Dobermans generally live a long life but there are some common health issues they can develop. Some of these problems are more common than others in the general dog population, so it is important to know about them when purchasing a puppy. It is also important to find a good breeder, who is familiar with the symptoms and methods of testing for these issues. Some of the most common health problems of the breed are cardio and CVI (cardiovascular disease).
PHTVL/PHPV (persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis/persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous)
The diagnosis of PHTVL/PHPV depends on the severity of the condition and whether it affects the patient’s vision. In patients with mild cases of lenticular abnormalities or small posterior cataracts, cataract surgery alone is adequate to restore normal vision. In severe cases, enucleation may be necessary.
In mild cases, the disease can present itself as incidental white to gray retrolental strands in the vitreous. Other manifestations may be variable leukocoria or a wedge-shaped posterior lenticular cataract. In more severe cases, the disease may lead to uveitis, secondary glaucoma, or complete hyphema.
These are inherited diseases of the eye. In some cases, the symptoms can be mild or severe, affecting the dog’s vision. If left untreated, these genetic diseases can result in full loss of vision in the affected eye. Fortunately, most European dogs are tested for these conditions before breeding.
PHTVL/PHPV is a genetically hereditary eye disease that can lead to blindness. Several dog breeds share the disease, which causes abnormal vision. Some breeds are more susceptible to PHTVL/PHV than others.
DCM
The first step in treating your dog for DCM is finding out if your dog has this common health problem. A qualified veterinarian can diagnose DCM using a variety of tests. These include echocardiograms and Holter exams. The latter are less expensive than an echocardiogram and can identify the presence of PVCs, which are heart rhythm abnormalities.
The disease is often silent, but can lead to a sudden, erratic death. A dog with DCM has a very thin heart wall and weakened heart muscle. Fluid begins to back up in its heart, lungs, and abdomen. Some clinical signs include coughing, rapid breathing, and weakness.
Another common Doberman health problem is wobbler disease, or cervical vertebral instability. This condition causes vertebrae to become unstable and compresses the spinal cord. In Dobermans, this can cause rear limb ataxia, severe neck pain, and front leg rigidity. Although it is rare, it can lead to disability in some of the breed’s older dogs. If you’re worried about the health of your Doberman, consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis.
DCM is a progressive condition, but it can be treated if caught early. If you’re unsure if your dog has DCM, a blood test can help determine the underlying cause. Taurine deficiency is one common cause of DCM. If caught early, dietary changes can reverse the disease.
Intervertebral disc disease
Intervertebral disc disease in Dobermans is a common health problem that is caused by the jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae slipping and pressing against the spinal cord. Severe cases can cause the dog to drag its feet behind its back and may even cause paralysis. However, in less severe cases, the disease can be managed with rest and medication.
Intervertebral disc disease is a degenerative spinal disease that causes the spinal cord and nerves to be compressed. It is one of the most common causes of spinal cord disorders in dogs. In small breeds, the disks can degenerate as early as a few months of age. However, disc degeneration is most common after five years of age, and herniated discs can be found in the middle and neck areas.
A scoping review was undertaken using search engines like PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant articles in the field. The keywords for the scoping review included intervertebral disc, biomarkers, histopathology, and canine. Among the objectives of the review were to summarize the similarities between canine and human spine disorders, identify relevant canine models, and outline the mechanisms underlying the disease.
vWD
vWD is a disease affecting the von Willebrand factor (vWF) protein. This protein plays an important role in blood clotting and is easily identifiable by DNA testing. Breeders and veterinarians can use vWD tests to confirm clinical findings and determine the best course of treatment for their dogs. The disease affects only dogs with two copies of this gene and selective breeding prevents it from becoming widespread in the breed.
Symptoms of vWD can vary, but they are usually non-threatening. A thorough physical exam and history of your dog’s activities is important. While many dogs with this disorder do not require treatment, some may develop bleeding episodes later on. Veterinary care is necessary in order to treat vWD, although many dogs do not require specialized medical care.
There is no definitive treatment for vWD, but early detection can help avoid the possibility of a fatal outcome for your dog. Genetic testing can detect vWD before it manifests itself. However, it is important to note that vWD is not always fatal, and treatment depends on the stage of the disease and age of the dog.
The disease is caused by a decrease in a protein called von Willebrand factor (vWF), which is essential for clotting blood. When a dog suffers from vWD, the vWF protein is reduced in their blood, which causes abnormal platelet function. This condition increases the risk of bleeding during trauma.
Colour dilution alopecia
Colour dilution alopecia affects the hair follicles, causing unusual coloration. This condition can affect dogs of any colour, but is most common in dogs of blue or fawn colour. It is also common in other dilute breeds like the Dachshund, Great Dane, Whippet, and Maltese. Symptoms of colour dilution alopecia may include hair fall, dry paw pads, itchy skin, and even loss of hair.
Although the cause of colour dilution alopecia is not completely understood, the condition is often associated with patchy, alopecia-like baldness. The disease can be accompanied by a host of skin problems, including recurring bacterial infections. In addition to losing hair, affected dogs will have poor coat and bald spots, with abnormal hair follicles and uneven clumping of pigment in hair shafts.
In addition to colour dilution alopecia, Dobermans can also suffer from skin problems. The full-coloured version will have the same medical problems as the white version, but may be more sensitive and prone to sunburn. Other skin conditions that may affect your Doberman include staphylococcus infections and hormone imbalances. It’s important to visit a vet to make sure your pet is healthy, but the first step is to make a diagnosis.
Colour dilution alopecia may start in a pup at about six months of age and progress to adulthood. In severe cases, the condition may result in secondary infection of the hair follicle.
vWD in Doberman Pinschers
vWD in Doberman Pinscher is a recessive disease caused by a mutation of a single gene. The gene has a splice site mutation that leads to reduced production of the disease-causing protein, vWF. Breeders may use methods to decrease the frequency of the disease-causing allele.
Most dogs with vWD have normal blood clotting. However, the amount of vWF in their blood varies considerably from day to day. Several factors, including age and sexual cycle, and even some medications can affect their vWF levels. Dogs that are heterozygous for the disease are often affected only mildly.
In this study, researchers determined the level of von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen in a colony of Doberman Pinschers. The ELISA method was used to measure vWF-Ag levels and compare them to normal pooled plasma. Pedigree analysis was also performed to determine the mode of inheritance of vWD.
The genetic test can help breeders identify affected dogs and heterozygous carriers. The tests can be performed on saliva or blood samples. These tests are recommended before a dog reaches breeding age. This way, breeders will avoid inbreeding from dogs with unknown genetic status.
The prevalence of vWD in Doberman Pinscher dogs varies from breed to breed. The disease is more common in males than in females. In a study with Dal-dogs, there are two Dal-dog parents for most puppies. However, this does not mean that females are not affected by this disease.