Much like every living critter (humans included), Newfoundlands are prone to some common health issues. Some of these conditions are genetic and some are environmental. It’s the whole nature versus nurture idea.
Responsible breeders do their best to eliminate the possibility of puppies having any of these issues by conducting health tests and selectively breeding their dogs.
From time to time the genetics don’t line up correctly even though a breeder has done everything right and you will see a responsibly bred Newfoundland that has one of these conditions. Some are not as big of a deal as others.
And fair warning, this post is on the longer side.
The Four Main Health Issues in Newfoundland Dogs
There are four main health issues in Newfoundland dogs that breeders should test their dogs for prior to breeding. These four health issues are heart conditions, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cystinuria.
Heart Issues in Newfoundlands
Subaortic Stenosis (SAS)
Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a heart condition that affects Newfoundland dogs.
The cardiovascular disorder is characterized by the narrowing of the passage between the left ventricle of the heart and the aorta, restricting the blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. SAS can lead to increased pressure on the heart, potentially causing heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and, in severe cases, heart failure.
Clinical signs of SAS may include exercise intolerance, lethargy, and fainting episodes, particularly during physical activity.
Veterinary diagnosis involves a thorough examination, auscultation of the heart for murmurs, and advanced imaging techniques such as echocardiography to assess the structure and function of the heart.
Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and may include medical management to control symptoms, as well as surgical interventions such as balloon valvuloplasty or open-heart surgery in extreme cases.
Hip Dysplasia in Newfoundlands
Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition in dogs that primarily affects larger breeds, although it can occur in smaller breeds as well.
This developmental disorder involves the malformation of the hip joint, where the ball and socket don’t fit together properly. The result is a loose and unstable joint, leading to progressive degeneration of the hip and surrounding tissues.
Genetics plays a significant role in the development of hip dysplasia, but environmental factors such as rapid growth, improper nutrition, and excessive weight can exacerbate the condition.
Clinical signs of hip dysplasia may include lameness, difficulty rising, reluctance to climb stairs, and a characteristic “bunny hopping” gait.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, x-rays, and, in some cases, advanced imaging techniques like a CT scan or an MRI.
Treatment options range from conservative management, such as weight control, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, to surgical interventions like total hip replacement or femoral head osteotomy, depending on the severity of the case.
Elbow Dysplasia in Newfoundlands
Elbow dysplasia is another prevalent orthopedic condition in dogs, particularly in medium to large breeds. The issue encompasses various developmental abnormalities that affect the elbow joint, leading to chronic pain, lameness, and decreased mobility.
The exact cause of elbow dysplasia is not fully understood, but it is believed to have both genetic and environmental factors at play.
Affected dogs typically exhibit signs of discomfort, including intermittent or persistent lameness, stiffness after rest, and a reluctance to fully extend the affected limb.
Diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination, x-rays, and possibly advanced imaging techniques like CT scans or arthroscopy to assess the extent of joint damage in extreme cases.
Treatment options for elbow dysplasia range from conservative measures like pain management and physical therapy to surgical interventions, such as arthroscopy to remove bone fragments or joint replacement in severe cases.
Cystunaria in Newfoundlands
Cystinuria is a genetic disorder that is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cystine, an amino acid, in the urine. This condition is hereditary in Newfoundlands.
Cystinuria results from a defect in the renal tubular transport system, leading to reduced reabsorption of cystine and its subsequent precipitation in the urine. The formation of cystine crystals can contribute to the development of stones in the urinary tract, posing a risk of urinary obstruction and related complications.
Newfoundlands with cystinuria may exhibit clinical signs such as recurrent urinary tract infections, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and increased frequency of urination.
Diagnosis is simple and involves a DNA test to confirm whether or not your dog has the gene. Many vets will often do a combination of urinalysis and imaging studies like X-rays or ultrasound to detect the presence of stones, but there are a variety of different types of stones that can develop, and not all of them are related to cystinuria.
