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Information and Issues associated with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi 🧬

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*** All our breeding dogs are tested for genetic health risks! 

We Xray every dog we can weather we intend to breed them or not! We want to know as much as possible about our dogs and the lines we work with. We also encourage reaching out to inform us of any health issues ever seen within our breedings regardless of the age so we can be aware and improve wherever possible. 

This is to ensure that your new pup has the best chance of living a long healthy life! ***

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• Hip Dysplasia: Canine Hip Dysplasia typically develops because of an abnormally developed hip joint, but can also be caused by cartilage damage from a traumatic fracture. With cartilage damage or a hip joint that isn’t formed properly, over time the existing cartilage will lose its thickness and elasticity. This breakdown of the cartilage will eventually result in pain with any joint movement. It is important to note that excess weight can significantly exacerbate hip dysplasia. 

• Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is a general term used to identify an inherited polygenic disease in the elbow. Studies have shown the inherited polygenic traits causing these etiologies are independent of one another. Clinical signs involve lameness which may remain subtle for long periods of time. No one can predict at what age lameness will occur in a dog due to a large number of genetic and environmental factors such as degree of severity of changes, rate of weight gain, amount of exercise, etc..

• LTV/LUW: Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LTV) are abnormally formed vertebrae of congenital origin. Dogs with LTV are predisposed to premature degeneration of the lumbosacral spine and hip dysplasia due to a weakened sacroiliac attachment. LTV has been discussed as a cause of cauda equina syndrome. To date, LTV remain poorly understood and a diagnostic standard is yet to be established. We do evaluate the spine/sacrum with xrays to ensure to the best of our ability that our dogs are not effected by this deformity. ​

• Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Pembrokes. 

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease in which the eyes are genetically programmed to go blind. PRA is not painful, but also not curable. In dogs with this gene, early symptoms such as night blindness or dilated pupils generally begin around three to five years of age. A genetic test is available for this condition!

• Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. 

• vWD: Von Willebrand Disease I (VWDI) is an inherited bleeding disorder affecting Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Dogs affected with VWDI have less than half of the normal level of von Willebrand coagulation factor (vWf), which is an essential protein needed for normal blood clotting. There is a genetic test for this disease! 

• EIC: Exercise-induced collapse is characterized by muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and life-threatening collapse after intense exercise in otherwise apparently healthy dogs. Affected dogs tolerate mild to moderate activity but will display signs of EIC after 5-20 minutes of strenuous exercise. The severity of EIC varies. EIC episodes last from 5-25 minutes with a gradual return to normal with no apparent residual weakness or stiffness. There is a genetic test for this disease! 

• DM: Degenerative myelopathy is a neurologic condition, similar to ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease in people, that can cause weakness and poor nerve function in the hind legs. It could affect Corgis, German shepherds, and many other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he may become increasingly weak or disabled in the hind legs, eventually suffering from paralysis in his hindquarters, which also could lead to incontinence. DM is a very controversial subject in corgis and you will find many different opinions between breeders. A genetic test for DM is available, as well a DMRM test (DM risk modifier). 

• IVDD: Intervertebral disc disease is a common condition in dogs with long backs and short legs, including Corgis. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump or go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even experience sudden paralysis—he may drag his back feet or be unable to get up or use his back legs. If you see these symptoms, don’t wait! Surgical options are available. Corgis are pretty hardy little dogs! We still do recommend the use of stairs for the couch/bed for your corgi! 

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