Richard Cussons

Genetic Diseases That Can Affect A Portuguese Water Dog

Some dogs are more prone to certain diseases compared to other breed. Find out what diseases portuguese water dogs are prone to...

The first family have portuguese water dog. One Senator owns three portuguese water dogs. Have you ever consider getting one for yourself and your family? A lot have been said about this breed especially when a portuguese water dog joined the White House. Apart from being an excellent companion, portuguese water dogs are known to be loving, loyal, athletic and intelligent dogs. In addition, this breed is said to be a hypoallergenic dog thus makes a perfect addition to the first family since Malia Obama has allergies. However, there are no scientific evidence yet to support the statement that the portuguese water dog is indeed a hypoallergenic dog.

But regardless of the owner, be it the country's president or a lowly laborer, a portuguese water dog is more likely to acquire genetic diseases known to this breed. These genetic diseases include:

Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a developmental orthopedic disease commonly affecting dogs. Breeds like PWDs, poodles and other larger breeds are more prone to this disease than the other dog breed. The development of the disease can be greatly reduced by thoroughly checking the animals that will be included in the breeding process. It is therefore recommended that all portuguese water dogs to be used for breeding must undergo hip x-ray certified by the OFA or PennHip.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA is characterized by the degeneration of the retina thus causes nightblindness or worst, complete blindness. A dog carrying the gene for PRA should not be included in the breeding process to prevent the spread of the disease. Optigen testing is recommended to determine if the dog is normal, carries or affected.

Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDC) is a genetic disease that can cause heart failure and sudden to puppies aging between six weeks to seven months. Some cases of JDC have no physical signs while others may show loss of appetite, decreased energy level, vomiting and difficulty breathing. This disease has no known cure neither test to determine the disease.

If you consider buying or adopting a portuguese water dog, make sure that the puppy is healthy and the parents have health certificates stating that they are not carrier or affected with the diseases mentioned above.

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