Common Health Issues to Doberman Pinschers
Cardiomyopathy-The most serious breed-related health problem in the Doberman is cardiomyopathy, which causes an enlarged heart with serious and potentially deadly abnormal heart rhythms. Dobermans suffer more from cardiomyopathy than any other breed, tend to get it in a more severe form and die more quickly from it as well. An annual heart exam with a canine cardiologist is critical in catching this condition early. No dog with cardiomyopathy should ever be bred, nor should any Doberman be bred without a comprehensive heart examination by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist and OFA certification in the previous year. The sad reality, however, is that a Doberman who tests fine one day can develop heart disease the next, and the puppy of two parents without heart disease can still develop it.
Wobblers-Another breed-related condition affecting the Doberman is cervical vertebral instability (CVI), commonly called Wobbler's syndrome. It's caused by a malformation of the vertebrae within the neck that results in pressure on the spinal cord and leads to weakness and lack of coordination in the hindquarters and sometimes to complete paralysis. Symptoms can be managed to a certain extent in dogs that are not severely affected, and some dogs experience some relief from surgery, but the outcome is far from certain. While CVI is thought to be genetic, there is no screening test for the condition.
Bloat-Dobermans are more likely than many breeds to bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood flow. Bloat strikes very suddenly, and a dog who was fine one minute can be dead a few hours later. Watch for symptoms like restlessness and pacing, drooling, pale gums and lip licking, trying to throw up but without bringing anything up, and signs of pain. Bloat is a serious emergency and requires immediate veterinary surgery, and most dogs that have bloated once will bloat again. That means it’s wise to opt for the procedure known as "stomach tacking," which will keep the stomach from twisting in the future. This procedure can also be done as a preventive measure when your dog is spayed or neutered.
VWD-Doberman's are very prone to the bleeding disorder known as Von Willebrand's disease or VWD. In fact, according to a study done by the College of Veterinary Studies at the Ohio State University, the Doberman is 806 times more likely to be at risk for VWD compared to all other breeds.
Hypothyroidism-Very common and easily treated in the Doberman it can be an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland. Diagnosis is by a blood test administered by a veterinarian. Medication is given by prescription, and the amount is regulated by additional blood work.
SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
- droopy eyes
- “tragic” expression
- muscle wasting (of head and/or body)
- lethargy
- fatigue
- hyperactivity
- weight gain (or loss)
- thinning of hair along back – razor back hog look
- reproductive seasons disrupted
- bitches fail to impregnate, and/or carry to term
- aggression
- temperament changes
- frequent link to to adrenal insufficiency
- allergies
- hives
- dry skin
- vomiting
- intolerance to cold or heat
- frequent infections
Some Dobermans who register in low- normal thyroid range will benefit from thyroid supplementation.
Alopecia-Blue and Fawn Dobermans are more likely to have color dilution alopecia or CDA, but the Black and Red coated Dobermans can suffer from it also.
CDA IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS! However, CDA can occur in combination with other problems like severe folliculitis and opportunistic bacterial infections. Please note that folliculitis occurs in ALL COLORS of the Doberman -- it is not a "blue problem." "Bumps" cause by opportunistic infections sometimes seen in Dobermans with CDA can be treated with antibiotics. Go Storms Regime to read on supplements and food that may help a Doberman with alopecia.
Can you afford a sick Doberman?
Hypothyroidism $10-$20 per month
*Estimates based on claims paid by Embrace Pet Insurance
Pet Insurance for Doberman Pinschers
Pet insurance for Dobermans costs more than for mixed breed dogs. This is because Dobermans are much more likely than mixed breed dogs to make claims for hereditary conditions that are expensive to treat. Insurance offers full or partial coverage for all breed-specific conditions (excluding those that are pre-existing) to which Dobermans are susceptible. The best time to get pet insurance for your Doberman is when he’s a healthy puppy or young adult. You can’t predict what will happen in the future, and pet insurance is the one thing you can’t get when you need it the most.
Things to consider before getting a Doberman
Dobermans are not for everyone. They are not a couch potato dog! Before getting a Doberman consider they are very active dogs, require lots of training and hands on attention to burn off their energy daily. They are exceptionally smart, easy to train, but get bored and potentially destructive if they have no way to stay mentally challenged. Dobermans will make up their own games if you don't direct them. This could be shredding your couch cushion to digging a hole to China. They need jobs to do daily, be it going for a walk, taking a training class, playing ball or frisbee. Dobermans are very loyal to their person and will follow you to the ends of the earth and back, they want to touch you all the time, and expect you to do everything with them. They can cost a considerable amount of money should they become sick and need vet care. Doberman are wicked smart, animated, loyal and very lively. They love their masters unconditionally. Us Doberman owners will say we could never own another breed due to the fact Dobermans are exceptional companions. Doberman owners sometime forget that Dobermans are dogs. To some unknowing folks, a Doberman can shock the family structure. It is safe to say before you adopt or buy a puppy get to know the breed by researching all you can on the Doberman!
Reference:
http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/dog-breeds/doberman-pinscher#common-health-issues
https://dpca.org/PublicEd/the-doberman/health/genetic-diseases/hypothyroidism/
http://seattle-attorney.com/storm/sup.html
