Our goal is to provide the best health care possible: health care thats based on her breed, lifestyle, and age. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Brussels Griffon needs help. Stiffness in your Griffons elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures. Well watch for the lenses of his eyes to become more opaquemeaning they look cloudy instead of clearwhen we examine him. If your dog has a heart murmur or outward signs suggesting heart problems, well perform testing to determine the severity of the disease. Though its tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can love her to death with leftover people food and doggie treats. Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food. Most of these developmental errors cause no problems at all, some can only be detected by a vet using special tests, some are obvious, and a few can cause serious vision problems. American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Inc. [cited 2013 Apr 11]. University of Prince Edward Island. Call us immediately! Copyright 2022 ePet Websites | Powered by WebDVM, Veterinarians DeKalb Illinois | Cortland Animal Hospital, 13669 State Route 38, Dekalb, IL 60115 | Phone: (815) 748-8040, Above average intelligence and trainability when positive reinforcement training methods are used, Does not easily make friends with strangers, Early obedience training and socialization is recommended, Bold and fearless, may attack much larger dogs, hypothermia (too cold) in dogs with a lean body conformation, prolonged recovery from some intravenous anesthetics and increased risks of drug interactions, irway anesthetic recovery issues in short-nosed dogs. This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Brussels Griffon. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. The good news is we have many years of experience with short-nosed dogs and know how to use anesthesia safely in these pets. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. Dont worrywell show you how! Young Brussels Griffons may be prone to a painful degenerative hip condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual (see What to Watch For below). Chances are that you chose her because you like Griffs and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: However, no dog is perfect! Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Canine We call this skin allergy atopy, and Griffons often have it. Obesity can be a significant health problem in Brussels Griffons. Brushing your dogs teeth daily will prevent periodontal disease. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. The Brussels Griffon is a sturdy little dog with a big personality. Brussels Griffons have a number of idiosyncrasies that can pose a challenge when anesthesia is necessary for surgical procedures or dentistry. Brush your pet at least weekly and keep an eye out for sores, especially in hot, humid weather. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pets breed. While we cannot eliminate his risk entirely, we know to pay special attention to anesthetic problems such as: A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in the Brussels Griffon. Shes full of personality, and you love her for it! Well clean your dogs teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! In fact, your Brussel Griffons life span may be cut short by one to three years! A heart valve slowly becomes deformed so that it no longer closes tightly. If you are interested in breeding your Griff, speak with us first. Griffs are a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 13-14 years, but you do need to watch for some common conditions like cataracts and allergies. Griffs are velcro dogs that form a close bond with one or two members of their family, who theyll follow everywhere. Call us right away if he has any problems with his eyes. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Brussels Griffon. Well take X-rays of your dogs bones to identify issues as early as possible. Teton New Media; 2012. Shes your best friend, companion, and a source of unconditional love. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. Well periodically test his urine for telltale signs indicating the presence of kidney and bladder stones; they are painful! Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Sometimes your Griffons kneecap (patella ) may slip out of place (called patellar luxation). Give us a call for an appointment if you notice any of these types of signs: Seek medical care immediately if you notice any of these types of signs: DNA testing is a rapidly advancing field with new tests constantly emerging to help in the diagnosis of inherited diseases before they can become a problem for your friend. 2nd Edition. Pets with heart valve disease (sometimes called mitral valve disease) have a heart murmur. Early detection is the key to a long and happy life; so be sure to schedule routine checkups. She is highly intelligent and can be taught to perform a variety of tricks to keep her mentally stimulated. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. A smart and curious dog, she will bring entertainment to the whole family. Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Brussels Griffons in their golden years. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Available from: http:/www.akcchf.org/canine-health/breed-specific-concerns/?breed=brussels-griffon. Breeds with a large head and small pelvis are more prone to difficulties during the birthing process. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. Eyeballs are pretty complicated structures, and sometimes they dont grow exactly according to plan. Stones can form in the urinary bladder resulting in irritation and potentially obstruction. Your dog is special! Not only do they hurt, they can become infected and affect his vision. Brussels Griffons often have serious problems with their teeth, so youll need to brush them at least three times a week! If heart valve disease is diagnosed early, we may be able to prescribe medications that could prolong his life for many years. Usually occurring between six and nine months of age, it causes pain and lameness in one or both rear legs, and often requires surgery. She is well suited for apartment living; she will need a daily walk and regular inside play. