heart muscle and can lead to congestive heart failure and arrhythmia. Although a dog with this condition may appear healthy and seem energetic, the heart is often weak and unresponsive to exercise. To prevent the condition from progressing, an annual EKG is vital. If detected early, medications can be given to help reduce arrhythmia or block certain hormones that contribute to heart disease.
Irish wolfhounds can also develop hip and elbow dysplasia, which affects their ball and socket joints. When the bones grind together, the joint becomes painful and uncomfortable. An Irish wolfhound with this condition will also limp and yelp when touched. If diagnosed early enough, treatment can include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and surgery.
Research on this condition has begun to identify the genes that cause this disease. An American group has recently begun investigating these genes, and there are hopes that a DNA archive will be established in the UK. DNA samples will be stored there to facilitate diagnostic tests. This will require blood samples from wolfhounds as well as normal dogs.
While Irish wolfhounds live six to eight years, they are vulnerable to heart and liver disease. The disease is often fatal, and can be treated by removing the affected limb. In some cases, chemotherapy can be used if the cancer has spread. Another health problem in Irish wolfhounds is bloat, which is caused by sudden, extreme swelling in the stomach. This condition may block the blood supply and damage the tissue. When left untreated, bloat can lead to serious pain and lameness and may necessitate costly surgery.
