Do Irish Wolfhounds have health problems?
Irish Wolfhounds are typically healthy and robust dogs, but like all purebred dogs, Irish Wolfhounds are prone to certain health issues, including:
- Hip dysplasia: With this hereditary condition the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to pain, lameness, and arthritis.
- Elbow dysplasia: This developmental disorder of the elbow joint can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy: This heart condition leads to an enlarged and weakened heart muscle. Symptoms might include lethargy (low energy), coughing, and difficulty breathing.
- Lens luxation: This dislocation of the eye occurs when the support ligaments of the lens weaken or break, causing the lens to dislocate from its normal position. Depending on the direction the lens falls, it can prevent proper drainage of fluid from the eye and lead to glaucoma. The condition is also excruciating and can cause blindness if the luxation is not surgically fixed.
- Glaucoma: This disease causes excessive pressure on the eye, damages the optic nerve, and eventually leads to vision loss and blindness.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This inherited eye disorder can lead to vision loss over time.
- Osteosarcoma: This is a type of bone cancer that is relatively common in Irish Wolfhounds. It typically affects the long bones of the limbs and can be aggressive and difficult to treat.
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus): This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that often occurs in deep-chested breeds like the Irish Wolfhound. When dogs bloat, the stomach fills with air and twists, which can lead to blocked blood flow and tissue death. Urgent veterinary attention is necessary if bloat is suspected.