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Medical conditions of concern to IW puppies
Carpal Valgus (turned out front feet)
This condition can develop if the growth plate to the ulna (one of the bones of the forearm) is damaged, most often by repeated pressure from jumping from heights. This causes the foot to turn outward and can only be corrected surgically. Severity depends upon the age of the puppy when affected and the speed with which the problem is diagnosed.
Entropion (flipped inner eyelid)
The lower eyelid rolls inward and irritates the surface of the eye. It can be corrected surgically if it is severe, but the condition may correct itself as the dog grows if it is a mild problem
FCE (Fibrocartilagenous emboli)
This condition occurs when material that should be isolated in the intravertebral discs of the spine enters the blood stream and blocks blood flow to a portion of the spinal cord causing paralysis, most often one or both of the hind legs. It may occur in puppies or young adults. The conditions occurs suddenly but once the damage is done, is not progressive after about the first 24 hours. One study showed improvement in function of about 74% of affected individuals most occurring in the first 2 weeks after the injury. (More information here)
Hygromas (also called Bursas - large bumps on elbows or rump) (Photo clickable)
When too much pressure is applied over a bony point on the body (especially the elbows) the body responds to protect itself by developing fluid filled sacs. They are generally filled only with serum and do not need to be repaired surgically unless they become infected (which is rare unless they are drained with a needle that can introduce bacteria into them) or are in danger of rupturing. They should resolve with time and speeded in healing by providing extra bedding and padding for the puppy to lay on.
Hypertrophic Oseodystrophy
This uncommon condition causes swelling of the growth plates of puppies between 3-7 months of age in large rapidly growing breeds of dogs. It may be confused with Panosteitis unless radiographs are taken. The condition generally resolves with time.
Panosteitis
This occurs in young, fast growing breeds of dogs, most often from 5-16 months of age. It causes a shifting leg lameness that may come and go and is generally self-limiting. Diagnosis is by radiographs.
Porto-systemic Shunt (also known as Liver shunt)
An abnormal blood vessel or vessels takes blood directly from the intestinal tract directly into circulation, bypassing the liver so that the blood is not filtered as it should be.
Signs of this problem include abnormally small or stunted puppies as well as abnormal behaviour after a meal.
The condition is diagnosed by a blood test for bile acids taken 2-4 hours after a meal. This test should be done on all IW puppies prior to placement in their new homes
Puppy vaginitis
Immature females may produce a mucous vaginal discharge evident most often as a thick white material at the vulvar opening (the opening through which the bitch urinates). This is a hormonal issue and will resolve with time.
Retained deciduous (baby) teeth
Like humans, all puppies lose temporary teeth that should be replaced by permanent adult teeth. The most commonly affected are the large canine teeth, but this is an uncommon occurrence in Irish Wolfhounds, more often affecting Brachycephalic breeds like shi-tzus.
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