Unfortunately the Irish Wolfhound is a breed of dog that usually has a rather short lifespan. The age averages at around seven years.

 

 The most common health issues:

Gastric dilatation volvulus (gastric torsion)!

Pneumonia

Cancer especially Osteosarcoma

Intervertebral disk prolapse

Foreign bodies in gastrointestinal tract

 

Heart diseases

Like for most big breeds dilated cardiomyopathy is a very common problem. This is not the typical problem to do with age like for example regurgitation but actually a myocardial disease that leads to reduced contraction of the heart muscle. By the means of yearly ultrasound imaging you can try diagnosing this problem as early as possible and exclude affected dogs from breeding. This test is mandatory for breeding and has to be done once a year. There is no genetic test for this, though means of early diagnosis are researched at the moment.

 

Canine degenerative myelopathie:

Most often encountered in older dogs this is an incurable neurological disease that can be mistaken for spinal disc problems. Inevitable consequences are lack of coordination when walking progressing to complete paralysis.

Genetic test available but while recommended, testing is not mandatory.

 

malignant hyperthermie:

This is an inherent dysfunction in muscles that leads to severe reaction to certain medication generally used for anesthesia that can be deadly.

Genetic test available but while recommended, testing is not mandatory.

 

Inherent portosystemic shunt:

Also known as liver shunt. The circulatory system bypasses the liver which can lead to very diverse symptoms even in puppies. Testing for indications of this disorder are possible. If there is evidence for this disorder further inspection is needed. Therapy possible depending on severity (may require surgery).

Test for puppies not required by all associations.

 

Hip dysplasia (HD):

Presumably inherent hip damage that can be diagnosed via X-Ray imaging. Dogs with severe HD to be excluded from breeding.

X-Ray is mandatory in our breeding association, but not necessarily so in other ones.

 

Ellbow dysplasia (ED):

Damaging of the elbow joint which is presumably inherent but can also be influenced by differing circumstances (Feeding, Stress, …) Dogs with severe ED to be excluded from breeding.

X-Ray is mandatory in our breeding association, but not necessarily so in other ones.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD / OD):

similar to Elbow Dysplasia but affecting the shoulder joint.

 

Luxating patella:

Causes the kneecap to move out of its natural position and restricts movement or even makes it impossible to move. There are different grades of severity which determine the kind of therapy used. Can be diagnosed and analysed by a certified veterinarian.

Checks are mandatory in our association, not necessarily so in other ones.

 

Hyperuricosuria:Metabolic disorder that influences uric excretions and leads to problems including urolithic formation and issues associated with it. Requires a diet that suits the dog’s metabolism.

Genetic test is available though most often not even recommended.

 

 

Since we take the health of dogs very seriously and want to prevent any health issues if possible we will check all puppies for portsystemic shunt according to the requirements of VDH.

 However:

These test results are often misinterpreted as a definitive result by dog owners. But this is NOT the case. By extracting blood the reliability of this test can be increased but salient results do not necessarily mean the dog actually has a portosystemic shunt. Further tests at a later time can give a more definitive answer.