Health - The Weimaraner

Recognised Health Conditions in the Weimaraner:

GASTRIC DILATATION AND VOLVULUS (GDV, Commonly known as ‘BLOAT')  

Please see the dedicated page this illness is FATAL.

HIP DYSPLASIA

Ill fitting hip joints, not life threatening but causes extreme discomfort in affected dogs.

EPILEPSY

Convulsions or fits are not common in this breed and can be controlled with long term 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.

INTERSEXUALITY

This is where both 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. Dogs not to be used for breeding purposes.

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.

DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY (DCM)

A condition affecting the heart muscle. Not common but a low incidence reported. Supportive treatment only. The dutch Weimaraner Club now require dogs to be tested prior to mating using either standard methods or the new blood test. Please see the dedicated page for articles of interest.

SYRINGOMYELIA

This is a chronic progressive disease affecting the spinal cord. Rare in this breed but cases have been noted. No known treatment.

EYE CONDITIONS

Ectropian - Lower eyelid turns outwards. Not common but cases noted. Corrective surgery necessary.

Entropian - Eyelids turn inwards. Not common but cases noted. Corrective surgery necessary.

Districhiasis - Extra eyelashes growing inwards. Should be removed. Low incidence noted.

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.