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Q:

What diseases do Dobermans get?

Hey there,

I am a proud new owner of a Doberman and I want to make sure I am aware of any potential health issues to keep an eye out for. What are the diseases that Dobermans are prone to and what symptoms should I watch for? I want to ensure that I am doing everything possible to keep my furry friend healthy and happy for years to come. Thanks in advance for your help!

All Replies

gbeatty

Hey there,

As someone who has owned Dobermans for several years, I can tell you from my personal experience that this breed is prone to several health issues.

One of the most common diseases that Dobermans can get is Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is a heart disorder that causes the heart to enlarge and weaken. Symptoms that you should watch out for include coughing, difficulty breathing, and fatigue.

Another condition to be aware of is Wobblers Syndrome, which is a neurological disease that affects the spine and causes difficulty in walking or standing. Symptoms include weakness in the limbs, constant shaking or trembling, and difficulty maintaining balance.

Von Willebrand's Disease is another condition that affects Dobermans, causing excessive bleeding from even minor wounds or injuries. Symptoms include bruising or bleeding easily, difficulty stopping bleeding, and nosebleeds.

Finally, Dobermans are also susceptible to a skin condition known as Acral Lick Dermatitis or "Lick Granuloma", which is a skin sore that develops from excessive licking. Symptoms include persistent licking and chewing at one spot, hair loss, and skin redness.

I hope my experience has given you a better understanding of the potential health issues associated with owning a Doberman. Remember to always keep a close eye on your furry friend's health and take them for regular check-ups with a trusted veterinarian to prevent and address any health concerns.

jaron.johnson

Hello,

I have owned a Doberman for the past few years, and from my experience, they are prone to a few common health problems. One of the concerns that I have personally faced is the development of a slipped disk. This condition is caused by the degeneration of vertebral disks in the spine, which can result in pain and nerve damage. Symptoms of a slipped disk may include difficulty moving, pain when touched or moved, and limping or dragging of the hind legs.

Another issue that Dobermans can develop is ear infections. Because of their floppy ears, these dogs are susceptible to moisture build-up and bacterial infections in the ear canal. Symptoms of an ear infection can include head shaking, pawing or rubbing at the ears, and discharge or odor coming from the ear.

Additionally, Dobermans can develop a condition called Hemophilia A. This disease is a blood clotting disorder that can cause severe bleeding from even small injuries. Symptoms of Hemophilia A can include nosebleeds, excessive bleeding from wounds or after surgery, and bleeding in the joints or muscles.

Lastly, I have also seen my Doberman suffer from allergies. Like with many other breeds, Dobermans can develop allergies to certain foods, environmental elements, or even flea bites. Common allergy symptoms include itching, scratching, swelling, and skin rashes.

Overall, Dobermans are prone to several health concerns, but by keeping a watchful eye on your dog's health, you can help to catch any issues early and give them the best possible care.

monique99

Hi everyone,

I have owned a Doberman for several years, and from my personal experience, they are prone to a few common health concerns. One condition that can affect Dobermans is Hypothyroidism, which is a thyroid problem that can lead to weight gain, reduced energy levels, hair loss, and a general lack of interest in activity or play.

Another health concern is Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is a heart condition that can cause the heart to weaken and enlarge over time. This can result in heart failure, coughing, and difficulty breathing. In many cases, DCM develops as the dog ages, but it's important to watch for any signs of heart trouble regardless of your dog's age.

Dobermans can also develop a condition known as Wobbler's Syndrome, which is a spinal problem that can cause difficulty walking or standing. Symptoms of Wobbler's Syndrome include weakness in the limbs, shaking or trembling, and a lack of coordination.

Lastly, like other breeds, Dobermans can develop allergies. Common allergens for dogs include fleas, food, and environmental factors like pollen or dust mites. Symptoms of allergies in Dobermans can include rashes, hot spots, scratching, and paw chewing.

All in all, owning a Doberman can come with some unique health concerns, but by staying on top of your dog's veterinary care, you can help catch any issues early and keep your furry friend healthy for years to come.

keara16

Hello!

As a Doberman owner myself, I have seen some common health issues in the breed. One of these conditions is Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, also known as bloat. This is a serious health emergency that can occur in deep-chested breeds such as the Doberman. Symptoms of bloat include drooling, restlessness, abdominal swelling, and retching without producing any vomit.

