Although Standard Poodles are generally healthy and long-lived dogs, health problems still occur, despite your love and best care. Besides the common diseases seen in all dogs such as Canine Parvovirus and Canine Distemper, some of the health problems seen in Standard Poodles include: Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Sebaceous Adenitis, Addison’s Disease and Idiopathic Epilepsy.
Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy is a neurological disorder associated with recurrent seizures that aren’t a result of other conditions. Phenobarbital is the most commonly used medication to treat Epilepsy in Poodles. Most epileptic dogs are between the ages of one to five years of age.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy mainly occurs in Toy and Miniature Poodles. Fortunately, Standard Poodles are rarely affected. PRA is a progressive disease that causes the retina to “shrivel up.” It may not show up until the dog is between two and eight years old and worsens with age. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease, although most dogs learn to adapt to the gradual loss of eyesight.
Sebaceous Adenitis is a health problem in which the sebaceous glands become inflamed and eventually die. Normal sebaceous glands produce sebum that helps prevent the skin from drying out. This health problem occurs in all varieties of Poodles, especially the Standard Poodle. The apricot color seems to be especially susceptible to this disease. It can cause scaly patches or hair loss to occur.
Addison's Disease is an inherited disease that results in a lack of function of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce certain types of steroid hormones that regulate different body functions, such as GI function, mental activity and electrolytes. They also help the body adapt to stress. It occurs mostly in spayed and neutered dogs between the ages of two to five years of age. Standard Poodles seem to be highly susceptible to this disease.
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease that results in the abnormal development of the hip joint. It occurs when the muscles, ligaments, and tissue around the hip joint loosen, no longer holding it in place. The hip joint then malforms, often causing arthritis and pain, due to the bones rubbing against each other. Most dogs with hip dysplasia are born with normal hips, but as the disease progresses, end up in pain in one or both rear legs. Dogs as young as five or six months of age have shown signs of the disease, but in other dogs, it may not show up until they are older.
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus or "Bloat" is probably the most serious and life threatening medical emergency that can happen to Poodles. Time is of the essence when dealing with Bloat, since the dog can deteriorate quite rapidly.
When the stomach bloats, gas and/or food makes the stomach stretch, causing extreme abdominal pain. For unknown reasons, the stretched stomach tends to rotate and twists off its blood supply as well as the only route for gas to escape. A dog with “Bloat” can die in pain in a matter of a few hours unless drastic steps are taken. If you suspect "Bloat", see your veterinarian immediately!
Kennel Cough, also known as bordetellosis or infectious tracheobronchitis is a common infection in all dogs, not just Standard Poodles. The infection is spread by dogs that are kept in close proximity to each other like kennels, hence the name "Kennel Cough". It can also be picked up at dog shows or dog parks. It is not a life-threatening condition and usually clears up after 7 to 14 days. Generally, the only symptom the dog has is a hacking cough.
von Willebrands Disease is a common inherited bleeding disorder in which a dog is missing an important substance that make blood clot. Because the blood doesn't clot,the dog can be subject to excessing bleeding if it is injured. Standard Poodles and several other dogs have a high incidence of inheriting this disease and passing it on to their offspring.
Canine Thyroid Disease is the most common endoctrine diseases found in dogs. The thyroid gland is responsible for many functions in the dogs body, especially handling the dogs metabolism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland isn't creating enough thyroid hormones. The disease can be difficult to diagnose without blood tests, since the symptoms are common with several other diseases. The most notable symptoms are weight gain, hair loss and skin problems.
Outlook
Just because Standard Poodles are susceptible to certain health problems, doesn’t mean your Poodle will fall victim to one of them. Chances are, your Poodle will live to a ripe old age!
If you Poodle shows any changes in its health, personality or activity level, you should seek veterinary help to rule out any problems. Prompt attention will assure your companion leads the quality of life it deserves!
Other Health Concerns
The following are other health concerns that need to be addressed when considering the health of your Poodle:
www.dogshealthnaturally.com
- Dogs health education about nutrition, herbs and homeopathic remedies for all stages from puppy to senior dog. Offers insight to the true cause of diseases and how safe vaccinations really are.
You can save your dog's life! - Dog First Aid 101 provides information you can use to prevent injuries, illnesses and poisonings, and prepare for any that do happen to your dog. Learn dog first aid and save a life.
Alergicpet.com - Welcome to your best source on the Internet for natural solutions to pet health problems!
