Beagles are prone to certain diseases.
Beagles are small, lively dogs that are fairly hardy, but they are still prone to certain diseases and health problems. Learning more about the diseases that tend to affect beagles can prepare you for what might manifest as the dog ages. Being aware of common beagle diseases can allow you to act quickly and to spare your dog some pain.
Intervertebral Disk Disease
Intervertebral disk disease occurs when the material between the beagle's vertebrae becomes displaced. That material can push into the beagle's spinal canal and start putting pressure on the spinal cord. If left untreated, this disease can result in pain, mobility issues or even paralysis.
Prolapsed Third Eyelid
Prolapse of the third eyelid, also known as cherry eye, occurs when the base of the third eyelid becomes enlarged or inflamed. It will push beyond the eyelid itself and result in a round, reddened mass attached to the dog's eye. While its sudden appearance can be alarming, it is not painful to the dog.
Cataracts
Cataracts are essentially opaque spots on the lens of the beagle's eye. These opaque spots can obstruct the dog's vision or even result in the dog losing vision entirely. In some cases, surgery can remove the cataracts and restore the dog's sight.
Sub-Aoritic Stenosis
Sub-aoritic stenosis, often abbreviated to SAS, is a congenital heart condition that commonly occurs in beagles. It can range in severity from minor heart murmurs to fatal heart conditions. When choosing a beagle, it is important to inquire about the health of the beagle's parents and to ensure that they are free from heart problems.
Cryptorchidism
Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both testicles do not descend. In most cases, testicles in dogs descend before birth, and before the age of six months, some beagle puppies will draw the testicles back into their groin if the dog is excited or cold. Beagles who show signs of this condition should not be bred.
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