Welsh Corgi

• Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the thighbone and hip joint do not fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. Arthritis can develop later in life as a result of the condition.
• Cataracts. Like in humans, canine cataracts occur when a cloudy membrane forms over the eye, causing vision loss. They can be removed surgically.
• Cutaneous Asthenia. Also referred to as “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome”, dematosparaxis or dominant collagen dysplasia, this condition results in the skin’s connective tissue becoming loose, fragile and stretchy. This can lead to affected dogs getting bruises and blood blisters easily.
• Cystinuria occurs when excessive amounts of the protein cysteine are excreted in the urine, possibly indicating a stone. Usually this condition only affects male dogs.
• Degenerative myelopathy mainly affects German Shepherds but some Corgis may be affected by this neurological disease which can cause parapesis. Signs include dragging the feet, slipping rear limbs, and eventually losing the ability to walk or stand by itself. There is a DNA test available to test for the gene, though affected dogs should not be bred.
• Epilepsy. Possibly inherited, epilepsy is a neurological disorder which causes seizures that can manifest themselves in unusual behaviour, dizziness, rigidity and fainting spells. Though it is frightening to watch, the prognosis for affected dogs is usually quite good, and treatment is available.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease. This is a condition that occurs when the disc between the vertebras becomes damaged, causing swelling and leaking. Common symptoms include: inactivity or lethargic behaviour, shivering, limping, or the inability to bend down to eat. If you notice these behaviours, get in touch with your vet.
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) with Pulmonary Hypertension. PDA is a congenital blood defect which leads to unoxygenated blood to bypass the lungs and Pulmonary Hypertension refers to high blood pressure in the lungs. The latter can be treated surgically.
• Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a family of eye conditions which cause the retina’s gradual deterioration. Night vision is lost in the early stages of the disease, and day vision is lost as the disease progresses. Many dogs adapt to the loss of vision well, as long as their environment stays the same.
• Retinal dysplasia is the abnormal development of the retina, sometimes causing it to detach, causing blindness.
• Von Willebrand’s disease, a condition which impedes the blood’s ability to clot, can lead to excessive bleeding post-surgery, nosebleeds, bleeding gums or blood in the stomach. It is currently incurable, and blood transfusions are the only treatments available. Most dogs suffering this disease can lead normal lives, and there are tests available to determine if your pet has it.

Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.