08/04/2019
Hereditary diseases :
PLL - Primary Lens Luxation is a disorder that is characterised by weakened zonular fibers (thin ligaments that suspend the lens in place behind the iris) which eventually lead to the dislocation of the lens in the eye. Clinical signs of this disease are not seen until the dog is adult. Secondary Lens Luxation (SLL) is not a hereditary disease.
PRA - Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative disease of the retina that ultimately leads to loss of vision. The rods degenerate first leading to a loss in night vision followed by the cones with a loss of day vision.
DM - Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. The disease has an insidious onset typically between 8 and 14 years of age. It begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. The affected dog will wobble when walking, knuckle over or drag the feet.
Other common diseases :
PL - Patellar luxation occurs when the dog's kneecap (patella) is dislocated from its normal anatomic position in the groove of the thigh bone (femur). When the kneecap is dislocated from the groove of the thigh bone, it can only be returned to its normal position once the quadriceps muscles in the hind legs of the animal relax and lengthen. It is for this reason that most dogs with the condition will hold up their hind legs for a few minutes. This is a treatable disease.
LCP - Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease involves spontaneous degeneration of the head on the femur bone, located in the dog's hind leg. This disease is treatable.
KCS - Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a relatively common condition in dogs, also known as dry eye. This is a treatable condition.