German Shorthaired Pointer - Health Characteristics
Dog Breeds
Most German Shorthaired Pointers are tough, healthy dogs. However, the breed is subject to a number of hereditary disorders that owners should be aware of. Epileptic seizures have been a problem in some lines, as has hip dysplasia, genetic eye diseases and skin disorders.
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Introduction
Most German Shorthaired Pointers are tough, healthy dogs. However, the breed is subject to a number of hereditary disorders that owners should be aware of. Epileptic seizures have been a problem in some lines, as has hip dysplasia, genetic eye diseases, skin disorders and cancerous lesions in the mouth, on the skin, and other areas of the body. Unexplained swelling and growth of the nipples in adult males is considered normal in this breed and is fairly common. However, if the nipples become sensitive to the touch, a veterinarian should be consulted.
As with any other hunting dog, contact with game can cause the spread of fungi and bacteria that can easily colonize in the gums or cause infections on open wounds and small cuts.
Other Potential Disorders
- Aortic Stenosis: A narrowing of the opening of the aortic valve, which obstructs the flow of blood and can lead to fainting, collapse, and sudden death.
- Diabetes Insipidus: A metabolic disorder due to deficiency of a pituitary hormone, characterized by excessive thirst (polydipsia) and large volumes of dilute urine (polyuria).
- Factor XII Deficiency: A blood clotting disorder not usually associated with bleeding.
- Lysosomal Storage Disease: Brain disorders caused by an inheritable deficiency of key enzymes.
- XX Sex Reversal: Causes hermaphroditism and abnormal genital development.