Do Standard Poodles have health problems?

• Hip and 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 properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen 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 be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis.

• Addison’s disease: Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is caused by a malfunction in the hormone production of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are small glands near the kidneys and are responsible for various body functions, such as controlling salt, sugar, and water balance in the body. In Addison’s disease, the body is unable to create create enough cortisol. Without cortisol, a dog cannot manage stress or digest food properly. Dogs with Addison’s disease may suffer from weakness, an abnormally fast heart rate, depression, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and excessive thirst and urination. Your vet can test your ‘Doodle to detect Addison’s disease and provide long-term medication.

• Cushing’s disease: The opposite of Addison’s disease (and more common), this condition occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. It can be caused by an imbalance of the pituitary or adrenal gland, but in some cases, a dog will develop too much cortisol from other conditions. Common signs are excessive drinking and urination, increased hunger, hair loss, obesity, and bruising. If your Poodle exhibits some of these symptoms, take her to the veterinarian. Cushing’s disease can be treated with surgery and medication.

• Sebaceous adenitis: This rare skin condition affects the skin glands of both young and middle-aged dogs. It can cause hair loss, skin lesions, bacterial infections, scaling of the skin (dandruff), and odor along the hairline. Symptoms can vary slightly among long-coated and short-coated breeds. Veterinarians may suggest a combination of oils, shampoos, antibacterials, and other medications to help relieve symptoms.

• 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 being unable to clot properly, which could cause hemorrhages or other bleeding issues. The deficient protein is called von Willebrand factor (vWF).

• Progressive retinal atrophy: (PRA) is a group of genetic diseases that affect the retina. They are progressive degenerative diseases and will eventually cause blindness in both eyes. There is no effective treatment to stop PRA.

• Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, this is a common problem in many dog breeds. Patellar luxation is when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

• Others: Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone which can cause hair loss, weight gain, and a weakened immune system), epilepsy, and bloat