Being a very active breed, Weimaraners get more than their share of accidental cuts, scrapes, sprains, and pulls. They love to chew, and that makes for mouth and gum injury. Be careful of them ingesting things that should not go down a dog's throat. The most serious health issue in the breed is gastric torsion. This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach gets overstretched and twists shut. Discuss the symptoms with your vet so you can recognize them, and seek immediate veterinary care should it ever occur.
BLOAT (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Bloat is a dire medical emergency and one of the most rapidly life-threatening conditions that vets treat in dogs. It involves the stomach but can quickly lead to life-threatening shock if left untreated. It is not uncommon in deep-chested dogs such as the Weimaraner.
When bloat happens, the stomach fills with gas and often twists in a way that cuts off the blood supply to the gut and stops gas and food from leaving. It can also make the spleen twist and lose circulation and block vital veins in the back that transport blood to the heart.
Bloat is immensely painful for dogs, and it can kill in a matter of hours without veterinary intervention, so it’s crucial that Weimaraner owners know the signs. The condition is also known, more scientifically, as gastric dilatation-volvulus.
Symptoms can appear quickly and will usually include one or more of the following:
If you even suspect bloat, take your dog to the vet immediately. Bloat is a veterinary emergency, and minutes can make a difference to your Weimaraner’s chances of survival. It is better to take your dog to the vet and be proven wrong about it being bloat, than it is to assume it's not bloat - with possible tragic consequences for waiting too long.
Great article here: veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951541
When bloat happens, the stomach fills with gas and often twists in a way that cuts off the blood supply to the gut and stops gas and food from leaving. It can also make the spleen twist and lose circulation and block vital veins in the back that transport blood to the heart.
Bloat is immensely painful for dogs, and it can kill in a matter of hours without veterinary intervention, so it’s crucial that Weimaraner owners know the signs. The condition is also known, more scientifically, as gastric dilatation-volvulus.
Symptoms can appear quickly and will usually include one or more of the following:
- A swollen, hard belly
- Retching but not able to vomit
- Drooling
- Pain in the abdomen when touched
- Other signs of distress, such as panting and restlessness
If you even suspect bloat, take your dog to the vet immediately. Bloat is a veterinary emergency, and minutes can make a difference to your Weimaraner’s chances of survival. It is better to take your dog to the vet and be proven wrong about it being bloat, than it is to assume it's not bloat - with possible tragic consequences for waiting too long.
Great article here: veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951541
VACCINATION
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A percentage of Weimaraner puppies may manifest an autoimmune reaction following vaccination. When the immune system of susceptible individuals is challenged by the multiple antigens found in combination vaccines, it becomes hyper–reactive and responds in the same way it would respond to fight off an infection: fever, elevated white blood cells and inflammatory reaction of tissues and joints. Although many puppies can be vaccinated with no adverse reactions, there is no way at the present time to determine which puppies may react. Although controversial, some research has suggested that the distemper component of the combination vaccines may present the highest risk for immune mediated problems. Past research has documented that most vaccine reactions occur between 12 and 16 weeks of age.
Weimaraner Club of America Policy On Vaccinating Weimaraners: www.weimaranerclubofamerica.org/puppy_protocol.php In an effort to reduce the incidence of serious vaccine reactions, an alternative to the traditional vaccination protocol may be considered, where the maximum level of protection is accomplished with the minimum number of vaccines. In view of this, the use of Recombinant Vaccine Technology and employing the following schedule of CORE vaccines is strongly recommended:
The use of NON-CORE vaccines such as Corona, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme, etc., is not recommended unless these diseases are prevalent in the area; and should never be administered along with the CORE vaccines listed above, but rather separately and at a time when the pup’s immune system is mature. Rabies vaccinations should be given as required by law, but NOT coincident with any other vaccinations. As Rabies vaccinations should be given as required by law, it is strongly recommended that the puppy is older than 16 weeks of age. If a serious adverse immune response occurs, further vaccination prior to one year of age is NOT recommended. Options should be discussed with your veterinarian. Some states provide exemptions for Rabies in cases where an underlying medical condition is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to vaccination. While this protocol helps in preventing reactions, it does not prevent them in all susceptible individuals. **The recommendations expressed are those of the WCA and the WCA Health Committee. These recommendations are not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. The WCA recognizes that decisions about veterinary care are private matters which must remain within the purview of an individual dog’s owner(s) and veterinarian(s). It is the responsibility and ethical mandate of all WCA members to ensure that their dogs receive appropriate and timely veterinary care. |
Hip Dysplasia
ofa.org/diseases/hip-dysplasia/
Canine Hip Dysplasia typically develops because of an abnormally developed hip joint, but can also be caused by cartilage damage from a traumatic fracture.With cartilage damage or a hip joint that isn’t formed properly, over time the existing cartilage will lose its thickness and elasticity. This breakdown of the cartilage will eventually result in pain with any joint movement.
