Breed-related disease: Bombay cat
The Bombay is one of several breeds created to look like a miniature version of a wild cat. In Bombay’s case, it is the Mini-Me of the Black Panther and does quite a good impersonation indeed. To achieve the breed, breeders took two different paths. In Britain, they crossed Burmese with black domestic cats. In the United States, where the Bombay’s development in the 1950s is generally credited to Nikki Horner of Louisville, Kentucky, the breed was created by crossing sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs. The Bombay is recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association, The International Cat Association, and other cat registries. The Bombay is a medium-sized cat, she feels considerably heavier than she appears. This breed is stocky and somewhat compact but is very muscular with heavy boning. The Bombay is round all over. The head is round, the tips of the ears are round, the eyes, chin, and even the feet are round. The coat of the Bombay is short and glossy. When the coat is in proper condition, its deep black luster looks like patent leather. It has a characteristic walk. their body appears almost to sway when she walks. Again, this walk is reminiscent of the Indian black leopard. The Bombay is extremely friendly. This cat breed needs one-on-one time with his cat parents. It is a cat breed that does not do well alone all day. The Bombay enjoys snuggling up on your lap and can do so for hours. It is not a very independent cat breed. That said, it may develop a Velcro-like attachment to his pet parent. Younger Bombay kittens are active and playful. Senior Bombay cats tend to enjoy watching and are much less active. This cat breed is perfect for either apartment or farm living. They are quiet cats that enjoy interactive play. The Bombay enjoys playing with anything that is lying around and is playful when there is someone to play with. This wonderful cat breed is super soft to cuddle with and is easy to live with. The Bombay needs plenty of love, fun cat toys, and mental stimulation. This cat breed is not very vocal. The Bombay is generally healthy, but some of the problems that affect the breed are as below: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) : is the most common form of heart disease in cats. It causes thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle. An echocardiogram can confirm whether a cat has HCM. Avoid breeders who claim to have HCM-free lines. No one can guarantee that their cats will never develop HCM. Excessive tearing of the eyes : Bombay cats can also suffer from the excessive tearing of the eyes, which can be treated with drops. As with all cats, it’s important to keep an eye on your pet as they get older, which is when they might start to show signs of developing health conditions. Sources: https://www.thesprucepets.com/bombay-breed-profile-551859#characteristics-of-the-bombay-cat http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/bombay#health
Breed-related disease: Doberman
Doberman Pinschers originated in Germany during the late 19th century, mostly bred as guard dogs. Their exact ancestry is unknown, but they’re believed to be a mixture of many dog breeds, including the Rottweiler, Black and Tan Terrier, and German Pinscher. Dobermans are compactly-built dogs—muscular, fast, and powerful—standing between 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder. The body is sleek but substantial and is covered with a glistening coat of black, blue, red, or fawn, with rust markings. These elegant qualities, combined with a noble, wedge-shaped head and an easy, athletic way of moving have earned Dobermans a reputation as royalty in the canine kingdom. A well-conditioned Doberman on patrol will deter all but the most foolish intruder. Doberman’s qualities of intelligence, trainability, and courage have made him capable of performing many different roles, from police or military dog to family protector and friend. The ideal Doberman is energetic, watchful, determined, alert, and obedient, never shy or vicious. That temperament and relationship with people only occur when the Doberman lives closely with his family so that he can build that bond of loyalty for which he is famous. A Doberman who is left out in the backyard alone will never become a loving protector but instead a fearful dog who is aggressive toward everyone, including his own family. The perfect Doberman doesn’t come ready-made from the breeder. Any dog, no matter how nice, can develop obnoxious levels of barking, digging, counter-surfing, and other undesirable behaviors if he is bored, untrained, or unsupervised. And any dog can be a trial to live with during adolescence. Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. Don’t wait until he is 6 months old to begin training or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with. Doberman are generally healthy, however, like other breeds, they have some problems that occur more frequently than in general dog population, below are some of the most common diseases in Doberman CARDIOMYOPATHY: is a disease of the heart muscle that results in weakened contractions and poor pumping ability. As the disease progresses the heart chambers become enlarged, one or more valves may leak, and signs of congestive heart failure develop. This disease is suspected to be an inherited disease in Dobermans. Research is in progress in several institutions. An echocardiogram of the heart will confirm the disease but WILL not guarantee that the disease will not develop in the future. HIP DYSPLASIA: is inherited. It may vary from slightly poor conformation to malformation of the hip joint allowing complete luxation of the femoral head. 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. Dobermans are also prone to the bleeding disorder known as von Willebrand disease, as well as hypoadrenocorticism, or Addison’s disease. Sources: http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/doberman-pinscher#overview https://dpca.org/breed/health/ Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/149674387587185244/ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/doberman-pinscher#/slide/1
