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Common Illnesses In Dobermans

 
Ameera Mills
By Ameera Mills. Updated: September 2, 2018
Common Illnesses In Dobermans
Dogs

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The Doberman Pinscher is a remarkably elegant, intelligent and sensitive dog. This dog stands out among the 5 smartest dog breeds. According to Stanley Coren, psychology professor and neuropsychological researcher, Dobermans are able to learn, memorize and reproduce with great excellence and speed. In addition, they apply themselves very well to a huge variety of tasks including; orders, tricks and canine sports.

However, to fully develop their physical, emotional and cognitive abilities, special attention needs to be paid to training and socialization. It is also fundamental, like with all breeds, that this dog receives necessary preventative medicine. That is why in this AnimalWised article we aim to discuss with you the most common diseases/illnesses in a doberman.

However, it is very important to remember for any emergency alteration we suggest consulting to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dobermans

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DMC) is a common disease in larger dogs, such as: Dobermans, Great Danes, Boxers and Irish Wolfhounds. DMC is a disease that targets the heart muscles. The muscular structure of the heart (especially the ventricles) is weakened by progressive stretching that leads to the inability of proper contractions. As a result, the heart cannot pump enough blood it needs to properly oxygenate the bodies tissues.

Poor oxygenation prevents other organs from performing optimally (generating different insufficiency charts), and can also lead to irreversible injuries when not treated quickly. This disease can also present itself through the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and around the lungs.

This is considered a silent disease which can progress rapidly in doberman dogs. Among its main symptoms, we can find:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Coughing
  • Weightloss
  • Weakness
  • Intolerance to exercise
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Fainting
  • Episodes of syncope

If you notice any changes in your doberman’s routine or appearance we recommend going to the vet as soon as possible. An early diagnosis is vital in treating this disease and offering a quicker and more effective recovery.

Common Illnesses In Dobermans - Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dobermans

Wobbler syndrome- Dobermans

Wobbler syndrome (cervical vertebral instability), includes different chronic and severe degenerative disorders that affect the vertebral and intervertebral discs of the cervical spine. These disease can lead to excessive compression of the spinal cord and the nerves located in the neck.

About 50% of wobbler syndrome cases were diagnosed in larger dogs, such as; Dobermans, Great Danes and Mastiffs. Therefore, genetic predisposition appears as the main risk factor for Wobbler Syndrome. Sometimes however, in less frequent cases, some dogs can also suffer a displacement of the intervertebral discs as a consequence of a strong impact on the cervical region.

Wobbler syndrome is a silent neurologic disease. Its first stage symptoms are very light and somewhat unnoticeable. However, with progression more specific symptoms appear, such as; wobbly walking, short and cautious steps, frequent loss of balance, and difficulty moving.

If you observe these symptoms in your dog we suggest going to your veterinarian as soon as possible. The earlier the prognosis, the better.

Von Willebrand disease- Dobermans

This pathology is characterized by the absence of the Von Willebrand factor (VWF), a glycoprotein responsible for transporting the coagulation factor VII, which is essential for the coagulation of vascular lesions. The deficit of this said protein causes an abnormal union of the platelets and hinders the coagulation process. As a consequence, the animal may bleed excessively upon suffering any superficial or light injury. Furthermore, it has been proven that dogs with EVW are more likely to develop metabolic imbalances, such as canine hypothyroidism.

There are 3 types of von Willebrand diseases, which are classified according to the intensity of their symptoms. Dobermans are prone to develop type 1 vWD. Type 1 vWD includes mild or moderate symptoms, such as: delayed wound healing, easy bruising, occasional gum or tonsil bleeding.

This is a chronic disease that does not yet have a definitive cure. However dogs, with vVW can receive palliative treatment. Prevention of injuries and traumas is the main way to avoid additional complications to this disease.

Common Illnesses In Dobermans - Von Willebrand disease- Dobermans

Gastric torsion - Dobermans

Gastric torsion is among the most common diseases in dobermans. It is characterized by an excessive dilation of the stomach, causing the organ to twist on its own axis. As a result, the connection between the esophagus and intestines are obstructed and blood flow is interrupted. This roadblock prevents the proper oxygenation of some organs, in turn causing irreversible damage if not treated quickly. If not addressed to as soon as possible, this disease can also result in the death of the dog.

The symptoms of gastric torsion in dobermans are:

  • Sickness
  • Attempts at failed vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Excessive salivation
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of appetite

While all dogs may suffer gastric torsion, this syndrome is more common in larger dogs, such as; dobermans, St. Bernards, Neapolitan mastiffs, Great Danes, Labradors, giant schnauzers, etc.

Hip dysplasia - doberman

Hip dysplasia (or coxofemoral dysplasia) is among the most common degenerative pathologies in dogs, mainly those of larger sizes. This disease develops from a hereditary malformation of the coxofemoral bone structure, which joins the femur to the pelvic bone. Although genetic predisposition is the main cause, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can also be function as risk factors.

This degenerative process usually causes intense pain and lameness. Affected dogs show difficulty in common activities, such as: walking, climbing stairs or sitting. In more advanced cases, dysplasia can totally incapacitate the animal.

Although Dobermans are not among the most common breeds to suffer from this disease, diagnoses are relatively common. Therefore, it is important to be aware of certain symptoms such as:

  • Inactivity
  • Loss of interest in playing or exercising
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Difficulty performing simple movements
  • Limping
  • Back holstering
  • Muscle rigidity in the hip
  • Rigidity in the hind legs
Common Illnesses In Dobermans - Hip dysplasia - doberman

Common diseases in Doberman dogs:

Apart from the pathologies already mentioned above, there are other diseases that have a high or moderate occurrence rate in doberman dog breeds, these include:

  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Acral dermatitis
  • Chronic hepatitis
  • Alopecia by color dilution
  • Deafness
  • Demodectic scabies
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Hereditary kidney disease
  • Follicular dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
  • Congenital microphthalmia
  • Seborrhea
  • Vitiligio
  • Zinc-sensitive dermatosis
  • Peripheral neuropathies
  • Pemphigus
  • Panosteitis
  • Sebaceous adenitis
  • Retinal dysplasia
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Hemivertebra

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Common Illnesses In Dobermans, we recommend you visit our Other health problems category.

Bibliography
  • Doberman pinscher - CIDD Database UPEI

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