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Health |
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This section is included as an open discussion of health problems which may affect Dobermanns. This list is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all problems a member of the breed may suffer, rather a summary of those conditions we consider most relevant or about which there is most discussion amongst breeders. In our experience as Dobermann owners and breeders for more than 20 years, we consider only a few health issues to be life threatening. We have listed these issues in the order from those most important at the top to those we consider least significant at the bottom. You should seek other independent opinions and do further reading. Do not rely on this list as a substitute for veterinary advice. |
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The Road
While not strictly a health problem, most Dobermanns who die suddenly or unexpectedly
do so because they have been run over. Even experienced owners have lost animals
in this way. Keep it in mind at all times and never relax your level of care!
Poisoning
After road accidents, this is the most serious preventable condition
which may affect your Dobermann. Apart from pesticides and household chemicals,
many common plants are poisonous to dogs. You will normally receive a list
of poisonous plants common in your area from your breeder when you buy your
animal. If you don't, take the trouble to find out if any of the plants in
your garden are poisonous. Another common cause of dog poisoning is snail
killer. If you want to have a dog, be prepared to live with snails and slugs
or squash them rather than use poison. Don't take the risk.
Wobbler Syndrome
One problem that occurs in large breeds and which can affect Dobermanns is
generally referred to as "wobbler syndrome". Also referred to as "cervical
vertebral instability", it is an instability of the vertebrae in the neck
which can cause trauma to the spinal cord. In severe cases this manifests
itself as lack of control of the limbs particularly the rear ones. The disease
usually does not occur until the animal is old, but the onset may be earlier
in some cases and also may be brought on by injury. Whilst breeders make every
attempt to eliminate the syndrome from their breeding, because its onset is
usually late in life, this is a difficult task. The best advise is, when purchasing
a puppy, ask to see as many of its older relatives as possible.
Bloat
Bloat is a swelling, sometimes accompanied by twisting,
of the stomach . This usually occurs in deep chested breeds of which the Dobermann
is one. The condition may be caused by overeating (especially if the food
is eaten quickly), exercise immediately before or after eating, and
the drinking of large amounts of water particularly in conjunction with eating.
The accumulation of gas in the stomach is serious and definitely life threatening.
If you are careful with how, what and when you feed your animal, bloat should
not occur. If it does occur, seek medical attention immediately as
the condition is often fatal.
Cardiomyopathy
"Cardio" is a heart condition describing a deterioration of the heart muscle.
Sudden death can occur without any prior symptoms. Although medical examination
can sometimes diagnose this problem, anecdotal evidence suggests that this
is by no means foolproof. There is evidence that some forms of this condition
may be genetically transmitted. This can be difficult to confirm as not all
owners are willing to have an autopsy on their beloved Dobermann when it dies
unexpectedly.
Hypothyroidism
This is a malfunction of the thyroid gland and is usually indicated by excessive
over or under weight and often poor coat. The condition is thought to be hereditary
and is treatable. Breeders generally test their breeding stock and avoid using
animals with poor test results.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Serious incidences of these conditions, to our knowledge, are not very common
in Dobermanns. Because of this, and the fact that a general anaesthetic is
required to test for these conditions, many breeders are not prepared have
their breeding animals tested unless there are physical symptoms present in
the particular animal or its ancestors.
Von Willebrands "Disease"
VWD is a condition similar to haemophilia in that it is a bleeding disorder.
Many of this country's top Dobermann breeders do not consider this a serious
condition. We are not aware of any animal of our breeding bleeding to death
as a result of the condition. This statement should also be considered with
the fact that all of our puppies have their tails surgically docked and their
dew claws removed at an early age.
Generally Dobermanns are a fit and healthy breed with few serious complaints except that they never live as long as their owners would like.
Recommended further reading -
The Doberman
Pinscher Club of America.
The New Dog Owners Manual - Karen Hedberg - Watermark Press.
The Dobermann Owners' Medical Manual - R. M. Brown D.V.M. - Breed Manual Publications.
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