Breed-related disease: Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is an African wild cat that is thought to be the cat originally domesticated by the Egyptians over 4,000 years ago. Cats depicted in ancient Egyptian artwork resemble the spotted Egyptian Mau and show that they were used for duck hunting as well as being worshipped by a cat cult. Feline genome data actually shows that the Egyptian Mau is more closely related to Western-derived breeds than those of the eastern Mediterranean. However, the Egyptian Mau has some distinct characteristics not seen in other breeds. Its ancient lineage notwithstanding, the Egyptian Mau was first shown in Europe prior to World War I, but during the war, its numbers were decimated with most of its known survivors found in Italy. Russian Princess Nathalie Troubetskoy, exiled in Rome shortly before World War II,was given a spotted Egyptian Mau kitten she named Baba. In 1956, Princess Troubetskoy emigrated to the US, bringing with her Baba and two other rescued Mau. Shortly thereafter, she established her cattery and established Egyptian Maus as a recognized breed in North America. Egyptian Maus were recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1968 and The Canadian Cat Association shortly after. In 1972, a silver Egyptian Mau female bred by Princess Troubetskoy became the first Egyptian Mau to win a Canadian Cat Association grand championship. The Mau is a medium-size cat of 6 to 14 pounds, its most striking characteristic is his spotted coat in silver, bronze, or smoke (pale silver fur tipped in black), closely followed by his large gooseberry-green eyes. He is a medium-sized cat with a muscular body and a slightly rounded wedge-shaped head topped with medium-size to large ears. With hind legs slightly longer than the front legs, he gives the appearance of standing on tiptoe on his small, dainty feet . A medium-long tail is thick at the base, tapering slightly at the end. Maus likes to sit up high and survey their surroundings. They usually act as if they are in complete control of their environment. They are extremely strong and very active. But they have a very balanced temperament. We know that because you care so much about your cat, you want to take great care of him. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Mau. By knowing about the health concerns common among Egyptian Maus, we can help you tailor an individual preventive health plan and hopefully prevent some predictable risks in your pet. Heart Disease: Cardiomyopathy is the medical term for heart muscle disease, either a primary inherited condition or secondary to other diseases that damage the heart. The most common form called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a thickening of the heart muscle often caused by an overactive thyroid gland. Renal failure: refers to the inability of the kidneys to properly perform their functions of cleansing waste from the blood and regulating hydration. Kidney disease is extremely common in older cats but is usually due to exposure to toxins or genetic causes in young cats. Allergy/Atopy : In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In cats, it makes the skin itchy. We call this form of allergy “atopy.” Commonly, the legs, belly, face, and ears are very likely to have this problem. Sources: https://lefthandanimalhospital.com/client-resources/breed-info/egyptian-mau/ https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/egyptian-mau
Breed-related disease: Chow Chow
The Chow Chow, among the world’s most singular and possibly oldest breeds, is depicted in artifacts of China’s Han Dynasty (c. 206 b.c.), but evidence suggests Chows go back much further and are progenitors of other spitz-type breeds—from the burly Norwegian Elkhound to the dainty Pomeranian. Chows have played many roles during their long history. At times, they were the lordly companions to Chinese nobles. An emperor of the Tang Dynasty, circa eighth century, was said to have owned a kennel facility that housed some 5,000 Chows and a permanent staff of twice that number. But over the centuries they also earned their keep as guarders, haulers, and hunters. Their ancestors were even a food source in the distant past of their densely populated, protein-starved homeland. The chow chow is a square dog with post-like straight legs. The straight legs contribute to a somewhat stilted gait, it has erect ears, a broad skull and a tail curled up over the back, and of course the blue/black tongue. The facial wrinkles (often obscured by hair) give the chow chow a scowling expression. For his size, the chow chow is a strong, sturdy dog. It has two coat types. We are most familiar with the rough or long coat. This is a straight, off-standing coat, which gives chow chow puppies a fuzzy, teddy bear appearance. The smooth coat is a shorter variation. Both coat types have a dense undercoat. Chow chows are most commonly seen in red or black coloration, but any solid color is acceptable. According to their past history, the Chow Chow is not a breed for everyone. Famously stubborn and potentially aggressive, this breed is likely to