Page 104 - The Pembroke & Cardigan Welsh Corgi Worldwide Magazine

HEALTH

As everyone knows, some common genetic diseases in
welsh corgis that can be tested for include:

1. Hip Dysplasia: that play a role in the development
of hip dysplasia should allow us to
This disease is perhaps the most well-known reduce the number of animals affected
of canine diseases that have been controlled by hip dysplasia even if the genetic
in breeding. It affects dogs' hips and can be basis is not yet understood. This
hereditary. Hip dysplasia tests can help identify would reduce significant pain and
dogs at risk before they develop serious joint suffering as well as the expense
problems and help us in selecting mates for and heartache endured by owners
our dog. However, today we know that the of an afflicted dog.
percentage of animals affected by hereditary
hip dysplasia is much lower than initially The top three environmental factors that
assumed. In fact, it is now considered that have been found to play a significant role in
nearly 80% of dysplastic animals have it due the develop of dysplastic hips are: joint laxity,
to environmental factors, not purely hereditary. weight, and exercise. Looks like a significant and
This challenges the history of strict breeding immediate reduction in the number of afflicted
control, with the German Shepherd being animals could be achieved by better control of
a prime example, showing no particularly non-genetic, environmental factors. Weight
positive results for the breed. We should management, appropriate exercise, proper
talk about environmental improvements in nutrition, and early intervention at the first sign
breeding. This is one reason why decades of of lameness are simple steps we can take that
strong selection has resulted in only modest will dramatically reduce the pain and suffering
reductions in hip dysplasia in some breeds. At caused by hip dysplasia.
the current rate of progress and selecting only
by phenotype, it could take decades to achieve
a meaningful reduction in the incidence of hip 2. Elbow Dysplasia:
dysplasia (Lewis et al 2013).
Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a joint
Understanding the specific environmental factors condition that can be hereditary. Rx tests can

104 | The Pembroke & Cardigan Welsh Corgi Worldwide Magazine