Health problems of Dalmatian dogs

 Deafness

Approximately 8% of all Dalmatians are completely deaf (bilaterally deaf);another 22% is deaf in one ear (unilaterally deaf or unilaterally hearing). There is no cure for congenital deafness...

The only way to reduce the incidence of deafness in any breed so afflicted is through careful, responsible breeding. NO bilaterally deaf dog of any breed should be allowed to reproduce. Owners of unilaterally deaf dogs are strongly encouraged to have those dogs spayed/neutered; and should be urged to remove unilaterally deaf dogs from their breeding line/stock Statistically, if just one parent of a litter is unilaterally deaf (assuming the other parent is bilaterally hearing), the chances of completely deaf puppies DOUBLES!!!

  Urinary Stones
The one health problem that is unique to Dals is their potential to form urate bladder stones.
While many breeds have the tendency for kidney stones, and other urinary tract problems, Dalmatians are unique in the cause. Provide plenty of fresh water for your dalmatian. Allow him to urinate frequently. Feed a dogfood that is low in purines (under 24%). A lamb and rice diet is one that works quite well. Low purine snacks including, carrots;celery,peeled or cored apple slices,string cheeze is also a good choice.

 Every Dalmatian has the potential to form stones; although few actually do. When one suspects a Dalmatian is having bladder stone problems, especially if blocked, it is of extreme importance that the dog be taken to a vet immediately! A blocked urethra is a life-threatening condition, and a Dalmatian can die within a matter of hours if not treated properly & promptly.

 Epilepsy

Epilepsy in Dalmatians:

Dalmatians like many other breeds can and do have epilepsy, or seizure disorders. Some are labelled idiopathic , meaning no known cause and may be inherited. These usually occur between the ages of 6 months and 5 years this is called PRIMARY EPILEPSY. Seizures can be caused by many other things such as blows to the head, distemper, ingestion of poisonous substances, this is called SECONDARY EPILEPSY. Seizures can also be associated with hypothyroidism. There are several types of seizures,

  MILD:

Which can be just as simple as staring into space momentarily.

 MODERATE:

Which is called grand mal, the dog will fall down, convulse, lose control of bladder and bowels, lose consiousness, maybe froth at the mouth, this usually lasts for 3-5 mins, often followed by a period of restlessness, pacing bumping into objects, loss of balance, this can last from 1/2 hr to several days.

 SEVERE:

This can occur in two forms STATUS EPILEPTICUS, which involves the dog losing consciousness for 30 mins or more, and CLUSTER SEIZURES multiple seizures within a short period of time, both can be life threatening and a vets help MUST be sought.

 Hip Displasia

Hip displasia does exist in dalmatians, however it really isn't common. If a dalmatian is to be used in a breeding program it should not get affected with hip displasia.

  Skin and Coat Disorders

1) Allergy. A large majority of Dalmatians exhibiting these signs are allergic.These allergens may be inhaled as in the case of airborne pollens, molds, etc.; ingested as with food allergens; injected as with flea saliva; or merely contacted as with local irritants coming in contact with the skin.

2) Stress. Add to allergy the physiological stress associated with travel, excitement, change in routine and diet (all that baiting!). Biologically, stress is associated with an increase in production of steroid hormones called glucocorticoids. Normally, glucocorticoids allow dogs to meet the special needs of stressful situations, but they may also have the unfortunate effect of decreasing the "barrier function" of normal canine skin. When inflammation already exists, the glucocorticoid response may permit bacteria, normally kept in check on the skin, to flourish.

3) Humidity and Heat. Veterinary dermatologists consider changes in humidity and temperature also to be significant factors in the onset of these hive-like reactions. These changes may be associated with the ambient or skin environment, such as:

• climatic differences between home and the show site;
• drying of the skin;
• occlusion of pores in the skin by special grooming products.

It has been suggested that the non-itching form of this syndrome is more directly related to these environmental conditions than it is to allergies.

4) Mange

5) Dermatomycosis

6) Pyoderma

Prevention

Keep the Dalmatians free of fleas & ticks;

Use hypoallergenic shampoos, alternating with antibacterial shampoos if necessary. Do not bathe them too frequently.