What diseases are Black and Tan Coonhounds prone to?
Some diseases Black and Tan Coonhounds are prone to include:
- Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition in which the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly, leading to arthritis and pain.
- Ear infections: The Black and Tan Coonhound’s long, floppy ears can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and inspection can help prevent this.
- Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus): This is a serious condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, which can be life-threatening. It’s more common in deep-chested breeds.
- Obesity: Due to lower activity levels as they age, Black and Tan Coonhounds can be prone to weight gain, which can lead to other health problems.
- Hypothyroidism: This is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues.
- Eye issues: Black and Tan Coonhounds can develop ectropion (the eyelid rolls outward), entropion (the eyelid rolls inward), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA, a group of eye diseases that can cause premature vision loss), and cataracts (a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision).