Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a lot of health problems?
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are generally a healthy and hardy breed, but like all purebred dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some health problems seen in Catahoula Leopard Dogs include:
- Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia 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. If you are rescuing a Catahoula, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.
- Deafness: Catahoula Leopard Dogs, particularly those with a predominantly white coat, might be at a higher risk of congenital deafness.
- Eye issues: Catahoula Leopard Dogs can be prone to various eye conditions, including blindness, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and microphthalmia (a condition in which dogs are born with a small, malformed eye).