Health
All pure breeds of dogs are faced with the challenge of hereditary diseases that have been passed down through generations and threaten their health. It is often a good idea to screen breeding stock before planning on mating the dog to ensure that potential owners are well aware of any hereditary concerns that may come with their puppy.
Hip Dysplasia (HP)
One common concern found in pure-breed dogs such as the Bloodhound is hip Dysplasia. According to Nona Kilgore (2004), author of Bloodhound, when a dog has hip dysplasia, his hind leg has an incorrect formed hip joint and constant use will result in weakening and wear of the joint. This wear often presents itself as arthritis. This deformity can only be confirmed by an x-ray, however there are specific symptoms such as gait and difficulty moving in certain ways. Cures for a bad hip can come in the forms of drastic diet changes as well as surgical interventions which are expensive, however, very successful.
Entropion
Another common health risk to the Bloodhound is Entropion that is caused by their heavily wrinkled brows. This condition causes the eyelids to roll inwards and results in the eyelashes rubbing the cornea. This is very painful for the dog and can cause scarring or even vision loss. Despite surgical correction available to the dogs, this is a hereditary gene that can be passed onto their offspring. Thus, caution with breeding effected dogs is advised.
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV)
GDV is also known as gastric torsion or bloating and usually effects deep-chested breeds of dogs such as the Bloodhound. For reasons still unknown, the stomach of the dog will fill with gas and begin to twist. This cuts off blood supply and can cause shock or even death within a few hours if immediate medial care is not received. Due to the physical structure of the Bloodhound with their deep chest, this particular breed is very prone to bloating.
Fold Dermatitis
Due to the floppy and folding skin on a Bloodhound, skin infections are common. According to Dogtime, “Bloodhounds”, Fold dermatitis is caused by friction or trapped moisture in the folds of the skin. Symptoms presented are redness, sore and odor. Treatment of the dermatitis will vary depending on what area of the dog is affected. They can range from ointments to antibiotics and even surgery. Surgical removal of folds or the amputation of their tail may result if the dermatitis is beyond stages of treatment and is life threatening. The best prevention for this disease is to ensure you are taking proper care of your dog’s coat and folds in order to stop this from ever occurring.
For more information on what problems can affect a bloodhound please check out: http://www.bloodhounds.com/shiloh/health.html
All pure breeds of dogs are faced with the challenge of hereditary diseases that have been passed down through generations and threaten their health. It is often a good idea to screen breeding stock before planning on mating the dog to ensure that potential owners are well aware of any hereditary concerns that may come with their puppy.
Hip Dysplasia (HP)
One common concern found in pure-breed dogs such as the Bloodhound is hip Dysplasia. According to Nona Kilgore (2004), author of Bloodhound, when a dog has hip dysplasia, his hind leg has an incorrect formed hip joint and constant use will result in weakening and wear of the joint. This wear often presents itself as arthritis. This deformity can only be confirmed by an x-ray, however there are specific symptoms such as gait and difficulty moving in certain ways. Cures for a bad hip can come in the forms of drastic diet changes as well as surgical interventions which are expensive, however, very successful.
Entropion
Another common health risk to the Bloodhound is Entropion that is caused by their heavily wrinkled brows. This condition causes the eyelids to roll inwards and results in the eyelashes rubbing the cornea. This is very painful for the dog and can cause scarring or even vision loss. Despite surgical correction available to the dogs, this is a hereditary gene that can be passed onto their offspring. Thus, caution with breeding effected dogs is advised.
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV)
GDV is also known as gastric torsion or bloating and usually effects deep-chested breeds of dogs such as the Bloodhound. For reasons still unknown, the stomach of the dog will fill with gas and begin to twist. This cuts off blood supply and can cause shock or even death within a few hours if immediate medial care is not received. Due to the physical structure of the Bloodhound with their deep chest, this particular breed is very prone to bloating.
Fold Dermatitis
Due to the floppy and folding skin on a Bloodhound, skin infections are common. According to Dogtime, “Bloodhounds”, Fold dermatitis is caused by friction or trapped moisture in the folds of the skin. Symptoms presented are redness, sore and odor. Treatment of the dermatitis will vary depending on what area of the dog is affected. They can range from ointments to antibiotics and even surgery. Surgical removal of folds or the amputation of their tail may result if the dermatitis is beyond stages of treatment and is life threatening. The best prevention for this disease is to ensure you are taking proper care of your dog’s coat and folds in order to stop this from ever occurring.
For more information on what problems can affect a bloodhound please check out: http://www.bloodhounds.com/shiloh/health.html