What health problems does the Keeshond have?
Keeshonden are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Health problems Keeshonden are prone to include:
- Hip dysplasia: This is a common orthopedic condition in many dog breeds, including Keeshonden. It occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and lameness.
- Elbow dysplasia: Like hip dysplasia, this occurs when the elbow joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to joint instability and arthritis.
- Patellar luxation: This is a condition where the kneecap (patella) can dislocate or move out of its normal position, causing pain and lameness.
- 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 that are responsible for a variety of body functions, such as controlling salt, sugar, and water balance in the body. In Addison’s disease, the body is unable to 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 pup to detect Addison’s disease and provide long-term medication.
- Cushing’s disease: 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 Keeshond exhibits some of these symptoms, take her to the veterinarian. Cushing’s disease can be treated with surgery and medication.
- Diabetes mellitus: Keeshonden are prone to diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a complex disease that prevents the body from properly regulating blood sugar levels. It is caused either by a lack of the hormone insulin or an inadequate response to insulin. Insulin allows the body to use glucose (sugar) for energy or to store for later use. Improper insulin levels will cause excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, cataracts, and weight loss. Though Diabetes is a serious illness, it can be controlled by diet and insulin medication.
- Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can lead to recurrent seizures. It can have a genetic component, meaning that some Keeshonden might inherit a predisposition to epilepsy.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This is a genetic eye disorder that can lead to progressive vision loss and blindness.
- Hypothyroidism: This is a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat.