The Health of the Weimaraner
The information on this page is not meant to frighten you - all breeds have some incidence of defects and diseases, just as humans do. If you know which have been noted to sometimes occur in this breed, you will be better prepared to deal with the problem. The Weimaraner Club of Great Britain actively encourages its members to hip score their dogs through the BVA/KC scheme. The Club has in recent years carried out a Health Survey and had an 18% response from members
GASTRIC DILATATION AND VOLVULUS (GDV, Commonly known as ‘BLOAT')
This is a life-threatening condition, which requires emergency treatment and there is an incidence of it in this breed. Ask your vet to tell you how to recognise it. The WCGB recommend that you feed your dog, when adult, twice a day in order not to overload the stomach. Pre-soak dry food before feeding. Don't feed immediately before or after exercising. Don't allow your dog to drink large quantities of water just before, during or just after exercising (small quantities are OK). http://www.mhwc.org/weimaraners/bloat.html
NB: An article on bloat from the Autumn 2007 edition of the WCGB newsletter is available for download in PDF format with kind permission from Sally Morgan: Page 1 | Page 2
HIP DYSPLASIA
Ill fitting hip joints, not life threatening but causes extreme discomfort in affected dogs. The WCGB encourages members to X-ray breeding stock and submit plates to BVA/KC scheme to obtain a hip score.
EPILEPSY
Convulsions or fits are not common in this breed and can be controlled with medication.
A consortium of researchers from the Universities of Missouri, Minnesota, the Ohio State University and the Animal Health Trust in Great Britain are working together to discover the mutations responsible for hereditary epilespy in many breeds: http://www.canine-epilepsy.net
INTERSEXUALITY
This is where b oth sets of sexual organs are present in the same animal. The condition is rare in this breed but cases have been noted. Requires corrective operation.
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/hermaphrodite-and-pseudohermaphrodite-in-dogs/page1.aspx
PANCREATIC INSUFFICENCY
This is caused by the lack of enzymes normally produced by the pancreas. Not common in the Weimaraner but a low incidence has been reported. Can be treated with medication. http://www.provet.co.uk/health/diseases/git-epi.htm
DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY
A condition affecting the heart muscle. Not common but a low incidence reported. Supportive treatment only.http://www.provet.co.uk
SYRINGOMYELIA
This is a chronic progressive disease affecting the spinal cord. Rare in this breed but cases have been noted. No known treatment. http://www.greatdogs.co.uk/syringomyelia.htm
ECTROPIAN
Lower eyelid turns outwards. Not common but cases noted. Corrective surgery necessary. http://www.napoleon.org.uk/health/hereditary_eye_disease.htm
ENTROPIAN
Eyelids turn inwards. Not common but cases noted. Corrective surgery necessary. http://www.napoleon.org.uk/health/hereditary_eye_disease.htm
DISTRICHIASIS
Extra eyelashes growing inwards. Should be removed. Low incidence noted.http://www.napoleon.org.uk/health/hereditary_eye_disease.htm
JUVENILE PYODERMA
Pustular skin condition with associated lymphadentis seen in puppies and young adults. Not common in the Weimaraner but cases noted. Requires treatment with medication. http://www.abbey-vetgroup.co.uk
Other links to useful information:
COLITIS: www.gooddogmagazine.com/colitis.htm (registration required to view article)
CANINE DISEASES: www.alternativevet.org/dogs.htm
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