Each time a female goes through her heat cycle, her hormones cause a growth of nourishing cells to line the walls of the uterus. By knowing about health concerns specific to Brussels Griffons, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. Shell feel better, and so will you! Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Brussels Griffon needs help. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Of course, we cant cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. Well periodically test his urine for telltale signs indicating the presence of kidney and bladder stones; they are painful! 2011. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from popping out of place. Plan on taking him to the groomer often to maintain a healthy coat. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Well clean your dogs teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean. Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. You may have also noticed these characteristics: Is it all worth it? Chances are that you chose her because you like Griffs and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: However, no dog is perfect! Griffons can have a wirehaired or smooth coat that requires an average amount of grooming. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first. Most heart disease in dogs is caused by weakening of a valve. Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Brussels Griffons in their golden years. This information helps you and us together plan for your pets unique medical needs. And unfortunately, your Brussels Griffon is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. If your buddy has blood in his urine, cant urinate, or is straining to urinate, it is a medical emergency. For your canine friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so its important that we test for them on a regular basis. Obesity can be a significant health problem in Brussels Griffons. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. A heart valve slowly becomes deformed so that it no longer closes tightly. Dont worry; well discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives. Several neurologic diseases can afflict Brussels Griffons. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Griffons. If we dont prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy will lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. While we cannot eliminate his risk entirely, we know to pay special attention to anesthetic problems such as: A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in the Brussels Griffon. If you notice any of these symptoms, please seek immediate veterinary care. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Griffons. Well check his eyes for problems, and discuss specific conditions as they apply to your buddy. Griffs were originally bred in Belgium for catching rats, but the focus has switched to producing wonderful companions. A damaged cornea is painful and should be treated immediately. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease in which the eyes are genetically programmed to go blind. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes. In fact, your Brussel Griffons life span may be cut short by one to three years! You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. Pyometra can happen to any female dog, but it seems to be more common in Griffons. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. The good news is we have many years of experience with short-nosed dogs and know how to use anesthesia safely in these pets. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Brussels Griffons. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions weve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. Available from: http:/ic.upei.ca/cidd/breed/brussels-griffon, Breed Specific Health Concerns [Internet]. In dogs with the bad gene, early symptoms such as night blindness or dilated pupils generally begin around three to five years of age. If you are interested in breeding your Griff, speak with us first. Brushing your dogs teeth daily will prevent periodontal disease. If heart valve disease is diagnosed early, we may be able to prescribe medications that could prolong his life for many years. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness. Blood then leaks back around this valve and strains the heart. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. Scrapes or punctures to the cornea (the protective covering on the eyeball) are the most common injuries. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. This becomes a lush environment for the development of a raging bacterial infection that can progress rapidly into a critical emergency that may require surgery. One of the best things you can do for your Griffon is to have her spayed (neutered for males). PRA is not painful, but also not curable. We can help you make an informed decision based on body conformation of both sire and dam. Illustration of patellar luxation. Home Second edition. Sometimes your Griffons kneecap (patella ) may slip out of place (called patellar luxation). If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Griff looking and feeling her best. Brussels Griffon. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. Pets with heart valve disease (sometimes called mitral valve disease) have a heart murmur. Eyeballs are pretty complicated structures, and sometimes they dont grow exactly according to plan. Because he has long, dense fur, your Griff requires a lot of brushing and coat care. Unfortunately, Brussel Griffons can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! Symptoms of neurological problems can include seizures, imbalance, tremors, weakness, or excess sleeping. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual (see What to Watch For below). He has the same amount of tissue in his nose and throat as the longer-nosed dogs, but theres no place for it to go. Veterinary dental care and fatty acid supplementation can help prevent heart disease and weight control can help diminish symptoms. Reactive seizures are caused by the brains reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin. There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and Brussels Griffons are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Shes full of personality, and you love her for it! Brussels Griffons are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections the same ones that all dogs can get such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Well conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for the disease. Shes your best friend, companion, and a source of unconditional love. We call this skin allergy atopy, and Griffons often have it. Please contact us when you have questions or concerns. Young Brussels Griffons may be prone to a painful degenerative hip condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dogs quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth. Bell JS, Cavanagh KE, Tilley LP, Smith FW. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Gough A, Thomas A. Not only do they hurt, they can become infected and affect his vision. Stones can form in the urinary bladder resulting in irritation and potentially obstruction. The same tests will need to be repeated at least every year to monitor the condition. Our goal is to provide the best health care possible: health care thats based on her breed, lifestyle, and age. Of course! For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www.Genesis4Pets.com. Canine Available from: http:/www.akcchf.org/canine-health/breed-specific-concerns/?breed=brussels-griffon. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pets breed. