General Article, Pets

Like any other breed of dogs, Boerboels are prone to developing certain health problems. It doesn’t mean that they will develop these issues by all means, but seeing that they have higher incidence rates to get these health problems is very important. These canines are usually healthy and have a lifespan of ten to twelve years, which is an excellent one for large dogs. We will take a closer look at some health issues that Boerboels might get if not cared for properly.

Hip dysplasia

According to experts, this issue is prevalent among the canine community, with a prevalence of more or less 15{1950359618568742063e6b9087360eaa4cb6400eac39e68b3515b03482b0ad08}. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic diseases in dogs, and it is recurrent in bigger breeds like Boerboels. That is why as an aspiring breeder or responsible owner, people should be aware of the first signs of hip dysplasia:

  • Reluctance to climbing or jumping uprising or stairs
  • Constant crying with pain is chronic or even moderate
  • Unwilling to do some exercise
  • Lameness in their hind legs
  • Looseness in their joints
  • Depression and lethargy
  • Shaking or swaying
  • Narrow stance

For more details about this condition, click here for more information.

This disease can range from mild to chronic. It can be treated with regular physical therapy sessions in mild hip dysplasia, whereas chronic ones need surgical correction. This disease is considered one of the most expensive kinds of surgery for dogs. Its price ranges from $5,000 to $15,000.

The most common trigger for hip dysplasia is obesity. It happens especially if the canine has a developing predisposition. That is why owners need to keep an eye on their pet’s weight within the healthy range. Healthy weight ranges from 150 pounds to 200 pounds.

Elbow dysplasia

This disease is pretty common for large dog breeds like Boerboel, and it can cause damage to the cartilage surface of their joints. The most common cause of this problem is the malformation of their elbow joints. It presents in at least 30{1950359618568742063e6b9087360eaa4cb6400eac39e68b3515b03482b0ad08} of Boerboel breeds. That is why owners need to watch out for early signs and symptoms like:

  • Pain when flexing or extending their elbow joints
  • Decreased ROM or Range of Motion
  • Difficulty to stand or get up
  • Swelling of the dog’s joints
  • Reluctance to do exercises
  • Lameness
  • Lethargy

The only way to cure and treat this disease is through surgery. But veterinarians will use medications like EtoGesic, Deramaxx, or Rimadyl to manage the pain. Another way to remedy this problem is through lifestyle changes like controlled exercise and a weight-loss diet.

This condition is not considered fatal for dogs, but it can seriously handicap their quality of life. That is why owners need to take action as soon as possible. Surgery can cost up to $4,000 for severe cases. For more info about pet pain relief medications, click https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-about-pain-relievers-pets for details.

Vaginal hyperplasia

This condition is the proliferation of vaginal mucosa, which usually emerges from the dog’s vaginal floor. The leading cause of vaginal hyperplasia is estrogenic stimulation; therefore, it usually happens when the female canine is in the heat. The good news is, it doesn’t pose a serious risk other than discomfort since the surface of the protuberance develops fissures because of dryness. The most common signs and symptoms of this condition include:

  • Reluctance to have sex with other dogs
  • Excessive licking of the affected area

Inflames tissue from their vagina

Usually, this disease will disappear on its own. Breeders or owners need to clean the affected area patiently and gently, as well as apply the suitable ointment. But in extreme cases, it might need surgery, but severe cases that need surgery are pretty rare. Since Boerboels have a high risk of developing this condition, owners need to consider ovariectomizing their pets to prevent vaginal hyperplasia from happening.

Preventing the disease from happening in the first place is the best cure, and people can help their pets a lot. If you are looking for a South African Mastiff for sale, this condition should be one of the conditions you need to watch out for.

Entropion

This condition is pretty common in bigger breeds like Boerboels. It happens when the eyelid of the dog rolls inward. It can cause hair on the surface to rub against its cornea. This effect has all types of negative consequences like chronic pain, corneal ulcers, and corneal erosions. It can eventually lead to vision loss if taken for granted or not treated. Therefore, Entropion should be treated immediately, which is only possible through eye surgery. Common symptoms include:

  • Excessive and abnormal tearing
  • Hypersensitivity to light
  • Eyelids rolled inwards
  • Constant eye rubbing
  • Squinting

Since Entropion is genetic, as a responsible breeder, people should discard specimens that present this condition. The goal is to clean the gene pool from these defects that can affect the quality of life of these dogs. It can be corrected, but breeders should prioritize developing and maintaining a healthy breed instead of just pulling profits.