5 Common Corgi Health Concerns
Both Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are some of the most popular dogs in the US and it’s easy to see why– These canine cuties are lively, affectionate companions that are sure to keep you on your toes with their alert, energetic personalities.
Despite their deceivingly small stature, these dogs were originally bred as herding companions, and nipped the heels of cattle throughout the day while protecting cattle by night. These all-around athletic dogs make excellent canine companions today.
If you’re considering welcoming an adorable Corgi into your home, it’s important to have a firm understanding of the breed’s unique health history. Below, we’ll share 5 of the most common Corgi health concerns so that you can be a prepared pooch parent.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland helps your Corgi regulate their metabolism which is imperative for carrying out body functions and processes. With hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is underactive, which can lead to high levels of cholesterol, lethargy, slow heart rate, lack of appetite, and more in your Corgi. Unfortunately, this condition is not treatable. However, with the help of daily thyroid replacement medication prescribed by your veterinarian, your pooch can carry out a meaningful, happy existence.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVD)
Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVD in dogs is a clinical disorder in dogs that can cause pain, lameness, and even immobility in the hind legs. With IVD, a dog’s vertebrae degenerates over time and can even cause “ruptures” along the spinal cord. This condition can be incredibly painful for your pooch, so you should bring your Corgi in at the first signs of pain or discomfort. Typically, this condition is treated with surgery in conjunction with certain pain medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia refers to the genetic condition in which a dog’s hip and joint do not align properly largely due to improper growth. This condition can be incredibly painful for your pooch, but can fortunately be corrected with the help of supplements, medication, physical therapy, and surgery in some cases. Some key signs of hip dysplasia to look out for are immobility, limping, pain, and lameness when your Corgi puts pressure on one or more legs.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
This crippling disease sometimes found in Corgis affects the spinal cord, leading to hind leg immobility and lameness. While the exact cause of DM is unknown, it’s a genetic condition, speaking to the importance of working with a reputable breeder. While there isn’t a comprehensive treatment for degenerative myelopathy currently available, affected dogs may use supplements, medications, or physical therapy recommended by your veterinarian to help ease the pain.
Epilepsy
While epilepsy isn’t necessarily common in Corgis, this condition can certainly be passed down from one generation to the next. It can’t necessarily be prevented, but you can help protect your puppy by making sure that you source your Corgi from a reputable breeder with extensive knowledge of your dog’s family health history. In the event that your dog experiences a seizure, your veterinarian will work with you to determine the root cause as they can be traced back to a variety of factors. From there, your Corgi will be prescribed an anticonvulsant medication to take on a regular basis.
Corgis are some of the sweetest canine companions you can welcome into your life. While you can’t always prepare for the health concerns throughout your furry-friends life, having an understanding of the breed’s health history will help you excel as a prepared puppy parent.
After all, these small but mighty dogs are so worth the extra time and effort. Enjoy welcoming one of these lively, caring companions into your family!
Stem banking during the spay/neuter procedure can be a great benefit to your Corgi as they age. Learn how it can help HERE