become a ‘problem dog’ in the hands of a novice owner. Chows are independent and dominant by nature, and in order to enjoy a happy relationship with their owners, need to be kept under control and in a submissive role. However, in the right hands, Chow Chows can be obedient and loyal pets. They are not especially playful, but rather play the role of an aloof and elegant companion, fond of affection but not fuss. They can be fierce guard dogs, as they are naturally distrustful of, and even aggressive towards, strangers and other animals. An important part of responsible Chow Chow ownership is early and intensive socialization to avoid these characteristics becoming a problem later in life. Chow Chows are prone to quite a number of health and behavioral disorders, here we listed some of the most common disease found in Chow Chow. Alopecia: Alopecia in dogs can be the result of skin infections such as ringworm (a fungal infection), a bacterial infection or parasites such as mites, and is often the result of the dog scratching or licking an itchy or sore area. Chows are prone to several conditions resulting in alopecia (baldness), including Colour Mutant Alopecia and Alopecia X. Thyroid Problems: Chow Chows are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Heart Disease: Some breeds, like your Chow Chow, can be born with a variety of heart defects. Most affect the structure of the heart’s dividing wall or the vessels of the heart. Defects can also cause problems with heart valve function or the electrical signals that control the heartbeat. Melanoma: A cancer of the cells producing skin pigment (melanocytes). Uncommon, but Chows are predisposed because of their oral pigmentation. Diabetes: Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Chows have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Sources: https://www.freeportvet.com/services/dogs/breeds/chow-chow https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/chow-chow/ Photo credit: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/chow-chow#/slide/1 https://thehappypuppysite.com/chow-chow-names/
Breed-related disease: The Chartreux
John K. Rosembert The Chartreux is a French breed and is said to date to the 18th century and perhaps earlier. One of the tales of his origin is that the cats were bred by Carthusian monks. No doubt they helped to keep the monasteries free of mice and rats. Unfortunately for them, people also liked them for their pelts. Chartreux made their debut into cat society in 1931 at a cat show in Europe. In 1970, the first Chartreux were imported to the United States. The Cat Fanciers Association gave the breed full recognition in 1987. The Chartreux has a short and thick waterproof coat that is blue (grey). The eyes are orange, the head is round, and the cheeks full. This cat breed looks like he is smiling. The ears are medium-sized, the chest broad, and the legs are relatively short and fine-boned. The paws are medium-sized. The tail is heavy at the base, but flexible. The Chartreux is sweet and quiet with a gentle, amenable nature. He enjoys being a lap cat and is the ultimate television-watching pal. When a lap isn’t available he follows his people wherever they go. Throw a ball for him to chase, or be amazed by his acrobatics when you dangle a fishing-pole toy for his entertainment. The Chartreux chirps when he wants your attention but is otherwise quiet. Gentle he may be, but the Chartreux is also playful and intelligent. Challenge his brain and keep him interested in life by teaching him tricks and providing him with puzzle toys that will reward him with kibble or treats when he learns how to manipulate them. The Chartreux is a healthy and moderately active cat breed that may be susceptible to the following health conditions: Hip Dysplasia: This is rare in domestic cats, and is common in purebred cats. This occurs when the hip joint is loose, and leads to degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis). Symptoms include lameness that can be mild to severe. Cats generally need no surgery for hip dysplasia. Weight reduction can help reduce discomfort. Ringworm: This is an infection of the skin, hair, or claws, and is caused by a fungus called dermatophyte. This occurs in 98% of cats. It spreads easily from cats to people. Symptoms include circular, bald patches that scale and have broken hairs in a ring-like fashion. Consult with your veterinarian for advice Gingivitis: This is when the gums become inflamed due to bacterial plaque. At this stage the ligaments and bone are not infected. Gum color in cats will change from a light pink to red or purple. The gum edge wills well. Symptoms include bleeding and bad breath. This can be reversed with proper teeth cleaning. That said, it can worsen and result in periodontitis. Consult with your veterinarian for an effective treatment plan. Sources: https://petonbed.com/chartreux/ http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/chartreux#health Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartreux
Breed-related disease: The Rottweiler
