What diseases are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs prone to?

• 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what she will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.

• Eye disorders: Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are susceptible to a variety of eye disorders, including distichiasis, an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye (the extra eyelashes and abnormal location result in irritation to the eye); cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision; and entropion, a genetic defect where one or both eyelids are inverted or roll inward and rub on the surface of the eye.

• Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgery is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

• Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD): This condition causes improper growth of the cartilage in the joints. It’s usually observed in the elbows but has also been seen in the shoulders. The lack of cartilage properly covering the bone creates stiffness in the joint to the point that a dog becomes unable to bend her elbow. High-protein food and foods designed to increase growth (such as puppy formulas) may contribute to the development of osteochondrosis dissecans.

• Splenic torsion: This condition occurs when the spleen, an organ that removes excess blood cells from the body and supports the immune system, twists on itself. The twisted spleen then expands and fills with blood. This can happen suddenly or over a period of time. Take your dog to the vet right away if you notice any of these symptoms: vomiting, fever, pale gums, red or brown urine, increased heart rate, and abdominal tenderness.

• Others: Urinary incontinence; gastric dilatation-volvulus, a sudden, painful, and life-threatening swelling and twisting of the abdomen; seizures; and self-limiting lameness or temporary limp (known as panosteitis).