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| A
Few Words on GSMD Health |
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The Greater
Swiss Mountain Dog in general
is a healthy breed. However, certain health
issues are of definite concern and should
be discussed with both your breeder and
your veterinarian before you purchase
a puppy.
One of the
most common and dangerous problems
in the breed is " Bloat" ( a
gastro-intestinal condition). As with
many large, deep chested breeds, Bloat
is a serious condition in which the stomach
rotates on it's axis, causing a loss of
blood flow and a deadly build up of intestinal
gasses. The condition is a veterinary
emergency. Be sure to discuss symptoms
of Bloat with your breeder as well as
preventive measures. Locating a good veterinarian
who is familiar with treating this fatal
condition is also very important. Bloat
has been known to be genetic in nature.
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| Health |
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Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
as well as OCD are also problems for the breed.
Please be sure to discuss and check the pedigrees of
your dog or puppy as Dysplasia can also be genetic.
Breeders should have radiographs performed on all breeding
stock and sent to the OFA ( Orthopedic Foundation of
America ) for an evaluation and clearance.
Eye problems such as Distichiasis
( extra row of eyelash's which can cause eye damage
) Entropion and Ectropian are also seen in the breed.
The common approach to preventing these conditions is
through certification of unaffected breeding stock by
the Canine Eye registry Foundation ( CERF )
Swissy's are a heavy boned,
athletic dog that can be prone to injury as young adults
and must be managed properly to prevent expensive and
serious injuries. Things such as slipping on wet floors,
jumping from cars, jumping from porches or other high
places, running up and down stairways and heavy ruff
housing can be damaging to the development of the puppy's
soft cartilage. Being that Swissy's are a giant breed
they mature slowly. There joints can not fully withstand
the body's heavy weight in such activities until they
are a more mature 2 years old. Weight pulling or heavy
packing should also be avioided until the puppy in mature.
Excessive and strenuous exercise, such as long jogs
or hikes should be avoided until mature.Urinary Incontinence
is often the most common health problem in female Swissies.
Affected dogs will dribble or leak urine. Many believe
this has a genetic factor and it can be treated with
medication. Often times a female may out grown the problem
and sometimes it helps to allow your female one heat
season before spaying.
Urinary
Incontinence is often the most common health
problem in female Swissies. Affected dogs will dribble
or leak urine. Many believe this has a genetic factor
and it can be treated with medication. Often times a
female may out grown the problem and sometimes it helps
to allow your female one heat season before spaying.
For more health
information sites and other important breed resources,please
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