What diseases kill dogs?

Having looked at 20 years (1984-2004) of data that included almost 75,000 dogs, researchers find that different breeds of dogs have inherited genetic tendencies to die of different diseases. The most commonly inherited tendency is the genetic predisposition to develop cancer. Other fatal diseases that dogs inherit affect the
• heart
• stomach & intestines (GI tract problems such as bloat)
• brain & spinal column (neurologic disease)
• bones & muscles (musculoskeletal disease)
• lungs (respiratory disease
Knowing what disease characteristics your dog inherited is helpful because your holistic veterinarian can recommend steps to take to decrease the likelihood it will occur or steps that delay the age at which it will occur. For example, if a client with a border collie comes for a holistic visit, we’ll discuss diet & supplements to support healthy brain as the incidence of seizures is increasing in border collies.

When you read the list below and realize so many illnesses are inherited do not feel your pet is doomed to develop them. Instead, work with your holistic vet to prevent them.

Cancer affects nearly 50% of Golden Retrievers, Boxers and Bouvier de Flanders.

Heart disease affects about 20% of Chihuahuas and Fox terriers . Other breeds commonly dying of heart disease include Newfoundlands, Maltese, & Doberman Pinschers.

GI diseases such as bloat (GDV or gastro-dilatation volvulus) are the most common cause of death in Great Danes, Akitas, Gordon Setters, Shar peis and Weimaraners.

Neurologic disease is the most common cause of death in Doxys, Pugs, Min Pins and Boston Terriers.

Musculoskeletal disease kills Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhounds, Great Danes & Greyhounds.

Respiratory disease kills Bulldogs, Borzoi, Yorkies, and Afghan hounds.

While the above mentioned diseases develop with age, some dogs are born with diseases (congenital) that lead to their death. Breeds with a high incidence of congenital disease inclues Newfies, Bulldogs, Yorkies, Akita and Maltese.

The saddest fact is that all our pets will die, but knowing what might affect our pets we can do our best to protect them.