John K. Rosembert The Rottweiler is a breed of domestic dog regarded as medium-to-large, or large. The dogs were known in German as Rottweiler Metzgerhund, meaning Rottweil butchers’ dogs, because they are descends from dogs used by the Romans to drive the herds that fed the army as it marched through Europe. Along the way, the Roman dogs bred with local dogs, and in the town of Rottweil, the result was strong dogs used by butchers to drive cattle to market. On the way home, the dogs served as protection, guarding the butcher’s proceeds from robbers. Rottweilers are slightly longer than tall, large dogs, ranging in height from 22 inches for a small female to 27 inches for a large male. They are blocky dogs with massive heads. Ears lie fairly tight to the head, hanging down somewhat. Muzzles are square and strong, but Rottweilers can be a bit drooly because of loose flews (lips). Rottweilers should always be black with tan points, and the ideal coat is quite short, dense, and a bit harsh. The Rottweiler breed often gets a bad reputation. You’ve probably heard — in one way or another — that Rotties can be incredibly aggressive, downright mean, and off-putting to other people. While these traits can certainly be true, and are perhaps a bit worse when it comes with a dog powerful enough to do damage, these traits don’t apply to most Rottweilers. The personality of every dog depends on their upbringing, how they were bred, and the personality of their parents. These ‘bad’personalities often come from poorly bred puppies that didn’t experience proper socialization. The true personality of a Rottweiler, and what they were bred to be, is a mixture of the loyal, steadfast watchdog, and the incredibly homebody. Also, despite popular belief, the Rottweiler loving is actually one of the most intelligent dog breeds in existence . As both an independent and intelligent breed, the Rottweiler requires an experienced hand for control, letting a dominant-minded dog run unchecked within the family can lead to many negative behaviors. Apart from these traits, it’s important to realize that there can be quite a lot of variation in the personality of Rottweiler’s, Some tend to be natural entertainers who love to play, while others may be much more reserved and calm. Besides, even with their dominant temperament, this breed is vulnerable to several diseases, here are some of the most common diseases related to this breed. Bloat : Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means the Rott is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Bone and Joint Problems : A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Rottweilers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend’s bones, joints, or muscles, you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life. Neurologic Problems : Several neurologic diseases can afflict Rottweilers. Symptoms of neurological problems can include seizures, imbalance, tremors, weakness, or excessive sleeping. Hip dysplasia: Rottweilers are one of the breeds most affected by hip dysplasia, a genetic deformity in which the head of the femur doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket. This condition can range from mild to severe. Severe cases are extremely painful and often require surgery to correct. Even with the surgery, the dog is likely to develop arthritis as he ages. Inflammatory Bowel Disease : Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is an immune system disorder common in Rotts in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. The stomach and/or intestinal lining becomes thickened affecting his ability to absorb nutrients properly. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common, or symptoms may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites can make IBD worse. Sources: http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/rottweiler#overview https://www.harlingenveterinaryclinic.com/services/dogs/breeds/rottweiler# Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rottweiler https://www.goldenacresdogs.com/guard-dogs-rottweiler.html
Breed-related disease: American Bobtail
John K. Rosembert The American Bobtail is an uncommon breed of domestic cat which was developed in the late 1960s, which descends from a short-tailed kitten acquired by a couple John and Brenda Sanders during a vacation to Arizona. It is a medium to large, semi-cobby cat. Their sturdy bone structure and well-developed musculature, along with their broad chest and slightly arched back (due to longer hind than front legs), give them the appearance of a small Lynx. Their head is broad with prominent cheeks and a strong chin, and a triangular-shaped muzzle a little wider than it is long. Their eyes are big and slightly almond-shaped. Their ears, which are average sized and sit quite low on the skull, each have a small tuft of fur at the end known as “Lynx tips”. The variety with mid-length fur also have tufts of fur between the toes. The American Bobtail is devoted to family, and is very easily trained to walk on a leash. This cat breed enjoys playing with interactive cat toys, other cats, and children. The American Bobtail makes for an ideal family companion. This is a smart cat who enjoys puzzle toys, learning tricks, and playing fetch. He isn’t as vocal as some breeds, but he communicates his pleasure with chirps, clicks and trills, as well as the standard purr and meow. The American Bobtail has an adaptable nature, so he’s a good traveler. Long-distance truckers and travelers find him to be an excellent companion. The cats have also found a niche with some psychotherapists because of their loving and intuitive nature. That same adaptability and kindness makes him a good family companion and suited to a variety of lifestyles, from relaxed to rowdy. American Bobtails are generally healthy cats with no predispositions to inherited health conditions, however that doesn’t mean that every American Bobtail will never experience health problems, it’s important to note: American Bobtails with no tail may experience: Spinal Problems: The American Bobtail may be prone to spinal problem due to their short spine. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): A condition characterized by the development of cysts on one or both kidneys. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Which is the thickening of the heart muscle. Hip Dysplasia: This is rare in domestic cats, and is common in purebred cats. This occurs when the hip joint is loose, and leads to degenerative joint disease. (osteoarthritis) Symptoms include lameness that can be mild to severe. Cats generally need no surgery for hip dysplasia. Weight reduction can help reduce discomfort. Source: https://petonbed.com/american-bobtail/ https://www.thesprucepets.com/american-bobtail-full-profile-history-and-care-4705973 Photo credit: https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/american-bobtail-cats
