AAHA Press; 2011. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. Dalmatian bronzing syndrome is a skin condition, specific to Dalmatians, that is not yet completely understood. As this problem advances, he may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. Normally a dogs immune system keeps the mites in check, but some breeds, like your Dalmatian, may develop an overabundance of these mites. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Dalmatians generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! In advanced cases, the eye may look enlarged or swollen like its bulging. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your Dalmatian is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Dalmatians are prone to a variety of skin problems, including sebaceous adenitis. This information helps you and us together plan for your pets unique medical needs. Shell feel better, and so will you! Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Dalmatian needs help. Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food. Well conduct a yearly electrical heart screening (ECG) and/or an echocardiogram to look for abnormal heart rhythms as early as one year of age. Secondary skin infections may occur. The response to treatment is highly variable, but youll almost always need to give fatty acid supplements and use special shampoos to remove dead skin and hair. In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dalmatians are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Dal live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dont overfeed him and dont supplement with additional calcium. Bring your pet in right away if you notice signs of respiratory distress before the problem becomes a surgical emergency! Stones can form in the urinary bladder resulting in irritation and potentially obstruction. If you suspect he may not be hearing as well as he should, schedule an appointment with us right away as the problem could also be caused by a severe ear infection. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. Oligodontia is a condition where only a few teeth are present. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Dal looking and feeling her best. There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. And weigh your puppy every three to four weeks to make sure hes on track. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual (see What to Watch For below). Affected dogs usually show symptoms of jaundice (yellow eyes, gums and skin) by about two to four years of age. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. It won't help him, and he may bite you accidentally! By knowing about health concerns specific to Dalmatians, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. All Rights Reserved. In fact, your Dalmations life span may be cut short by one to three years! Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness. Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first. Dalmatians can be sound sensitive, so be prepared for thunderstorms, New Years Eve, and The Fourth of July! There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions weve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD. This disease causes toxic levels of copper to build up in the liver, eventually leading to liver failure if not treated. Secondary skin infections may also occur. The earlier the skin is checked out, the better the results. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. (Yes, dogs can get braces!) Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! If this misplaced tissue isn't hurting your pet, and your dog seems to ignore it, well most likely recommend leaving it alone. Though its tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can love her to death with leftover people food and doggie treats. Growing Dalmatians can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs, a condition called eosinophilic panosteitis, pano or eo-pan. Dalmatians generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Dalmatian. Bring him in right away if you notice signs because you dont want this problem to become a surgical emergency! Early research looked for a connection with elevated uric acid levels, but further studies show no relation. Responsible Dalmatian breeders recommend that since this is clearly an inherited disease, affected dogs should not be used for breeding. All dogs have them. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions weve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Older Dalmatians may develop a disease called laryngeal paralysis in which the vocal cords become paralyzed and hang down into the airway. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Misaligned teeth can also occur and cause lots of problems, but can usually be corrected with braces or extractions. Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dogs quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. Our recommended growth rate for Dalmatian puppies is no more than four pounds per week. Available from: http:/www.akcchf.org/canine-health/breed-specific-concerns/?breed=dalmatian. Originating in Croatia, in the once-named region of Dalmatia, Dals have a working and sporting heritage. He should have liver testing done starting early in life to screen for any abnormalities. To maintain this rate, dont overfeed him and dont supplement with additional calcium. These growths usually arent harmful, just unusual. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Dalmatians. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Please consult your veterinarian for the best recommendations for your pets. Dalmatians are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM , in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Dalmatians. This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. Thats when the naughty stuff starts. Unfortunately, your Dalmatian is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Dalmatians are commonly afflicted. There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Of course, we cant cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. It usually starts around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Yikes! Ackerman L. The Genetic Connection: A Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs. The earlier the skin is checked out, the better his results. There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and Dalmatians are more likely to develop them than other breeds. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that were taking the best possible care of your pal. We want to keep your buddys teeth healthy, so we will be watching his developing teeth closely. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pets breed. In severe cases a pet can collapse and have difficulty breathing. Dont worry; well discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives. When Dalmatian puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bones properly. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. Of course, we cant cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. Mild cases can be managed with changes at home and possibly medication. Uric acid acts like fertilizer for bladder stone development and sometimes kidney stones as well. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth. Without a DNA test, we may recommend frequent urine analysis, x-rays or ultrasound to make sure he doesnt have these painful stones. Of course! Growing Dalmatians can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs called eosinophilic panosteitis, or pano or eo-pan for short. Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog, Requires vigorous, frequent exercise and space to run, Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much, Can be aggressive, fearful, or snappy if not socialized properly, Has a tendency to escape, wander, and roam, Territorial with larger dogs, especially of the same sex, Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Dalmatians and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. This disease causes toxic levels of copper to build up in his liver, leading to its failure if not treated early. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pets breed. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. One of the best things you can do for your Dalmatian is to have her spayed (neutered for males). Well perform his annual glaucoma screening to diagnose and start treatment as early as possible. Well periodically test his urine for telltale signs indicating the presence of kidney and bladder stones, which are very painful! Well also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. It's easy to spot why we love Dalmatians: But be on the lookout for these other traits: The Dalmatian is an exuberant and fun-loving dog with high exercise needs. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. The Dalmatian is an exuberant and fun-loving dog with high exercise needs. 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