Just as some human beings have a higher predisposition to developing a medical condition later on in life, so do canines. One example of this is canine DCM. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart condition in dogs that is caused by weakened ventricular muscles, making it difficult for the organ to do its main job, which is pump blood throughout the body. Without treatment, DCM can be fatal in dogs.
Not all dogs are susceptible to DCM, though. Certain breeds are much more likely to develop the disease than other breeds. This is a very common trend in dogs, and DCM is certainly not the only disease that this applies to. Some dog breeds are just more prone to disease than others, including:
- Saint Bernards
- Poodles
- Bulldogs
- Basset Hounds
Saint Bernards and Canine Disease
Generally speaking, it is common for larger breeds to be more susceptible to disease than smaller ones. As one of the largest dog breeds known to man, Saint Bernards are at a higher risk of developing a variety of medical conditions. Part of the reason for this is that large dogs are more at risk of injury since they have to carry a heavy load.
This means that mobility problems due to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and spinal degeneration are common. Big dogs like Saint Bernards experience a shorter life span on average due to their heavier weight. But even though a Saint Bernard might not live as long as a smaller dog breed, these gentle giants make great pets.
Poodles and Canine Disease
Although poodles have fairly long life expectancies, their lives are often riddled by diseases that are specific to vision and eyesight. Poodles are more susceptible to eye problems including glaucoma, retinal degeneration, and cataracts. Even so, poodles are still preferred by a lot of dog lovers since their short hair means essentially no shedding. This quality of the poodle breed means that you won’t have to worry about dog hair all over the house, and it’s especially helpful for anyone experiencing allergies.
Bulldogs and Canine Disease
Many animal lovers adore the pinched up faces of bulldogs, but did you know that this feature can be attributed to bad breeding habits? Those faces sure are cute, but the shape of a bulldog’s face increases the likelihood of breathing problems and issues with eyesight. On top of that, their squished bodies make it very difficult for a bulldog to comfortably run or even walk, which often leads to a bulldog being overweight.
Basset Hounds and Canine Disease
Basset hounds have extremely short legs, which greatly increases the risk of blood clots as well as kneecap dislocation. Due to the irregular shape of a basset hound’s body, these cuddly dogs often experience digestive issues throughout life. In addition to blood clots and digestive irregularity, there is one disease that is exclusive to only basset hounds, which is canine thrombopathia. This disease is caused by internal bleeding, and left untreated it can be life-threatening.
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