Schipperke Medical Conditions
by Jennie Bullock
        Schipperkes are for the most part healthy sound animals. Responsible breeding by quality breeders have helped to maintain a relatively stable gene pool. There are, however, some conditions to which Schipperkes are prone:
Hypothyroidim

        Hypothyroism is a condition caused by the under-activity of the dog's thyroid gland.  It is usually controlable through medication, although the dog will have to be on thyroid supplements its entire life.
For more information regarding this condition please see: Medical/ Hypothyroidism.
 
Epilepsy

        Epilepsy in Schipperkes is a hereditary seizure disorder.  Dogs with epilepsy should not be breed and a responsible breeder will remove dog's producing epileptic pups from their breeding program.
For more information regarding this condition please see: Medical/Epilepsy.

Hip Dysplasia
        This is a result of a malformation of the hip joint(s).  The most common indications of hip dysplasia in small dogs is when the dog is older.  Generally, with this late life onset surgical correction is never required.  Your veterinarian can xray your dog's hips for evaluation.
For mor information regarding this condition please see : Medical index/hip dysplasia.

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, see medical index/legg-calve-perthes.

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