No one can predict when or even if a dysplastic dog will start showing clinical signs of lameness due to pain. The severity of the disease can be affected by environmental factors, such as caloric intake or level of exercise. There are a number of dysplastic dogs with severe arthritis that run, jump, and play as if nothing is wrong and some dogs with barely any arthritic x-ray evidence that are severely lame.
Screenings for Hip Dysplasia are performed by a veterinarian with x-rays sent to OFA for grading and certification.
The OFA classifies hips into seven different categories: Excellent, Good, Fair (all within Normal limits), Borderline, and then Mild, Moderate, or Severe (the last three considered Dysplastic).
Canine Hip Dysplasia typically develops because of an abnormally developed hip joint, but can also be caused by cartilage damage from a traumatic fracture.With cartilage damage or a hip joint that isn’t formed properly, over time the existing cartilage will lose its thickness and elasticity. This breakdown of the cartilage will eventually result in pain with any joint movement.
No one can predict when or even if a dysplastic dog will start showing clinical signs of lameness due to pain. The severity of the disease can be affected by environmental factors, such as caloric intake or level of exercise. There are a number of dysplastic dogs with severe arthritis that run, jump, and play as if nothing is wrong and some dogs with barely any arthritic x-ray evidence that are severely lame.
Screenings for Hip Dysplasia are performed by a veterinarian with x-rays sent to OFA for grading and certification.
The OFA classifies hips into seven different categories: Excellent, Good, Fair (all within Normal limits), Borderline, and then Mild, Moderate, or Severe (the last three considered Dysplastic).
- Excellent: Superior conformation; there is a deep-seated ball (femoral head) that fits tightly into a well-formed socket(acetabulum) with minimal joint space.
- Good: Slightly less than superior but a well-formed congruent hip joint is visualized. The ball fits well into the socket and good coverage is present.
- Fair: Minor irregularities; the hip joint is wider than a good hip. The ball slips slightly out of the socket. The socket may also appear slightly shallow.
- Borderline: Not clear. Usually more incongruency present than what occurs in a fair but there are no arthritic changes present that definitively diagnose the hip joint being dysplastic.
- Mild: Significant subluxation present where the ball is partially out of the socket causing an increased joint space. The socket is usually shallow only partially covering the ball.
- Moderate: The ball is barely seated into a shallow socket. There are secondary arthritic bone changes usually along the femoral neck and head (remodeling), acetabular rim changes (osteophytes or bone spurs) and various degrees of trabecular bone pattern changes (sclerosis).
- Severe: Marked evidence that hip dysplasia exists. The ball is partly or completely out of a shallow socket. Significant arthritic bone changes along the femoral neck and head and acetabular rim changes.
- The hip grades of excellent, good and fair are within normal limits and are given OFA numbers.
HOD (Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy)
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) is a canine autoinflammatory disease affecting young rapidly growing large breed dogs between eight weeks to eight months of age. Affected dogs exhibit swelling and pain in their legs with reluctance to stand or walk. In addition to orthopedic pain, there are variable systemic signs of which some or all may be present during an HOD episode. Systemic signs include fever, lethargy, depression, and loss of appetite.
A diagnosis of HOD is founded on radiographic evidence of bone involvement concurrent with hyperthermia and pain, and by ruling out infectious causes of the clinical signs. The cause of the disease is unknown and current treatments are focused on controlling the fever, alleviating the pain and treating the specific systemic signs present. Prognosis for severe cases is poor due to relapsing episodes and the low quality of life for the affected puppies that sometimes result in euthanasia. Currently, dog breeders have no means of selecting against HOD.
Several breeds of dogs, including the Weimaraner are at high risk for developing HOD.
More information here: https://www.weimaranerclubofamerica.org/hod.php
https://www.weimaranerclubofamerica.org/hod.php
A diagnosis of HOD is founded on radiographic evidence of bone involvement concurrent with hyperthermia and pain, and by ruling out infectious causes of the clinical signs. The cause of the disease is unknown and current treatments are focused on controlling the fever, alleviating the pain and treating the specific systemic signs present. Prognosis for severe cases is poor due to relapsing episodes and the low quality of life for the affected puppies that sometimes result in euthanasia. Currently, dog breeders have no means of selecting against HOD.
