What diseases are Harriers prone to?
Harriers are prone to some diseases, 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 Harrier, have them checked out by a vet to see if they are prone to dysplasia.
- Epilepsy: This disorder causes seizures.
- Perianal fistula: This is a progressive inflammation of the rectal region, which can cause diarrhea, constipation, and discomfort.
- Others: Ear infections.
To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, ear, and imaging tests for the dog.