Poodle Medical Conditions
by Jennie Bullock

       The variety of Poodle sizes brings about a variety of medical conditions; some of the most common medical conditions associated with each of the Poodle size varieties is outlined below.

Miniature Poodle - most common medical conditions.

Hip Dysplasia
        The hip joint is a ball and socket connection.  If the joint is malformed the head of the femur will not properly align with the cup of the hip socket.  This misalignment can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, with proper diet and exercise the animal can lead a full and active life. In more severe cases surgical correction or euthanasia are the only alternatives.  The most common indications of hip dysplasia, in small dogs, is when the dog older.  Generally with this late-life onset surgical correction is never required. Your veterinarian can X-ray your dog's hips for evaluation.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Hip Dysplasia).
 

Generalized Progressive Retinal Atrophy

       PRA is a hereditary eye disease causing the breakdown of the cells of  the retina. The breakdown is gradual leading to mid-life (age 5-7) blindness.  Many breeders have their dogs screened for this condition.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Progressive Retinal Degeneration).
 
 Slipped Stifles (patellar luxation)
       The patella (kneecap) is a small bone which guards the knee joint.  The patella sits in a grove in the femur, and is held in place by a combination of ligaments and muscles.  This bone can slip out of position due to injury, poor alingment, weak ligaments, or insufficient grove in the femur.  Generally the dog will limp, carry the leg off the ground, or hop when running.  If the problem is severe it can necessitate surgery.

        Patellar luxation can be either hereditary or due to injury.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Patellar Luxation).

Thyroid Deficiency
       Thyroid deficiency, or hypothyroidism, is the condition resulting from a low production of usable hormones by the thyroid gland.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Hypothyroidism).

Legg-Calve-Perthes
       This condition is due to improper blood flow that leads to the destruction of femoral head (ball head) in the hip joint.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Legg-Calve-Perthes).
 

Epilepsy

        Epilepsy is a hereditary seizure disorder.  This disease cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with medication. The dog with epilepsy can live a fairly normal life, but cannot be placed in the stressful situation of showing, and certainly should not be bred.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Epilepsy).
 
Cryptorchidism
       Cryptorchidism is a genetic condition in which either one or both testicles do not descend into proper location within the scrotum. This is hereditary and dogs exhibiting this condition should never be used for breeding.

For further information please see : (Medical Index/Cryptorchidism).

Standard Poodle - most common medical conditions.

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus - Bloat
        As is the case with so many deep chested dogs Standard Poodles are prone toward Bloat.  They are deep chested and tend to swallow a great deal of air while eating.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Bloat).
 

Generalized Progressive Retinal Atrophy

       PRA is a hereditary eye disease causing the breakdown of the cells of  the retina. The breakdown is gradual leading to mid-life (age 5-7) blindness.  Many breeders have their dogs screened for this condition.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Progressive Retinal Degeneration).

Hip Dysplasia
        The hip joint is a ball and socket connection.  If the joint is malformed the head of the femur will not properly align with the cup of the hip socket.  This misalignment can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, with proper diet and exercise the animal can lead a full and active life. In more severe cases surgical correction or euthanasia are the only alternatives.  The most common indications of hip dysplasia, in small dogs, is when the dog older.  Generally with this late-life onset surgical correction is never required. Your veterinarian can X-ray your dog's hips for evaluation.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Hip Dysplasia).
 

von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)
      von Willebrand's disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder.  It impacts the dog's ability to clot blood (similar to hemophilia).  This disorder is found in both males and females.

For further information please see : (Medical/von Willebrand's Disease).

Sebacious adenitis
       This is a skin condition where the lubricating glands cease to function.  Hair falls out in great quantities, musky odor, flaking and thickening of the skin are some of the symptoms.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Sebacious adenitis).

Thyroid Deficiency
       Thyroid deficiency, or hypothyroidism, is the condition resulting from a low production of usable hormones by the thyroid gland.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Hypothyroidism).

Addison's Disease
       Addison's disease is due to the under-activity of the dog's adrenal glands.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Addison's Disease).

Toy Poodles - most common medical conditions.
 

Slipped Stifles (patellar luxation)
       The patella (kneecap) is a small bone which guards the knee joint.  The patella sits in a grove in the femur, and is held in place by a combination of ligaments and muscles.  This bone can slip out of position due to injury, poor alingment, weak ligaments, or insufficient grove in the femur.  Generally the dog will limp, carry the leg off the ground, or hop when running.  If the problem is severe it can necessitate surgery.

        Patellar luxation can be either hereditary or due to injury.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Patellar Luxation).
 
Generalized Progressive Retinal Atrophy

       PRA is a hereditary eye disease causing the breakdown of the cells of  the retina. The breakdown is gradual leading to mid-life (age 5-7) blindness.  Many breeders have their dogs screened for this condition.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Progressive Retinal Degeneration).
 
Epilepsy

        Epilepsy is a hereditary seizure disorder.  This disease cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with medication. The dog with epilepsy can live a fairly normal life, but cannot be placed in the stressful situation of showing, and certainly should not be bred.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Epilepsy).

Legg-Calve-Perthes
       This condition is due to improper blood flow that leads to the destruction of femoral head (ball head) in the hip joint.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Legg-Calve-Perthes).

Thyroid Deficiency
       Thyroid deficiency, or hypothyroidism, is the condition resulting from a low production of usable hormones by the thyroid gland.
For further information please see : (Medical Index/Hypothyroidism).
 

Cryptorchidism
       Cryptorchidism is a genetic condition in which either one or both testicles do not descend into proper location within the scrotum. This is hereditary and dogs exhibiting this condition should never be used for breeding.

For further information please see : (Medical Index/Cryptorchidism).
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