Several breeds of dogs, including the Weimaraner are at high risk for developing HOD.
More information here: https://www.weimaranerclubofamerica.org/hod.php
https://www.weimaranerclubofamerica.org/hod.php
lipomas (FATTY TUMORS)
Lipomas are tumors or fatty growths in dogs. They appear randomly, in different parts of the body, over time. They are soft, "mobile" growths that can be found directly under the skin. Lipomas can be very small or medium-sized. They are generally benign. These fatty tumors can appear in dogs of any age, but generally begin to manifest themselves with age. They are particularly noticeable in short-haired Weimaraners. Lipomas can also be found in muscle and tissue, and can be tissue-bound. There's usually nothing to worry about, but fatty tumors can sometimes be malignant. That's why, when a dog has a growth, it's very important to have it examined by a veterinarian.
Some breeds have lipomas more often than others, such as the Weimaraner and other large dogs, but all dogs can get them as they age.
Some breeds have lipomas more often than others, such as the Weimaraner and other large dogs, but all dogs can get them as they age.
wobbler syndrome
Wobbler syndrome is the common term used for the spinal disease cervical vertebral instability, (CVI). The name comes from the weak, uncoordinated gait dogs with the condition have, giving the appearance of “wobbling” as they move.
Wobbler syndrome is primarily a disease of large and giant breed dogs, with Dobermans and Great Danes being the breeds most commonly affected. Other breeds of note include Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Weimaraners, German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain dogs, and Swiss Mountain dogs, but any large or giant breed dog can have the disease.
Wobbler syndrome affects the neck and spine in dogs. Dogs with CVI experience compression of the spinal cord and the spinal nerve roots, causing either neck or back pain or both, and gait problems. A narrowing, or stenosis, of the spinal canal and spinal nerve passages in the neck may occur.
While the first signs of wobblers are often an abnormal gait, symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, lameness or stiffness in the dog’s front legs or shoulders, and difficulty standing or laying down. Your dog can have weakness in the front or hind legs and not want to move, leading eventually to muscle weakness and deterioration. The disease can become so severe as to cause partial or complete paralysis in all four legs.
Approximately 40-54% of dogs with CVI that don’t require surgery improve. With surgery, about 80% of dogs improve.
Wobbler syndrome is primarily a disease of large and giant breed dogs, with Dobermans and Great Danes being the breeds most commonly affected. Other breeds of note include Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Weimaraners, German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain dogs, and Swiss Mountain dogs, but any large or giant breed dog can have the disease.
Wobbler syndrome affects the neck and spine in dogs. Dogs with CVI experience compression of the spinal cord and the spinal nerve roots, causing either neck or back pain or both, and gait problems. A narrowing, or stenosis, of the spinal canal and spinal nerve passages in the neck may occur.
While the first signs of wobblers are often an abnormal gait, symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, lameness or stiffness in the dog’s front legs or shoulders, and difficulty standing or laying down. Your dog can have weakness in the front or hind legs and not want to move, leading eventually to muscle weakness and deterioration. The disease can become so severe as to cause partial or complete paralysis in all four legs.
Approximately 40-54% of dogs with CVI that don’t require surgery improve. With surgery, about 80% of dogs improve.
Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand Disease closely resembles hemophilia in humans. It's a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by low levels or a lack of the protein known as the von Willebrand factor, which regulates the first step in clot formation.
It's the most common disease inherited by dogs and is typically seen in the following dog breeds:
Weimaraners
Doberman Pinschers
German Shepherds
Golden Retrievers
Miniature Schnauzers
Pembroke Welsh
Gorgis
Shetland Sheepdogs
Basset Hounds
Scottish Terriers
Standard Poodles
Standard Manchester Terriers
The first signs of this bleeding disorder in your Weimaraner may be a minor cut or scrape that bleeds excessively, or more bleeding than expected after a vaccination or surgery.
A DNA test is available for a few breeds. The Weimaraner is one of them. The test is accurate, and your vet can do it.
It's the most common disease inherited by dogs and is typically seen in the following dog breeds:
Weimaraners
Doberman Pinschers
German Shepherds
Golden Retrievers
Miniature Schnauzers
Pembroke Welsh
Gorgis
Shetland Sheepdogs
Basset Hounds
Scottish Terriers
Standard Poodles
Standard Manchester Terriers
The first signs of this bleeding disorder in your Weimaraner may be a minor cut or scrape that bleeds excessively, or more bleeding than expected after a vaccination or surgery.
A DNA test is available for a few breeds. The Weimaraner is one of them. The test is accurate, and your vet can do it.
MORE HEALTH INFO COMING SOON
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