Congenital defects in dogs are caused from a variety of reasons. Som congeital defects, such as hip dysplasia and congenital heart defects, are more common in some dog breeds than others.
A vital part of good prevention is to know the common types of illnesses and disorders associated with particular dog breeds.The development of the fetus in the uterus can be affected by hereditary factors as well as other influences such as infection, drugs, or toxins absorbed from the mother.
Congenital defects can affect any organ or system in the body of a dog.For dogs, the parts of their body that are most frequently affected by congenital problems are the central nervous system, the eyes, the muscles, and the bones.
A great number of common breeds suffer from congenital eye abnormalities including glaucoma, cataracts, and blindness.
Different types of nervous system disorders are often passed on within certain breeds, such as paralysis of the front and back legs, which is common in the Irish Setter, a failure of muscle coordination common in Fox Terriers, and abnormal swelling of the brain is common in the Chihuahua, English Bulldog, and Cocker Spaniel.
The Beagle, Collie, miniature Poodle, German Shepherd, Pug, and Keeshond are more likely to inherit epilepsy than other dog breeds.
Breeds such as Basenji, Basset Hound, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, and Cairn Terrier have a high risk for inguinal hernias (gut protrudes into the groin).
Umbilical hernias (gut protrudes through the navel) are inherited defects in breeds like Bull Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Pekingese, Basenji, Collie, Weimaraner, Airedale Terrier, and Pointer.
German Sheperds and other large boned dogs are more prone to hip displasia as they begin rapid growth spurts around the 3rd year of life.