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. The thyroid glands rest on both sides of the neck alongside the windpipe. Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Griff live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Ackerman L. The Genetic Connection: A Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease in which the eyes are genetically programmed to go blind. Bell JS, Cavanagh KE, Tilley LP, Smith FW. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from popping out of place. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Griffons. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. If you notice any of these symptoms, please seek immediate veterinary care. Because your Griff has eyeballs that naturally protrude, he is more vulnerable to eye injuries. If we dont prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy will lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. You might notice that he runs along and suddenly picks up a back leg and skips or hops for a few strides. This information helps you and us together plan for your pets unique medical needs. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. Because he has long, dense fur, your Griff requires a lot of brushing and coat care. Shell feel better, and so will you! Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. For your canine friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so its important that we test for them on a regular basis. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. [cited 2013 Apr 11]. And unfortunately, your Brussels Griffon is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. You may have also noticed these characteristics: Is it all worth it? Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first. For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www.Genesis4Pets.com. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. This becomes a lush environment for the development of a raging bacterial infection that can progress rapidly into a critical emergency that may require surgery. There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and Brussels Griffons are more likely to develop them than other breeds. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. If you dont plan to use your friend as a breeding animal, a spay/neuter procedure is best for health! The same tests will need to be repeated at least every year to monitor the condition. Second edition. Griffons are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesnt make enough thyroid hormone. Ouch! By knowing about health concerns specific to Brussels Griffons, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that were taking the best possible care of your pal. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Gough A, Thomas A. If your dog has a seizure: Carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but dont try to control his mouth or tongue. Each time a female goes through her heat cycle, her hormones cause a growth of nourishing cells to line the walls of the uterus. In dogs with the bad gene, early symptoms such as night blindness or dilated pupils generally begin around three to five years of age. Mats and tangles can lead to skin infections, particularly moist, painful skin lesions called hot spots. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Notice how the knee cap has moved out of the groove it normally resides in. Griffons can have a wirehaired or smooth coat that requires an average amount of grooming. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. Available from: http:/ic.upei.ca/cidd/breed/brussels-griffon, Breed Specific Health Concerns [Internet]. Due to her assertive nature and small size, she is not recommended for homes with small children. Crook A, Dawson S, Cote E, MacDonald S, Berry J. Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. One of the best things you can do for your Griffon is to have her spayed (neutered for males). That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Griffon. Dont let him ride in the car with his head out the window as this is a frequent cause of eye injuries. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Brussels Griffons commonly afflicted. It wont help him, and he may bite you accidentally! Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Illustration of patellar luxation. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Unfortunately, Brussel Griffons can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! Professional grooming is recommended 3 -4 times a year. Griffs were originally bred in Belgium for catching rats, but the focus has switched to producing wonderful companions. In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. The exact cause of this condition is still not completely understood, but it is thought to be a problem with blood supply to the hip, which causes the femoral head (the top of the thigh bone) to become brittle and easily fracture. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Jackson, Wyoming. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. A genetic test is available for this condition. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friends bones, joints, or muscles you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life. All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Griffs body, inside and out. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth. We can help you make an informed decision based on body conformation of both sire and dam. Medication and sometimes surgery is required. Of course! Well conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for the disease. Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth, Itchy skin (scratching, chewing or licking), hair loss, Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping, Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes, Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge, Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine, Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes, Coughing, especially at night or upon rising after sleeping, rapid breathing at rest, Increasing hip pain at less than a year old, Any abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremors, Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain.