What diseases are Whippets prone to?
Whippets are generally healthy but may be prone to the following:
- 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 who are unable to clot properly and could cause hemorrhages or other bleeding issues. The deficient protein is called von Willebrand factor (vWF).
- Heart issues: Whippets are susceptible to heart disorders ranging from mild heart murmurs to more significant mitral valve disease, a condition where the valve directing blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle begins to fail and eventually leads to heart failure.
- Others: Whippets are more prone to performance injuries than diseases. They are also intolerant of anesthesia, may develop eye defects, and occasionally become deaf.