Portuguese Water Dog

• Hip dysplasia is a condition where the thighbone and hip joint do not fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. Less severe cases can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications, but surgery may be required for serious cases.
• Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy is a hereditary condition which can cause sudden death in puppies between the ages of 5 weeks and 7 months. There is no cure or way to screen for condition in affected puppies. The only way to prevent the condition is for breeders to avoid breeding carriers of the gene.
• Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a family of eye diseases which gradually result in the deterioration of the retina, causing first night blindness then full blindness. There is no cure, but most dogs adapt very easily to the vision loss, provided their environment does not change too much.
• Storage Disease (GM1). Storage disease is a genetic condition resulting from the lack of an enzyme which causes toxins to build up in the nervous system and is fatal. A DNA test can be performed to screen for carriers of the defect, who should not be bred.
• Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism). This serious illness is caused by the insufficient production of adrenal hormones by the adrenal gland. Porties with Addison’s disease may have a poor appetite, appear lethargic and vomit. The symptoms of this disease are not always straightforward so it’s best to visit your vet where tests can be performed.
• Cataracts. Like in humans, canine cataracts occur when a cloudy membrane forms over the eye, causing vision loss. They can be removed surgically.

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