Breed-related disease: Dachshund
The dachshund originated in Germany as a hunting dog. Though its origins can be traced as far back as the 15th century, the breed’s development really began in 17th century Germany. Called dachshunds, which translates as “badger dogs,” these short hounds did just that—they hunted badgers. Their short legs, loose skin, big chests, determination, and independence were ideal for digging, entering tunnels, and of course, fighting badgers. Their flap-down ears help keep dirt and debris out when burrowing. The Dachshund comes in three coat varieties and two sizes. The original Dachshunds were smooth coated and arose from crosses of the Bracke, a miniature French pointer, with the Pinscher. They’re all short with cute stubby legs, but Dachshunds actually come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen (“rabbit” in German). A full grown standard Dachshund averages 15-28 lbs. while the miniature typically weighs less than 11 lbs. The kaninchen usually weighs around 8-10 lbs. The word “icon” is terribly overworked, but the Dachshund—with his unmistakable long-backed body, little legs, and big personality—is truly an icon of purebred dogdom, Dachshunds aren’t built for distance running, leaping, or strenuous swimming, but otherwise these tireless hounds are game for anything. Smart and vigilant, with a big-dog bark, they make fine watchdogs. Bred to be an independent hunter of dangerous prey, they can be brave to the point of rashness, and a bit stubborn, but their endearing nature and unique look has won millions of hearts the world over. Dachshunds, as with every BREED, have certain health issues that occur more frequently within their “genetic pool. In this article we’ll mention some of the most common health issues that are very prone to Dachshunds Dachshund Stomach Issues: it is not uncommon for Dachshund’s to experience stomach issues. Some are merely sensitive to certain foods or abrupt food changes. Others can suffer from gastroenteritis, a term referring to stomach issues resulting in inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Dachshunds tend to be more prone to developing hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Liver Disease: Dachshunds are more likely than most breeds to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). This is a hereditary condition in which the liver can’t effectively remove toxins from the bloodstream, Surgery is sometimes needed, but many times you can treat it with medication and a special diet. Cancer/ tumor : Dachshunds have a higher than average risk of developing cancers of the skin, fat cells, and anal sacs, this includes a particular risk of developing mast cell tumors and squamous cell carcinoma. Dachshunds have an increased risk of getting cancer. Eye Problems: Dachshunds are prone to several different eye problems. Some are extremely painful; others can cause blindness if not treated right away. Cataracts and glaucoma are common eye issues that Dachshunds may experience. Glaucoma is a very painful disease that can lead to blindness if not treated, while Cataracts are more common in older Dachshunds and can cause blindness, but surgery can restore sight in some cases. Intervertebral disk disease: conditions severe enough for hind-end paralysis are so common that Dachshunds are one of the breeds most likely to spend part of their lives in “canine wheelchairs”: wheeled carts that support the rear of the dogs. Because of their long, low-slung spines, normal canine behavior like jumping off the sofa may result in a slipped, pinched, herniated or ruptured disc Diabetes mellitus: which is caused by the failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar, diagnosed by the presence of the typical clinical signs (excess thirst, excess urination, excess appetite, and weight loss), a persistently high level of glucose in the blood, and the presence of glucose in the urine. Diabetes is the only common disease that will cause the blood glucose level to rise substantially in dogs. Sources: http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/dachshund#health https://formydachshund.com/11-of-the-most-common-health-issues-in-dachshunds/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund Dachshund
Breed-related disease: Ragdolls