Treatment strategies include dietary modifications to decrease cystine concentration in the urine, increased water intake, and medication to dissolve or prevent the formation of stones. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove large or obstructive stones.
Since DNA testing is available to the breeder prior to the dogs being bred, cystinuria should never be an issue.
Other Common Heath Issues in Newfoundland Dogs
Bloat
Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), occurs when the stomach fills with gas, causing it to distend, and then twists on its axis, leading to a blockage of blood flow to and from the stomach. The exact cause of bloat is not well understood, but factors like rapid eating, consuming large meals, and vigorous exercise after eating may contribute to its development.
Dogs with bloat may display symptoms such as a visibly distended abdomen, unproductive attempts to vomit, restlessness, and difficulty breathing.
Bloat is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention that involves decompressing the stomach, correcting the torsion if present, and stabilizing the patient. Surgery is often necessary to reposition the stomach and sometimes secure it in place to prevent it from happening again.
Prevention strategies may include feeding multiple small meals throughout the day, avoiding vigorous exercise before and after meals, and using specially designed feeding bowls to slow down eating.
Entropion
Entropion is a common ophthalmic condition in dogs where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. This condition can lead to irritation, corneal ulcers, and impaired vision.
There are different kinds of entropia that can affect dogs at different stages of their life. Puppy entropion, spasmic entropian, and adult entropian. While they all have the common thread of the eye rolling inward causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye, they have some differences too. For the purpose of this article, we are going to stick to the basics, but I will cover more of the differences in a future article.
There is no genetic knowledge to indicate whether or not entropion is passed down the family tree or not.
Affected dogs often exhibit signs of ocular discomfort, including excessive tearing, squinting, and rubbing at the eyes.
Diagnosis involves a thorough eye examination by a veterinarian, and treatment options depend on the severity of the entropion.
Mild cases may be managed with topical medications to soothe the eyes and reduce inflammation, while more severe cases often require surgical correction. Surgical procedures involve tightening or repositioning the eyelids to prevent inward rolling.
Allergies
Allergies in dogs are a common and multifaceted issue that can manifest in a variety of ways. Dogs can develop allergies to environmental factors such as pollen, mold, or dust mites, as well as certain food ingredients or insect bites.
Common symptoms of allergies in dogs include itching, skin inflammation, recurrent ear infections, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory problems.
Allergies are often classified into three main categories: flea allergy dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies), and food allergies. Flea allergy dermatitis is a hypersensitivity to flea saliva, leading to intense itching and skin irritation. Atopic dermatitis, on the other hand, involves an allergic response to environmental allergens like pollen or grass. Food allergies can cause gastrointestinal upset or skin issues and typically involve a reaction to specific ingredients in the dog’s diet.
Veterinary diagnosis of allergies often requires a thorough history, physical examination, and may include allergy testing such as skin or blood tests.
Treatment approaches vary and may include allergen avoidance, dietary changes, medication such as antihistamines or steroids, and in some cases, immunotherapy.
Hot Spots
Hot spots are a common and rapidly progressing skin condition in dogs. These localized areas of inflamed and infected skin often appear as red, moist, and intensely itchy lesions.
Hot spots can develop due to various underlying causes, including allergies, insect bites, or underlying skin infections.
Dogs with hot spots may exhibit signs of discomfort, including constant licking, chewing, or scratching at the affected area. The rapid progression of hot spots emphasizes the importance of early intervention.
Veterinary diagnosis involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause, followed by topical or systemic treatment to manage the inflammation and infection.
Treatment may include shaving the affected area, cleaning with antiseptic solutions, and administering antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications.
Preventative measures include regular grooming and addressing any underlying allergies.
Torn Cruciate Ligaments
Having dislocated my knee a couple of years back and thinking some of my ligaments were torn (thankfully mine did not require immediate surgery and I’m still going with I’ll get it fixed eventually), I really have a ton of empathy for any dog that has to go through something like this.
