St Bernard Potential Health Problems

Health guarantees:

 If you are looking for a St Bernard puppy, it is very important to find a reputable St Bernard breeder, one who cares about the breed and who has all breeding stock tested and cleared for various genetic problems before breeding. It is only by testing and breeding cleared specimens that these diseases will be brought under control. We suggest that you start your search with the breed clubs. Most clubs have a code of ethics and while it doesn't guarantee a perfect St Bernard puppy, it's better than dealing with breeders who don't know or care about such matters.

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD):

 is a skeletal problem, an abnormal development of the hip joint where the head of the femur does not fit snugly into the pelvic socket. It is characterized by a shallow acetabulum (the "cup" of the hip joint) and changes in the shape of the femoral head (the "ball" of the hip joint). These changes may occur due to excessive looseness in the hip joint. Hip dysplasia can exist with or without clinical signs. When dogs exhibit symptoms of hip dysplasia they usually are in pain and lame on one or both rear legs. Severe arthritis can develop as a result of the malformation of the hip joint and this results in pain as the disease progresses. Effective arthritis treatment  More information. See the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA  See the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program PennHIP  You don't have to wait until your dog exhibits symptoms. You can take steps now to minimize the chances your dog will suffer arthritic pain due to hip dysplasia.  Treating your pet's impending or existing arthritis.

Gastric Torsion - or Bloat (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 top priority emergency with immediate veterinarian action required. This is a predicament most common in large deep chested breeds. Anyone owning a deep chested breed, susceptible to bloat should be prepared by recording and posting the exact emergency procedures for the veterinary hospital they go to - who to call after hours, how to get to emergency clinics or alternative facilities and what payment arrangements those facilities will require.  More information.

Elbow Dysplasia (ununited anconeal process):

 Due perhaps to improper development (different growth rates) of the three bones making up the elbow, the joint is lax or loose and in mildly affected dogs leads to painful arthritis. Whereas in severly affected dogs, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), fragmented medial coronoid processes and united anconeal processes can result from the stress in the joint.  More information.  Treatments involve surgical correction if possible, or medical management using asprin and other anti-inflammatory drugs.  See effective Osteoarthritis treatment.

Osteosarcoma:

 A malignant bone cancer quite common to the large breeds. (OSA) is the most common primary bone tumor in dogs. See more information Click Here

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD):

 is a degeneration of bone underlying the cartilage layer of joints. It is a condition often seen in young fast growing dogs of the larger breeds. X-rays of suspected joints are often inconclusive. OCD usually appears during the growth phase of a young dog, usually six to nine months of age. OCD can affect the shoulder, ankle or elbow joint. It is painful and the dog limps. Physical impacts, like jumping off high objects and being overweight are contributing factors. Complete rest and limited playful activities for several weeks, often difficult with a young puppy, is effective treatment, or surgical removal of torn away cartilage pieces, is probably the fastest treatment. Controlling diet is important in fast growing breeds.  More information.  

Dilated cardiomyopathy:

 is a disease of the heart muscle which causes the heart to enlarge and not function properly. See more Info.

Entropion:

 is a folding inward of the eyelid. This is very uncomfortable as the eyelashes rub against the eyeball, and often causes corneal ulcers. The corneal damage can also result in corneal scarring, which will eventually interfere with vision. This condition is usually caused by genetic factors. See more Info.

Other Documented Problems:

 Existing congenital and hereditary diseases - non prioritized.

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