Diagnosing Diseases Early
Treatment Needs an Early Start
Not all Doberman diseases are preventable. Despite best breeding practices and dedicated care, the healthiest Doberman can eventually experience serious illness. The key to overcoming or treating these illnesses is catching them early, before they become severe and untreatable.
Cancer
Like in humans, cancer in dogs has a mysterious cause and if allowed to spread is deadly. To prevent cancer from spreading, it must be caught early.
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Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart expands and the heart muscle deteriorates. In the Doberman, DCM usually affects the left ventricle and left atrium. Gradual symptoms include irregular heart beat, racing heart beat, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss, and fluid buildup in the lungs and abdomen. However, this condition often first shows its self with the abrupt symptom of sudden death. One third of DCM affected Dobermans will experience sudden death.
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Cervical Vertebral Instability (Wabbler Syndrome)
Wabbler Syndrome is caused by abnormalities in the spinal vertebra which cause compression to the discs that provide cushioning between each vertebra. The compression causes the discs to expand and rupture into the spinal canal where it applies pressure to the spinal cord.
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Hypothyroidism
The Doberman breed has a high incidence of hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that produces hormones responsible for controlling several organs and body functions. In simple terms, hypothyroidism is the deficiency of thyroid hormone.
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von Willebrand’s Disease
One oddity on the list of Doberman illnesses is von Willebrand’s Disease. It is a genetic disease that, in people and dogs, causes a shortage of the protein von Willebrand factor. This protein is secreted from the inter walls of blood vessels when they are injured, and acts as a glue, holding platelets together. Simply, van Willebrand’s Disease can cause an excessive bleeding disorder.
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Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a condition where the pelvic ball and socket joint does not fit together well because of a malformation in either or both parts. The loose fitting joint creates calcification as the dog ages, resulting in pain and lameness.
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