 |
||||
Beagle Health ProblemsCommon Beagle health problems include cherry eye, glaucoma, ear infections, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, heart disease, and intervertebral
disc disease.
The Beagle is friendly, intelligent, outgoing, active, and curious. This breed makes a wonderful family companion who is generally very good with children.
He is a pack animal who requires companionship - if not from other dogs, he will require it from his human family. He tends to bond with the whole family, especially
with children.
Orignally bred as a hunting dog, the Beagle has a highly developed sense of smell and an independent nature and, therefore, may tend to roam. Daily outdoor exercise is
required.
The Beagle is a very popular breed in the U.S.A. - Ranked 4th most registered breed by the AKC for 2010.
Common Beagle Health ProblemsIn general, the Beagle is a very healthy breed. However, like all breeds of dogs, they are susceptible to certain genetic/inherited problems. Some of the more common Beagle health problems include:
Beagle Health Problems - Cherry EyeCherry eye is a common problem in beagles. Medically known as "nictitans gland prolapse", or prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid, cherry eye is an eye condition in which the gland of the third eyelid comes out of its normal position and becomes red and swollen, making it looks like a cherry - thus the name cherry eye. It is not difficult to see and diagnose this eye condition. If your Beagle has cherry eye, you can see the following signs and symptoms:
Beagle Health Problems - Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye problem which is the result of increased fluid pressure within the
eye (elevated intraocular pressure or IOP). If the pressure cannot be reduced in time, there will be permanent damage to the retina and optic nerve resulting in visual
impairment.
Glaucoma may be primary (inherited) or secondary to a number of eye disorders such as inflammation within the eye, displacement of the lens, advanced
cataracts, or eye injuries such as a penetrating wound to the eye.
Primary glaucoma causes an elevation of pressure within the eye because of abnormal drainage of fluid through the iridocorneal angle. When the angle at which the
iris and cornea join is wide, the glaucoma is described as open angle. If the base of the iris is pushed forward, the glaucoma is described as narrow angle.
Beagles are more prone to open angle glaucoma.
Glaucoma causes a lot of pain in the form of a constant headache or migraine. As a result, a dog with glaucoma is usually lethargic, unwilling to move or play. He may
also have a poor appetite and may show behavioral change.
Glaucoma is an emergency and treatment must be started as soon as possible if your dog's eyesight is to be saved.
Top
Beagle Health Problems - HypothyroidismBeagles have a predisposition for hypothyroidism, a hormonal condition in which the body fails to produce sufficient amounts of the thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can be caused by problems in the dog's own immune system, or it can be caused by certain medications, toxins, or even a lack of exercise. Because hypothyroidism affects a dog's metabolism, symptoms reflect a dog with a slowed metabolism, such as weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, lethargy and mental dullness. TopBeagle Health Problems - Ear InfectionsBecause of their long ears, Beagles are prone to ear infections. Common symptoms of ear infections include incessant scratching of the affected ear, head shaking, and you may notice a foul odor and discharge from the ear. TopBeagle Health Problems - Heart DiseaseOne common heart disease seen in the Beagle is pulmonic stenosis, which is a narrowing of the connection between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, most commonly due to a malformation of the pulmonic valve. When this happens, it becomes more difficult for the right ventricle to pump blood, resulting in an obstruction to blood flow from the right side of the heart. Since the right ventricle has to work harder, the right side of the heart becomes bigger. The obstruction to blood flow from the right side of the heart will cause varying degrees of heart damage which worsens with age. With moderate-to-severe pulmonic stenosis, your dog may experience signs associated with low cardiac output and/or right-sided heart failure, such as abnormal cardiac rhythms, respiratory difficulties, fainting, tiring with exercise, or sudden death. Moderate-to-severe pulmonic stenosis may be treated by surgery. TopBeagle Health Problems - Intervertebral Disk DiseaseThe intervertebral disks sit between the vertebrae in the spine. They act like shock-absorbers to help dissipate the forces placed on the spine. When the intervertebral disks become damaged and protrudes into the vertebral canal and presses on the spinal cord, this is referred to as intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). Severity of the disease depends on how much the disks have protruded into the spinal cord. In mild cases, IVDD may cause only mild back or neck pain. In severe cases, It can cause paralysis, loss of feeling, and lack of bladder and bowel control. Most commonly, problems are seen in the lower back region of the spine or in the neck region. Mildly affected dogs may be managed with cage confinement for at least two weeks to allow for healing of a partially damaged disk. If after 2 weeks signs are not improved, diagnosis and surgery should be considered. TopBeagle Health Problems - EpilepsyEpilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is a disease which is rather prevalent in Beagles. It can be hereditary but it can also be caused by:
Share This Page with Your Friends!
Return To:
References:
|
| |||
 |
||||
| Homepage | References & Resources | Join Our Community |
Dog Ecards | | Links | Contact Us | About Me | Privacy Policy | Legal Disclaimer | Return to top |
||||
|
| ||||
