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Poodle Health: Diseases |
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Some of the diseases that are found in standard poodles are listed below. Please note that the links do not open in a separate window, so if you follow a link, you must click the BACK button to return to this page.
Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWd) is a bleeding disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot. It is caused by a single recessive gene and there is a DNA test that can identify which dogs are affected, carriers or clear. If one parent is tested as clear (i.e., not affected and not a carrier), then the offspring will not get the disease. Dogs listed as “clear by parentage” have not been tested, but are known to be clear because both of their parents are clear. VetGen von Willebrand’s Disease DNA test
Neonatal Encephalopathy (NEwS or neonatal encephalitis with seizures) is a brain disease in newborn puppies that is always fatal within the first few weeks of life. A DNA test is available to identify carriers. Like vWd, the abnormal gene that causes this disease is recessive, so puppies cannot get the disease unless both parents are carriers. If both parents are clear (i.e., not carriers), then all puppies will be clear. Dogs listed as “clear by parentage” have not been tested, but are known to be clear because both of their parents are clear. CGD Neonatal Encephalopathy DNA test
Hip Dysplasia is an inherited disorder that may also involve environmental factors. The inheritance of hip dysplasia is polygenic, meaning that more than one gene is involved. There are two methods that are used to evaluate hip dysplasia: OFA and PennHip. Managing Polygenic Disease: Hip Dysplasia Environmental Factors Affect Hip Dysplasia
Bloat (gastric volvulus and dilation or GVD) is one of the leading causes of death in standard poodles. It is a painful and life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with air and twists. The twisting makes it impossible for the dog to expel the air and cuts off the blood supply. Immediate medical attention will sometimes save the dog’s life. All standard poodle owners should know about bloat and be prepared to take action if your dog shows signs of bloating. Some of the following links also have recommendations for what can be done to minimize the risk of bloating. It is thought that both inherited and environmental factors play a role. Bloat is more common in larger breeds, so some people think that there is less risk for smaller standard poodles. Poodle Health Registry - Bloat American College of Veterinary Surgeons - Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) is a skin disease found in standard poodles. The mode of inheritance more complex than vWd or NEwS. No DNA test is available. The best available test for SA is a skin biopsy, but this does not give assurance that the offspring of a tested dog will not develop this disease or that the tested dog will not develop the disease later. The first link below gives an update on important research that has been done at UC Davis. Animal Health Trust (UK) SA Research Summary
Addison’s Disease is a disease of the adrenal glands that is common in standard poodles. Like SA, the mode of inheritance is believed to be complex. There is some Addison’s in almost every standard poodle pedigree. Symptoms such as gastro-intestinal problems and lethargy can be mistaken for other diseases. The ACTH blood test can diagnose dogs that have the disease, but there is no test that can determine which dogs are at risk of developing the disease or passing it on to their offspring. Dogs with Addison’s can have a normal life span with a good quality of life if they receive life-long medication and close veterinary supervision. The second link contains a research update with recommendations for breeders. Poodle Health Registry - Addisons Poodle Health Registry - Addisons Research Update
Eye conditions including juvenile cataracts can be inherited. Annual eye exams are recommended for breeding dogs.
Epilepsy has both genetic and non-genetic causes. There is some evidence that idiopathic epilepsy (seizures that are not the result of some other disorder) in poodles may be inherited as a simple autosomal recessive disorder. Researchers are trying to verify the mode of inheritance and to identify the responsible gene. Versatility In Poodles Epilepsy Fact Sheet
Hypothyroidism in standard poodles is most frequently caused by autoimmune thyroiditis which is a heritable condition. A blood test can identify a marker for this disease before symptoms are observed. Hypothyroidism is a permanent condition that can be treated with a thyroid hormone replacement.
Toe Cancer (squamous cell carcinoma of the digit) is found in black standard poodles but not light-colored poodles. Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Digit Standard Poodle SCC Toe Registry
Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. A DNA test is available that can identify dogs that are at high risk for developing this disease.
Ear infections are common in poodles. Proper ear care can minimize or eliminate infections. Your groomer can help with ear care, and your vet can diagnose and treat any ear infections.
If you are purchasing or breeding a dog that has miniature poodles in its pedigree, there are additional health issues that are not covered on this web site. All information presented here is subject to errors and omissions.
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