Poodle Health Problems
Like all breeds of dogs, the standard poodle is susceptible to certain health problems, with some of them being of a hereditary nature. The following is a list of some of the health issues which are of concern to the standard poodle breed:
Bloat —Bloat, otherwise known as gastric torsion, is a condition which involves the twisting of the stomach, during which its contents and any gases are trapped. It results in a rapid swelling of the abdomen, accompanied by pain and eventual death if untreated. A case of bloat is a true emergency, requiring immediate veterinary action.
Bloat is believed to be caused by excessive swallowing of air whilst eating, by gastro-intestinal secretions, and by gas from food fermenting in the stomach.
Symptoms to look for include anxiety, evidence of abdominal fullness after meals, heavy salivating, whining, pacing, getting up and lying down, stretching, looking at abdomen, unproductive attempts to vomit, labored breathing, disinterest in food, and stilted gait. Severe symptoms, such as dark red, blue, grey or white gums, a rapid heartbeat and a weak pulse are normally followed by prostration and death.
In order to minimalise bloat, ensure that you do not exercise your poodle in anything other than a walk until at least an hour after feeding, also do not feed your poodle until at least an hour after exercise. Feed your poodle two smaller meals each day instead of one large meal. Make any diet changes gradually over a 10 day period, ensure water is always available, but limit the amount immediately after feeding.
Please use these links for more information concerning bloat:
Bloat - The Silent Killer - What every dog owner should know
Addison's Disease— Addison's is an inherited disease in which the adrenal glands fail to secrete a sufficient amount of adrenal hormones required by the dog. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy and poor appetite. When an affected dog is stressed or when potassium levels are high enough to interfere with the heart, more severe symptoms may be seen, including potentially fatal severe shock and heart arrythmias.
If your poodle displays any of the symptoms listed, take it to the vet immediately and ask the vet to test for Addison's disease. The test is a simple blood test and treatment is relatively straight forward as long as diagnosis is made in time. Some vets have a tendancy to forget about Addison's disease and just give a course of antibiotics trusting that the symptoms will be treated effectively in that way. Antibiotics will not treat Addison's Disease. Requesting an Addison's test could save your poodle's life.
Sebaceous Adenitis(SA) — This is an inherited chronic skin disorder resulting from abnormal and/or inflamed sebaceous glands. It is a major problem in the standard poodle breed. It can be misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism or allergies and, currently, there is no cure. All breeding animals should have an annual skin biopsy taken by a veterinarian.
Von Willebrand's Disease(vWD) — vWD is a blood disorder similar to haemophilia in humans. Poodles affected by the disease do not effectively utilize their platelets for blood clotting and therefore are more likely to have excessive bleeding episodes upon injury. A DNA test to detect vWD is available and breeders should use this test on all stock being considered for breeding. Only those poodles tested as clear should be used for breeding.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy(PRA) — This is a genetic eye disorder which progresses gradually, resulting in blindness. The onset in the poodle is usually between 5 and 6 years of age. The presence of PRA can be detected by ophthalmoscopic examination and screening is strongly advised. Screening must be done annually.
Hip Dysplasia— Hip Dysplasia is a conditon in which the head of the femur fits improperly into the hip joint socket and is a common disorder found in many large breeds, including the standard poodle. Factors which have an influence on the hips include nutrition, a dog's environment and the condition of the hips of its predecessors. Screening for hip dysplasia is recommended for breeding stock.
Hypothyroidism — This is a condition resulting from an inadequate production of thyroid hormone and treated with medication. Symptoms include lethargy, obesity, excessive hunger, a coarse coat texture. Testing for thyroid malfunction is done through blood sample.
Epilepsy— Seizures can occur in all three sizes of poodle and the most common cause is idiopathic epilepsy which is an inherited form of epilepsy. However, many factors can cause seizures besides idiopathic epilepsy and it is very important to have the poodle diagnosed if seizures begin.
Cushings Disease— There are three forms of Cushings Disease. Most dogs which suffer have the more common form, Pituitary Dependent PD, whereby the dogs have a slow growing form of cancer that is located in the pituitary gland.
Cancer— An estimated 40% of all standard poodle deaths are from cancer. Those poodles which are affected are often those which were not neutered or spayed. If you do not require your poodle for breeding it makes sense to have it neutered/spayed.