Corgis, like many purebred dogs, may experience a variety of health issues. These can be genetic or develop over time, sometimes requiring medical intervention. Understanding these common health problems can help owners ensure their furry friends receive the best care possible.
Hip Dysplasia: A Genetic Concern
One of the most prevalent issues is hip dysplasia, affecting up to 21% of corgis, according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). This condition arises when the hip joint doesn’t form correctly, leading to hind leg wobbling, stiffness, and pain. While it can cause lameness, surgical correction is available. Veterinarians typically start with x-ray screenings to diagnose the condition and then proceed with medical management, including weight control and exercise. For severe cases, surgeries like triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) or total hip replacement can re-establish normal hip function, although they come with a hefty price tag ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 per hip.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: A Blood Clotting Disorder
Another genetic disorder, Von Willebrand’s disease, affects blood clotting, potentially causing excessive bleeding if your corgi gets injured or requires surgery. Fortunately, a simple blood test can detect this disorder before such events occur. If your corgi is affected, veterinarians will take special precautions during surgeries to prevent excessive bleeding.
Degenerative Myelopathy: A Spinal Cord Disorder
Degenerative myelopathy is a neurodegenerative spinal cord disorder that progressively weakens a dog’s hind legs and eventually leads to paralysis. While most common in German shepherds, it also affects corgis. There’s no cure, but daily physiotherapy can slow the disease’s progression, extending a dog’s life by up to 255 days.
Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD): A Serious Complication
Intervertebral disk disease occurs when spinal discs protrude into the spinal cord, potentially causing weakness and paralysis. Corgis are particularly susceptible due to their long backs and being overweight. Surgery is often recommended to decompress the spine, with costs ranging from $3,000 to $8,000.
Cataracts: A Vision Impairment
Like humans, dogs can develop cataracts, which cause vision impairment and blindness. Cataract surgery by a veterinary ophthalmologist can correct the issue. The success rate is high when detected early, making regular eye screenings essential.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
PDA is the most prevalent congenital heart disease in dogs, including corgis. This condition arises when the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel in the heart, fails to constrict properly. Typically, this disorder manifests in corgis before they reach the age of one.
Dr. Karwacki explains that PDA is essentially a shunt in the heart, which is normal while the puppy is in the womb but should close after birth. If it doesn’t, the dog may exhibit symptoms such as exercise intolerance, coughing, weakness, and collapse.
PDA is usually diagnosed during a puppy’s first vet visit when a heart murmur is detected. If left untreated, PDA can lead to left-sided heart disease and generalized heart failure. Signs of progressive heart failure include shortness of breath, coughing, weakness, and exercise intolerance.
To address PDA, a vet will refer the dog to a veterinary surgeon to close the ductus arteriosus. This can be done through surgical ligation via thoracotomy or cardiac catheter-based occlusion, both of which have a success rate of up to 95%. Post-surgery, the dog may need to take cardiac medicine and attend long-term follow-up appointments.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is another common health issue among corgis. This brain disorder is characterized by seizures and convulsions. One study found that 0.82% of dogs in UK veterinary care experienced at least one seizure during 2013, with 14% of corgis experiencing epilepsy or seizures.
Dr. Karwacki notes that corgis are prone to idiopathic epilepsy, a seizure disorder without any detectable brain abnormality. While medical management can control these symptoms, there is no known cure.
Seizure signs include sudden zoning out, shock, trembling, thrashing, and eye rolling. If your corgi is prone to seizures, they typically occur between six months and three years old.
If your dog has a seizure, keep them comfortable and call the vet for an evaluation. If diagnosed with epilepsy, they may require lifelong medication and regular blood tests to manage seizures. Veterinarians generally recommend antiepileptic drugs if your corgi experiences at least one seizure per month, which could cost anywhere from $200 to $5,000 annually.