What health problems do Maremma Sheepdogs have?
Like most older breeds, the Maremma Sheepdog has very few inherited health issues but may be prone to a few, including:
- 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 adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present 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 fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Maremma Sheepdog, have them checked out by a vet to see if they are prone to dysplasia.
- Others: Gastric dilatation-volvulus, a sudden, painful, and life-threatening swelling and twisting of the abdomen; and sensitivity to anesthesia.