In the past, the poodle was considered an exclusive breed of the upper bourgeoisie. Currently the poodle has gained popularity thanks to its attractive curly coat, which gives it an elegant appearance and a unique style. With a playful personality, they are intelligent animals that remain alert in any circumstance.
This breed of French origin is prone to certain diseases, mostly of a genetic and hereditary nature. If you are interested in adopting one, it is time to know what they are to be attentive to any sign. Keep reading this article to learn about the common diseases in poodles
Eye Diseases
Poodles commonly suffer from eye diseases, as they are hereditary. If you have a pet of this breed, we recommend that you maintain proper medical control to prevent any of the following diseases:
- Cataracts: affects the lens, a small lens behind the pupil that allows the eye to focus. They appear in the form of a cloudiness that covers the surface affects the ability to distinguish things, causing objects to appear blurred, cloudy or less colorful.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: is the progressive deterioration of the photoreceptors found in the retina, preventing it from capturing light. It can be prevented if detected early, otherwise it causes total vision loss.
- Glaucoma: is a silent disease that is difficult to detect, in which the range of vision is reduced almost imperceptibly, until the animal is completely blind.
- Entropion: occurs when the surface of the eyelid inverts and invades the eye area, causing discomfort, itching, ulcers and in cases extremes, total blindness.
Skin diseases
When it comes to skin problems, among the most common ailments that affect this breed we have:
- Sebaceous adenitis: is an inflammation of the skin glands caused by the accumulation of fat. It causes hair loss, irritation, scales, emanation of strong odors, dandruff, among other signs. It may be aggravated by other infections due to the constant scratching of the animal.
- Fungi: are caused by parasites that affect the dog's skin, fur or nails. They manifest mainly as a spot in the affected area. They are highly infectious, so it is recommended to keep children away from contact with the animal during treatment.
- Allergies: Poodles are usually very allergic to different elements, such as dust, pollen, mold, saliva from fleas, among others. They manifest themselves mainly on the skin, causing itchy irritation, especially on the face, abdomen and legs. Given the suspicion, our veterinarian may recommend us to carry out some of the allergy tests for dogs.
- Pyoderma: is an infection caused by bacteria, which generate the appearance of parasites, ulcers covered with pus, different types of allergies, swelling, itching, among other ailments.
Hearing diseases
otitis externa is the ear disease that most commonly affects poodles. It causes inflammation from the eardrum to the outside, swelling, redness, abundant secretions and a bad smell All these signs make it easy to detect. In addition, the intense itching leads the dog to scratch constantly, which often causes bleeding. Otitis in dogs usually has a favorable prognosis, especially if detected early.
Bone diseases
Bone and limb ailments are common in poodles, among which it is possible to mention:
- Hip dysplasia: is a genetic disease that manifests itself progressively and degeneratively. It affects the anatomical structure of the dog, specifically the hip area. The ailment harms the rear part of the dog's body, causing intense pain, lameness and even behaviors related to aggressiveness. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian to properly control the disease and thus provide your furry friend with a better quality of life.
- Patellar luxation: affects the patella, a bone located in a small groove in the femur. Dislocation occurs when said bone is displaced from its place, causing lameness due to pain. It is mostly treated with surgery, although it can also happen that the bone returns to its place after a few minutes.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: is a disintegration that occurs in the head of the femur, a bone located in the legs rear. The femur suddenly degenerates, causing intense pain due to which the dog limps, and may even become disabled.
Neural diseases
When it comes to neurological pathologies, the one that affects poodles most frequently is epilepsy in dogs. It is a genetic and hereditary disease, characterized by the production of tiny electrical discharges in the brain, causing convulsions. During episodes of crisis, foam is observed on the muzzle, and the dog loses consciousness. If your poodle suffers from epilepsy or has had seizures, go to the vet immediately: with the right treatment he can lead a normal life.
Hormonal diseases
In general, the hormonal disease that most frequently affects this breed is canine hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone is responsible for managing the proper functioning of all the organs of the body. When this disease occurs, there is a decrease in the hormone in the blood, causing a loss of tension in the ligaments, tendons and muscles; This, in turn, causes friction between the cartilages, ultimately damaging the joints.
The dog suffering from this condition is easily fatigued during physical activities, gains weight and his movements become clumsy. They may also begin to show behaviors related to aggressiveness or abnormal heart rhythms. If you suspect the appearance of this or other diseases go to the vet
