Beaglier

Beagliers are generally healthy dogs and medical expenses aren’t over-the-top with this breed. They can be prone to obesity if overfed, but this can be managed with a balanced diet. However, as a crossbred breed, the Beaglier may inherit any of the parental breeds’ health issues, some of these being:

• Beagle Dwarfism (chondrodystrophy): Because Beagliers are genetically 50 percent Beagle, they can suffer from a genetic disorder called Beagle Dwarfism. This condition causes poor development of cartilage which presents as short legs and can also lead to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVSS) in affected dogs. The disorder ranges from mild to severe – in mild cases, the dog may live a normal life and simply look a bit odd, in moderate cases, the dog may require anti-inflammatories and other measures to delay onset of arthritis and joint issues, while in severe cases, the dog may have multiple deformities and severe pain, with euthanasia often considered as the most humane outcome.

• Ear Infections: Like their parents, Beagliers have long, floppy ears in which air, debris, moisture and even a parasite can get trapped. When the trapped substance cannot escape, an ear infection can result. You may notice your dog is constantly shaking his head and scratching his ear, or an unpleasant smell coming from the ear, classic symptoms of an ear infection. When caught early on, an ear infection is relatively straight forward to treat; the vet will remove any foreign objects, usually under sedation, and ear drops are prescribed if infection is present.

• Eye Problems: Beagliers are prone to certain congenital eye conditions that can affect the parent breeds, including cherry eye, glaucoma and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
  • Cherry Eye or ‘third eyelid’ is a disorder that occurs when the nictitating membrane, or third eyelid, is released from its position and protrudes out over part of the eye. Treatment entails repositioning or removing the prolapsed membrane.
  • Glaucoma is defined as high pressure within the eye, causing inadequate fluid drainage. It is a serious condition which can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve, eventually leading to blindness. If caught early on, medication is prescribed to lower the pressure.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) includes several inherited diseases that lead to degeneration of retinal photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) in dogs, typically leading to blindness. PRA worsens over time, with affected animals initially experiencing night blindness because the rods are affected first. The condition progresses to failed daytime vision.
• Joint Problems: Like their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parents, Beagliers may suffer from congenital joint conditions, including hip dysplasia and luxating patellas.

• • Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball of the hip joint does not develop normally and fails to fit snugly into the hip socket. Mild cases can be eased with anti-inflammatory and pain-relief medications; in more severe cases, surgery may be required.
  • A luxating patella is a kneecap that moves out of its normal position. When the patella luxates, the dog has difficulty bearing weight on the leg, although there are rarely any signs of pain.  You may notice a skip in your dog’s step or see him briefly run on three legs. This condition can lead to other knee injuries, arthritis and pain.

• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. It is a genetic disorder that can be brought on by thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland). Common symptoms of Hypothyroidism include abnormal weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, skin infections and reduced activity. While the condition is not life-threatening, life-long treatment with oral medication is required.

• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that bring on sudden, uncontrollable and repeated seizures.  A seizure, also known as a ‘fit’, is an abnormal, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. Grand mal seizures affect both sides of the brain and the entire body. The limbs will twitch and jerk, and your dog will probably lose consciousness. Focal seizures only affect a small part of the brain, so only one limb may twitch and jerk. Most cases of epilepsy in dogs cannot be cured. The aim of treatment is to eliminate seizures without causing intolerable side effects.

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