Corgis are one of the most beloved dog breeds, known for their lovable personalities and good-natured dispositions. But like all breeds, Corgis are not immune to health problems. Things like issues like skin allergies and hip dysplasia can plague their good health, causing you to take them to the vet for care and treatment. Let’s take a look at some of the most common health problems that come with this dog breed.
The 9 Corgi Health Problems
1. Eye Problems
Corgis are predisposed to eye problems, such as keratoconus and cataracts. Eye problems can be caused by a number of underlying conditions, and it’s important to get your Corgi examined if they experience vision problems. Corgis with eye issues may experience infections, tears in the cornea, or degeneration of the vitreous chamber of the eye. Corneal dystrophy is a common cause of blindness in Corgis, and can be caused by infectious, autoimmune, or genetic causes.
2. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a serious genetic disorder that affects the hip joints in Corgis. Though hip dysplasia can be common in older dogs as a whole, it can be much more common in Corgis than in other breeds. If your Corgi exhibits any signs of discomfort, such as limping or being unable to put weight on their rear legs, it’s important to get them examined by your veterinarian right away. The sooner you get them diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis. Once the infection sets in, it can be difficult to treat and may slow your Corgi’s mobility significantly. There is currently no cure for hip dysplasia, so the best you can do is try to prevent it.
3. Elbow Dysplasia
Corgis are also predisposed to elbow dysplasia, a condition tPosthat causes the elbow joint to be out of alignment. Though elbow dysplasia is a relatively rare issue in other breeds, it occurs much more often in Corgis. Corgis that are predisposed to elbow dysplasia often experience arthritis or joint damage as they get older, making daily activities like walking really difficult for them. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent your Corgi from experiencing arthritis and joint damage.
4. Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are a common issue with dogs, but Corgis are especially prone to them due to their shorter coats. Common allergens causing skin allergies in Corgis include flea bites, ingredients in their diet, and environmental allergens like mold and dust. Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening, so it’s important to get to the root of the problem.
A skin allergy test performed by your veterinarian can help you identify the allergens causing your pup’s allergies, so you can get them under control. There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of allergies in your Corgi. Daily grooming is important, as is removing excessive hair from your Corgi’s coat. You can also use an anti-allergenic spray on your Corgi, so they don’t come into contact with allergens while they’re out of the house.
5. Intervertebral Disc Disease
Corgis are also at risk for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a condition that causes the disc between the vertebrae to become degenerative. Each time your Corgi moves their back legs, they cause friction between the vertebrae, which is responsible for wearing down the disk. Intervertebral disc disease can cause pain and stiffness in your Corgi’s hind legs, which can make daily activities like walking and jumping difficult. Intervertebral disc disease is treatable if detected early but can be fatal if left untreated.
6. Collapsing Trachea
Tracheal collapse is a serious condition that causes your Corgi’s breathing to become impaired. Tracheal collapse is a serious health issue and can be fatal if not detected and treated quickly. Early detection is essential to prevent any damage to your Corgi’s airway, so get them examined by your veterinarian as soon as you notice any signs of breathing problems like.
7. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease that causes degeneration of the retina, resulting in blindness in older Corgis. PRA is a serious condition that can be detected early by having your Corgi’s eyes examined by your veterinarian. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent blindness, which can have a huge impact on your Corgi’s quality of life.
8. Hypothyroidism
Like humans, dogs can experience thyroid issues too. Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes your Corgi’s thyroid to be underactive, resulting in a range of potential health issues. Hypothyroidism is a serious, albeit common, issue in Corgis. Common issues resulting from hypothyroidism include skin problems, digestive issues, and behavioral changes.
9. Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s disease is a rare condition caused by a genetic mutation that affects the ability of the blood to clot. Though von Willebrand’s disease is relatively rare, Corgis are susceptible to it. If your Corgi tests positive for vWD, it’s important to get them treated quickly to prevent damage to their internal organs or death.
Wrapping Up
Corgis are one of the most beloved dog breeds, but they aren’t immune to health problems. And while they are generally healthy dogs they can suffer from things like hip dysplasia, skin issues, and back problems. So, it’s important to get your Corgi examined by their veterinarian as soon as you notice any signs of health problems so they can be treated quickly and effectively.
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