Are Leonbergers healthy?
Leonbergers are a sturdy, robust breed with a rather short lifespan that is normal for their size. Health issues to keep an eye out for include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: These are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis.
- Addison’s disease: A malfunctioning hormone production in the adrenal glands.
- Gastric dilation-volvulus: A sudden swelling of the abdomen.
- Osteochondritis dissecans: A disease resulting from brittle bones.
- Hypothyroidism: A thyroid malfunction that results from in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat.
- Panosteitis: A self-limiting lameness or temporary limp.