Primary Health Concerns in the Irish Wolfhound Breed
Brought to you by: Tippy


The Irish Wolfhound is a dog breed that is susceptible to
several genetic diseases such as bloat, bone cancer,
cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, PRA and Von Willebrand's
disease. Not all dogs within this breed will develop these
diseases, of course. Be sure to only buy your puppy from a
responsible breeder that has their puppies screened for
these diseases.

Bloat is a fairly common but very dangerous disorder in
large dogs. In Bloat the stomach fills with food, gas and/or
water and this results in pressure that enlarges and
compresses the stomach. Finally the stomach rotates or
twists into an abnormal position. When the stomach is
twisted it stops the flow of gastric contents and blood to
and from the stomach, which will eventually cut off blood
supply to the organ, causing a series of events that lead to
death, often within less than an hour.

Approximately thirty percent of large dogs eventually
develop bloat and if immediate surgery is not performed,
they either die or have to be euthanized. Feeding the dog
frequent small meals from an elevated feed dish is the
recommended preventative.

Osteosarcomas or Bone Cancer accounts for five percent of
all canine tumors. But eighty to ninety percent of malignant
cancers involve the bone. This disease is much more common
in large breed dogs. It is an aggressive cancer that often
requires amputation of the affected limb along with
chemotherapy to provide temporary relief from this disease.

Cardiomyopathy literally means "sick heart muscle". DCM or
dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle is thin
and weak and doesn't contract properly. DCM affects large or
giant breed dogs and some smaller dog breeds. This condition
can lead to congestive heart failure. Some symptoms include
abnormal heart rhythm, exercise intolerance, fainting and
weakness.

Hip dysplasia, probably the most common disorder in large
dog breeds, is caused by connective tissue, ligaments and
muscles all becoming lax around the hip joint and the large
bones rub together, causing damage. It may affect one or
both hips. This genetic disease usually strikes later in the
dog's life and causes debilitating pain and arthritis.

PRA is a genetic disease of the retina which occurs in both
eyes simultaneously. It isn't painful; it will just
eventually lead to blindness as there is no cure for the
disease. The eyes are just genetically programmed to go
blind. This disease affects most dog breeds and can occur
even in mixed breeds.

Von Willebrand's Disease, simply put, is equivalent to
hemophilia in humans. This is a disorder that causes the
blood not to clot like it should. Because of this disease,
dogs that sustain injuries may experience excessive
bleeding.


Irish Wolfhound Dog



Dr. Jane's Advice on the Irish Wolfhound's Health
Dr. Jane Bicks, D.V.M.


The Irish Wolfhound is a huge, proud, strong dog. They deserve
responsible owners who can deal with their potential problems
of bloat, hip dysplasia, and heart disease.


Antioxidants are essential, but I wouldn't use vitamin C until
after 2 years of age, to make sure that nothing interferes with
the development of the long bones.


A high quality professional food is your only option because
bone growth is a must. (see my recommendation below)


Exercise will develop those wonderful muscles and help
control weight. No Frisbee until 2 years of age.

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