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Addison's Disease — Addison's Disease is a disease where the
adrenal glands secrete an insufficient amount of adrenal hormones. Initial
symptoms include gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting, lethargy and
poor appetite. When an affected dog is stressed or when potassium levels
are high enough to interfere with the heart, more severe symptoms may be
seen including severe shock which can be fatal, heart arrythmias can occur
or the heart could even stop.
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Bloat — Gastric Torsion (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV)) — This
condition is caused by a twisting of the stomach and thus trapping the
stomach contents and gases resulting in a rapid swelling of the abdomen
accompanied by pain and eventual death if untreated. It is a true
emergency, requiring immediate veterinary action. This condition is most
often seen in large, deep chested breeds. Anyone owning a deep chested
breed, susceptible to Bloat should be prepared to handle the emergency
procedures necessary, including having readily available the name and
phone number of emergency clinics and/or who to call after hours. For more
information on what you can do in the case of a Bloat emergency, see
First Aid for Bloat in the Health & Nutrition section of the
Canada's Guide to Dogs website.
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Cancer — An estimated 40% of all Standard Poodle deaths are from
cancer.
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Cushings Disease — There are three forms of Cushings Disease. Most
dogs have the more common form, Pituitary Dependent PD, whereby the dogs
have a slow growing form of cancer that is located in the pituitary gland.
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Epilepsy — A common cause of seizures in all three varieties of
Poodles is "idiopathic epilepsy" which is commonly inherited. However,
many factors can cause seizures besides idiopathic epilepsy and it is very
important to have the dog diagnosed if seizures begin.
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Hip Dysplasia — Hip Dysplasia is a conditon in which the head of
the femur fits improperly into the hip joint socket and is a common
hereditary disorder found in many large breeds. Hip Dysplasia screening is
recommended for breeding stock.
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Hypothyroidism — This is a condition resulting from an inadequate
production of thyroid hormone and treated with medication. Symptoms
include lethargy, obesity, excessive hunger, a coarse coat texture.
Testing for thyroid malfunction is done through blood sample.
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) — This is a genetic eye disorder
which progresses gradually, resulting in blindness. The onset in the
Poodle is between 5 and 6 years of age. The presence of PRA can be
detected by ophthalmoscopic examination and screening by the CERF is
strongly advised. Screening must be done annually.
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| Sebaceous Adenitis — This is a chronic skin disorder resulting
from abnormal and/or inflamed, or in some cases a total absence of,
sebaceous glands. It is a major problem in the Poodle breed with estimates
indicating that 50% of all Standard Poodles are carriers or affected. It
can be misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism or allergies and, currently, there
is no cure. All breeding animals should have an annual skin biopsy taken
by a veterinarian.
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Von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) — vWD is a blood disorder — a
deficiency in clotting factor VIII antigen. Similar to hemophilia in
humans, dogs affected by the disease do not effectively utilize their
platelets for blood clotting and therefore are more likely to have
excessive bleeding episodes upon injury. vWD is a common inherited
disorder. A DNA test to detect vWD is available from
VetGen.
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