Torn cruciate ligaments are sadly becoming more of a common orthopedic injury in dogs. This can result from a sudden trauma, poor conformation of the joint, or gradual degeneration of the ligament over time.
The cruciate ligaments are crucial for stabilizing the knee joint, and when they are torn, it leads to instability and pain.
Dogs with a torn cruciate ligament may exhibit symptoms such as lameness, reluctance to bear weight on the affected leg, and swelling around the knee joint.
Diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination, X-rays, and sometimes advanced imaging like MRI to assess the extent of the injury.
Treatment options vary and may include conservative management with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and braces. However, surgical intervention, such as a procedure called a TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) or a tightrope, is often recommended to stabilize the joint and prevent further damage.
Laryngeal Paralysis
Laryngeal paralysis is a condition that involves the incomplete opening of the larynx, the structure commonly known as the voice box.
Laryngeal paralysis can result from nerve dysfunction, particularly the recurrent laryngeal nerve that controls the muscles responsible for opening the larynx during breathing. As a consequence, affected dogs may experience difficulty in breathing and increased effort during exercise or periods of excitement.
Clinical signs of laryngeal paralysis often include noisy and labored breathing, especially when the dog is active or in warm weather. In severe cases, dogs may exhibit episodes of respiratory distress. This condition is more common in older dogs than younger dogs and is typically part of the aging possess. Snoring in people as they age is very similar.
Veterinary diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, endoscopy, and imaging studies to assess the function of the larynx.
Treatment options vary and may include weight management, environmental modifications to prevent overheating, and, in some cases, surgical procedures to improve airway function.
Ear and Yeast Infections
Yeast ear infections are a common problem in dogs, especially those with floppy ears or a history of allergies. Malassezia is a type of yeast that can proliferate in the warm and moist environment of a dog’s ear canal.
Dogs with chronic ear infections typically exhibit signs of discomfort, including head shaking, scratching at the ears, and a foul odor emanating from the ear canal. The affected ears may appear red, swollen, and have a discharge resembling coffee grounds.
Veterinary diagnosis involves a thorough examination of the ear canal, often with the use of an otoscope, and microscopic evaluation of ear discharge to identify the presence of yeast.
Treatment includes cleaning the ears to remove excess debris and applying antifungal medications. In some cases, systemic antifungal medications or addressing underlying allergies may be necessary.
Consistent and thorough treatment is crucial, as unresolved yeast ear infections can lead to chronic inflammation and ear damage.
Other Possible Health Issues in Newfoundland Dogs
Honestly and unfortunately the list of possible health issues for Newfoundlands is as long as the possible health issues humans can have. I couldn’t possibly list them all. Just as soon as I said I listed them all, someone would come after me saying their dog has xyz disease and how could I not mention it?
If your Newfoundland has one of the issues listed above or a different condition that is not listed, consult your vet and do your own research on the topic. I am not a vet and by no means an expert on the medical conditions of dogs. I have simply done research.
Avoiding Common Health Issues in Newfoundland Dogs
At some point, everyone gets sick or has some sort of health issue, dogs are no different than us in that regard. But just like with us, there are ways to avoid or even prevent some of these common health issues.
The first and most obvious way to prevent the common health issues Newfoundland dogs are predisposed to is to find a breeder who does all the required testing. Don’t be afraid to ask to see cardiac clearances or the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) result from their hip and elbow x-rays. Don’t be afraid to ask if the parents are clear or carriers of cystinuria.
As for the other health issues I have listed in this post, life happens sometimes and things don’t always go according to plan.
For some of the more severe issues like bloat and torn cruciate ligaments, know what the signs and symptoms are so you can recognize when your dog is in distress and needs your help.
The best way to make sure your Newfoundland lives a long, happy, healthy life is to take care of them. Provide them with good food, regular exercise and grooming, and a loving home.
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