Health problems that are passed via DNA from the parent dog to the puppy are considered genetic conditions. Although some genetic conditions are fatal, vets often use drug therapies and medical interventions to manage them.

Some conditions develop while the dog is a puppy, while other conditions do not surface until the dog is around one or two years of age. Reputable breeders are not permitted ethically to breed dogs with known genetic conditions. In addition, breeders normally test their breeding stock for genetic issues.

Most breed clubs, kennel clubs and dog organizations will remove members from their registry who knowingly breed heredity challenged dogs. Backyard breeders, individual dog owners and puppy mills do not adhere to this breeding ethic and many of genetic conditions continue to flourish. The most serious genetic dog conditions, include:

This condition, which is an inflammation of a membrane located in the front of the eye, can be treated if detected early and damage to the eye has not already occurred.

Crushing’s Disease –  Often dogs with Crushing’s Disease are not symptomatic until the dog becomes middle-aged. This condition, which affects the endocrine system, causes the adrenal glands to overproduce corisol. Symptoms for this disease include excessive drinking and urination, panting, inability to exercise, decreased response to stimuli, hair loss and urinary infections. Some dogs are symptomatic, while others show symptoms in their middle ages. Diabetes is an underlying disease that is also found in dogs with Crushing’s Disease. In an efferent to alleviate symptoms of this disease, many vets often use drug therapies and surgical procedures to remove the adrenal glands. 

Diabetes – When insulin in your dog’s body is not appropriately regulated, your dog may have diabetes. Controlling the diet and using insulin therapy are recommended treatments for this disease, which also affects people. Symptoms of this disease include increased urination, increased water intake and uncontrollable urination. 

Gastric Torsion –  This condition, which is more prevalent in larger dogs, is caused when the stomach fills with gas after eating and then twists itself, thus sealing gas in the dog’s stomach. The dog could go into shock and die from this condition. Dogs, such as Great Danes, Weimaraners, Boxers, German Shepherd and Bassett Hounds are some of the dogs that are plagued by this condition. A vet may tack the dog’s stomach to prevent a dog from getting this condition in the future. A vet may also suggest that you do not allow your dog to eat large amounts of food and to exercise for an hour after meals. 

Von Willebrand’s Disease – This ailment, which is a genetic blood disorder, is hemophilia or bleeding disorder. A dog may show symptoms, such as bleeding of the gums, nose and genitalia. The disease is not fatal and vets normally discover it when the dog undergoes surgery.

Schedule a visit with your dog’s vet if your dog is showing symptoms of some of the common genetic diseases. With many of these diseases, effective medical, surgical and drug therapies are available, especially when detected early on.