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Brussels Griffons commonly afflicted. She is highly intelligent and can be taught to perform a variety of tricks to keep her mentally stimulated. Brussels Griffons have a number of idiosyncrasies that can pose a challenge when anesthesia is necessary for surgical procedures or dentistry. Because your Griff has eyeballs that naturally protrude, he is more vulnerable to eye injuries. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Though its tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can love her to death with leftover people food and doggie treats. Most of these developmental errors cause no problems at all, some can only be detected by a vet using special tests, some are obvious, and a few can cause serious vision problems. American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Inc. [cited 2013 Apr 11]. Narrow nostril openings make breathing air in more challenging. Due to her assertive nature and small size, she is not recommended for homes with small children. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Dont worrywell show you how! Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Griffons are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesnt make enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid glands rest on both sides of the neck alongside the windpipe. Your Griffon counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. Several different specific structural defects are sometimes seen in Griffs eyes. Stiffness in your Griffons elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures. A smart and curious dog, she will bring entertainment to the whole family. If your dog has a seizure: Carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but dont try to control his mouth or tongue. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Wiley-Blackwell; 2010. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Call us immediately! Brussels Griffons often have serious problems with their teeth, so youll need to brush them at least three times a week! Jackson, Wyoming. Breeds with a large head and small pelvis are more prone to difficulties during the birthing process. She is well suited for apartment living; she will need a daily walk and regular inside play. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Give us a call for an appointment if you notice any of these types of signs: Seek medical care immediately if you notice any of these types of signs: DNA testing is a rapidly advancing field with new tests constantly emerging to help in the diagnosis of inherited diseases before they can become a problem for your friend. An ideal companion for someone who works from home because she may not do well when left alone. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that were taking the best possible care of your pal. You might notice that he runs along and suddenly picks up a back leg and skips or hops for a few strides. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Well take X-rays of your dogs bones to identify issues as early as possible. AAHA Press; 2011. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Copyright 2022 ePet Websites | Powered by WebDVM, Veterinarians DeKalb Illinois | Cortland Animal Hospital, 13669 State Route 38, Dekalb, IL 60115 | Phone: (815) 748-8040, Above average intelligence and trainability when positive reinforcement training methods are used, Does not easily make friends with strangers, Early obedience training and socialization is recommended, Bold and fearless, may attack much larger dogs, hypothermia (too cold) in dogs with a lean body conformation, prolonged recovery from some intravenous anesthetics and increased risks of drug interactions, irway anesthetic recovery issues in short-nosed dogs. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Well also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Call us right away if he has any problems with his eyes. The Brussels Griffon is a sturdy little dog with a big personality. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Your dog is special! Professional grooming is recommended 3 -4 times a year. Griffs are velcro dogs that form a close bond with one or two members of their family, who theyll follow everywhere. Teton New Media; 2012. Griffs are a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 13-14 years, but you do need to watch for some common conditions like cataracts and allergies. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Notice how the knee cap has moved out of the groove it normally resides in. Crook A, Dawson S, Cote E, MacDonald S, Berry J. Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. Breed Info With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth, Itchy skin (scratching, chewing or licking), hair loss, Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping, Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes, Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge, Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine, Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes, Coughing, especially at night or upon rising after sleeping, rapid breathing at rest, Increasing hip pain at less than a year old, Any abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremors, Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Griffs body, inside and out. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Unfortunately, Brussels Griffons are a bit more likely than other dogs to have this condition. The exact cause of this condition is still not completely understood, but it is thought to be a problem with blood supply to the hip, which causes the femoral head (the top of the thigh bone) to become brittle and easily fracture. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. A genetic test is available for this condition. Well watch for the lenses of his eyes to become more opaquemeaning they look cloudy instead of clearwhen we examine him. If your dog has a heart murmur or outward signs suggesting heart problems, well perform testing to determine the severity of the disease. Early detection is the key to a long and happy life; so be sure to schedule routine checkups. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friends bones, joints, or muscles you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life. Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Griff live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. Usually occurring between six and nine months of age, it causes pain and lameness in one or both rear legs, and often requires surgery. Then he kicks his leg out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place, and hes fine again. As a consequence, the soft palate (the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth), is too long and hangs down into the airway. Mats and tangles can lead to skin infections, particularly moist, painful skin lesions called hot spots. Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Brussels Griffon. Dont let him ride in the car with his head out the window as this is a frequent cause of eye injuries. If you dont plan to use your friend as a breeding animal, a spay/neuter procedure is best for health! It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Brush your pet at least weekly and keep an eye out for sores, especially in hot, humid weather. Medication and sometimes surgery is required. [cited 2013 Apr 11]. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Griffon. We can treat the arthritisthe sooner the betterto minimize discomfort and pain. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. Ouch! Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. It wont help him, and he may bite you accidentally! Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Her pelvis is just too small to pass puppies and a C-section is often required for her health and that of her puppies. 2nd Edition. University of Prince Edward Island. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. 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