Another condition that can affect Dobermans is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is a genetic disorder that affects the cells in the retina of the eye, causing blindness. PRA is a progressive disease, which means that it will get worse over time. Symptoms of PRA include night blindness, dilated pupils, and bumping into objects.

Dobermans are also prone to a disease called Von Willebrand's Disease. This condition results in reduced clotting of the blood, leading to excessive bleeding from even minor injuries. Symptoms include bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery, and nosebleeds.

Lastly, Dobermans can develop hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the hip joint. This condition can lead to arthritis and lameness. Symptoms of hip dysplasia include difficulty getting up, reluctance to walk or climb stairs, and stiffness after exercise.

In conclusion, Dobermans are prone to various diseases and conditions, some of which are genetic, while others result from lifestyle factors. By being aware of these health issues and addressing them early on, we can help our furry friends live longer and healthier lives.

travis.johns

Hi there,

As someone who has owned multiple Dobermans over the years, I can attest to the fact that these magnificent dogs are prone to a wide range of health issues.

One condition that I have seen commonly in this breed is Canine Cancer. Dobermans have a high risk of developing cancer, particularly bone cancer. Symptoms to watch for include limping, swelling and/or lameness, and changes in your dog's activity levels.

Another issue that can affect Dobermans is Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy. This is a disorder that affects the growth of the bone structure and can cause lameness and joint pain. Symptoms of Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy include lethargy, fever, and swelling in the joints.

Furthermore, Von Willebrand's Disease can also be a concern for Doberman owners. This disease causes reduced clotting of the blood and can lead to excessive bleeding from even minor injuries. Watch out for nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery.

It is also worth mentioning that Dobermans are at a higher risk of developing allergies. Skin rashes, itching, and hot spots are common signs of allergies in dogs, and can be caused by food, fleas, or other environmental factors.

I hope my personal experiences with owning Dobermans have helped you to understand the various health conditions that this breed is at risk for. By being aware of these issues and keeping a close eye on your furry friend's health, you can help to prolong their lifespan and ensure they live a happy and healthy life.

aryanna62

Hello,

As a Doberman owner myself, I've noticed that they can be prone to several health issues, including eye problems. One of the eye conditions that Dobermans are prone to is cataracts. This condition can cause cloudiness in the eye, which can lead to vision loss. Symptoms of cataracts can include difficulty seeing in low-light conditions, white or cloudiness in the eye, and bumping into objects.

Another health issue that Dobermans can develop is renal disease. This is a condition where the kidneys are unable to function correctly, which can lead to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. Symptoms of renal disease can include excessive thirst, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Moreover, Dobermans can suffer from a rare condition known as Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome. This condition is a genetic disorder that can cause tumors to develop in various parts of the body, including the brain, pancreas, and kidneys. Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the tumor, but they may include headaches, abdominal pain, and high blood pressure.

Finally, Dobermans can also be prone to developing elbow dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the elbow joint. Symptoms of elbow dysplasia can include limping, stiffness, and pain when walking or running.

In conclusion, Dobermans are predisposed to several health issues due to genetics and other internal or environmental factors. A good preventive measure would be to consult with your veterinarian regularly, keep your dog on a healthy diet, and provide them with a good quality of life.

okeefe.sadie

Hello there,

I also have a Doberman and from my personal experience, I would like to add that they are prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition where the hip joint is not properly formed. This could lead to arthritis and lameness. Some signs of hip dysplasia are difficulty in getting up, reluctance to walk or climb stairs, and stiffness after exercise.

Another condition that you should be aware of is Hypothyroidism, a hormonal disorder where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones necessary for metabolism. Symptoms include weight gain, hair loss, lethargy, and decreased activity levels.

Moreover, Dobermans can also suffer from Bloat, which is a condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off circulation. This is considered as a life-threatening emergency, and symptoms include restlessness, excessive drooling, attempting to vomit but unable to, and a distended abdomen.

Additionally, Dobermans can develop Cervical Vertebral Instability or wobbler's syndrome. This condition causes the compression of the spinal cord and spinal column, leading to weakness and difficulty walking. Symptoms that you need to look out for include a wobbly gait, weakness in the hind legs, and difficulty with coordination.

Hopefully, my personal experiences have provided you with more insight on the health issues that are common in Dobermans. Remember to be proactive with your furry friend's health by getting routine medical checks and keeping your veterinarian informed of any changes in behavior or symptoms.

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