St Bernard Health Concerns
Common health conditions found in St Bernards
The St Bernard is prone to the following major health
conditions:
Canine Hip Dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is an abnormal
formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe
form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful
arthritis of the joints. It is a polygenic trait, that
is affected by environmental factors in the production
of the final phenotype. It can be found in many animals
and occasionally in humans, but is most commonly associated
with dogs, and is common in many dog breeds, particularly
the larger breeds.
Gastric Torsion - Gastric Torsion is a medical condition
in which the stomach becomes overstretched by excessive
gas content. It is also commonly referred to as bloat,
gastric torsion, and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)
when the stomach is also twisted.
Entropion - Entropion is the inversion of the eyelids,
so that they roll inward, often irritating the eye.
Ectropion - Ectropion is eversion of the eyelids, so
that they roll out from the eye, leaving a gap between
the lid and the eye.
Elbow Dysplasia - Elbow dysplasia is a condition involving
multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow-joint
in the dog, specifically the growth of cartilage or
the structures surrounding it. These abnormalities,
known as 'primary lesions', give rise to osteoarthritic
processes.
Osteosarcoma - Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer.
Osteosarcoma is common in large breed dogs.
The St Bernard is prone to the following minor health
conditions:
Osteochondritis Dissecans - Osteochondritis Dissecans
is a joint disorder in which cracks form in the articular
cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone. Osteochondritis
Dissecans usually causes pain and swelling of the affected
joint which catches and locks during movement.
Diabetes - Deficiency in insulin production or utilization
of insulin causing glucose to be used abnormally.
Seizures - Seizures manifest as an alteration in mental
state, tonic or clonic movements, and convulsions.
Cardiomyopathy - Cardiomyopathy, which literally means
"heart muscle disease," is the deterioration of the
function of the myocardium or heart muscle.
Wobblers Syndrome (Cervical Vertebral Instability)
- Wobblers Syndrome is the abnormality of neck vertebrae
causing rear leg incoordination or paralysis.
Hot Spots - Hot spots are infected sores and skin lesions,
often exacerbated by a dogs biting at them.
The St Bernard occasionally has problems with the
following health conditions:
Distichiasis - Distichiasis is the abnormal origin
of eyelashes along the lid margin, often resulting in
irritation to they eye.
About the Author:
Logan Winters is a long time dog lover, owner and trainer
from Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net
. Dog Pound contains educational articles and gifts
for Dog Lovers. Logan also occasionally guest writes
for Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net.
|
Dog Pound
