What diseases are Corgis prone to? What diseases are Corgis prone to?
C orgis are prone to a variety of diseases that relate to their body type.
- Hip and 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, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease: Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) causes a bulge or rupture in the discs between the vertebrae. When that happens, it can cause pain, nerve damage, and paralysis. Sometimes, IVDD is mild and may be relieved through crate rest and medication, but dogs with severe cases could need surgery or a wheelchair cart. If a Corgi is having trouble walking, refuses to jump, is incontinent, won’t eat, or appears anxious, they should be taken to the vet as soon as possible.
- Degenerative myelopathy: Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a serious genetic disorder that causes progressive paralysis. There is no cure, and it can progress very quickly. Fortunately, a DNA test for DM is available and will allow you to find out if your Corgi is at risk.
- Lens luxation: This is a type of luxation that occurs when the support ligaments of the lens (a sphere-shaped area of the eye that focuses light on the retina) weaken or break. The weakening of the ligaments causes the lens to dislocate from its normal position, and when the lens falls forward, it prevents proper drainage of fluid from the eye and can lead to glaucoma.
- Von Willebrand's Disease: Von Willebrand's disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder seen in dogs. It happens when a dog does not produce enough of a specific protein that helps the blood cells used in clotting stick together. This results in dogs that are unable to clot properly and could cause hemorrhages or other bleeding issues. The deficient protein is called von Willebrand factor (VWF).
- Other Health Issues: Hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism (having one testicle that is retained inside the body), epilepsy and reproductive problems, eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and urinary stones are also seen on occasion. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, eye, and DNA tests for the dog.