In the family of cat breeds, Ragdolls are among the younger siblings. The cats were first developed by breeder Ann Baker who wanted to develop a beautiful cat with a loving, gentle personality, and she started with domestic longhairs of unknown ancestry. Josephine, the foundation cat, was white with Siamese-type markings, and in her genes she carried a seal mitted or black tuxedo pattern. The Ragdolls of today descend from Josephine and her son, Daddy Warbucks, as well as other unknown domestic longhair males. The Cat Fanciers Association began registering Ragdolls in 1993, and they achieved championship status in 2000. Ragdolls are sometimes nicknamed “puppy cats” because of the way they follow their people from room to room, sometimes even taking your privacy from the bathroom. Unlike many cats, Ragdolls are notable for collapsing into the arms of anyone who holds them, even if they are cradled on their back. They love their people, greeting them at the door, following them around the house, and leaping into a lap or snuggling in bed whenever given the chance. They often learn to come when called or to retrieve toys that are thrown for them. All cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, both pedigreed cats and mixed-breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature. Problems that may affect the Ragdoll include the following: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy : which is a condition in which a portion of the heart becomes thickened without an obvious cause. This results in the heart being less able to pump blood effectively. Symptoms vary from none to feeling tired, leg swelling, and shortness of breath and even sudden death. Blood clots: Ragdolls can be susceptible to blood clots in the arteries. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, lethargy and depression. Some cats may also faint. Treatment is available, but it is imperative to see a vet as soon as these symptoms appear. Dilated and restricted cardiomyopathy : Dilated cardiomyopathy is caused by the dilation of the heart muscles. Restricted cardiomyopathy is caused by weakened elasticity of the heart muscles. Both can be fatal and need to be detected and treated as soon as possible. Sources: http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/ragdoll#health https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/ragdoll-cats#/slide/1 https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/cats/cat-breeds/ragdoll/
Breed-related disease: Poodle
Poodles are believed to have originated in Germany, though they have been known as French dogs for many years. Their name is derived from the German word pudel, meaning “to splash in water.” Standard poodles are considered the oldest form of this breed. Their history of use as retrievers and water dogs led to the well-known poodle haircut, which was designed to protect joints from cold water temperatures. The breed share a square outline, with a long, elegant neck and a straight back. The tail is docked, but not short, so it can wave gaily. Poodles tend to have a leggy appearance and a long muzzle combined with dropped ears. They move with a springy, lively gait. The coat of the poodle is its crowning glory. Dogs competing in the breed ring must have a specific clip, with areas of extravagant hair coupled with skin tight clipping, these clips actually developed for a reason: they provided thick coat over the joints and chest to keep the dog warm while working in cold water. Intelligent, loving, loyal, and mischievous are four words Poodle enthusiasts commonly use to describe the breed’s personality. Poodles are among the smartest of breeds, but that intelligence can translate into stubbornness. Even so, they can make wonderful therapy dogs. Their empathetic nature and joy in engaging with people make them naturals for visiting with people in nursing homes, hospitals, and schools . Poodles are active dogs, but the smaller dogs need less room and less exercise. Toy and Miniature Poodles are often the companions of people who are less active and can be extremely happy as lap dogs and TV-watching buddies. Just be sure their busy minds have enough to keep them out of mischief. Poodles love to learn and want to please. Trick-training suits their heritage as circus dogs quite well. Teach them to pick up the newspaper, carry a bottle to the recycling bin, and bring your slippers . All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease, Poodles are generally considered to be a very sturdy breed with few health issues. Addison’s Disease : Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, this extremely serious condition is caused by an insufficient production of adrenal hormones by the adrenal gland. Most dogs with Addison’s disease vomit, have a poor appetite, and lethargy. Because these signs are vague and can be mistaken for other conditions, it’s easy to miss this disease as a diagnosis until it reaches more advanced stages. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus : Commonly called bloat, which occurs when gas gets trapped inside a dog’s stomach. The stomach twists as much as 180 degrees, stopping the flow of digestion and causing the gas to build up pressure. It’s an incredibly painful disorder with a 20% mortality rate even with surgical intervention. Deep-chested breeds like the standard Poodle or Great Dane are especially prone to experiencing bloat. Hip Dysplasia : A dog’s hip operates on a ball-and-socket joint. When the socket is over- or under-developed, or when the ligaments holding the two together are weak, the ball can become dislodged. This constant dislocation and relocation will wear down the joint’s integrity and cause hip dysplasia. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is caused by an under active thyroid gland. It’s thought to be responsible for conditions such as epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma and other skin conditions. Epileptic : Epileptic seizures in dogs are as shocking for canines as they are for humans. Dogs will often seem confused or panicked about what’s happening, and the sight of your dog seizing can be terrifying to watch. When this happens, you need to remain calm and focus on helping your dog. https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/poodle#/slide/1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle