Fortunately, many serious illnesses are uncommon in Weimaraners, including most cancers, heart
disease, diabetes, diseases causing blindness, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. However, as a breed,
Weimaraners are prone to a few health issues, including bloat, low thyroid, mast cell tumors, and
especially, auto-immune reactions that are often linked to vaccination.
BLOAT
Bloat is a medical emergency in which the dog's stomach distends with air and gas. This condition
requires immediate veterinary care where a tube can be inserted into the dog's stomach to relieve the
pressure. This distention alone can be enough to cause shock and death, however, in some cases the
distended stomach twists on its longitudinal axis, blocking off circulation to vital organs. The result is
gastric torsion - a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery.
The official name for bloat is Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, where gastric refers to the stomach, dilatation
refers to the distention and volvulus refers to the torsion. Bloat is a possibility in all breeds but is far
more common in deep-chested breeds such as Weimaraners.
Bloats presents as an obvious, visible, swelling on the left side of its abdomen. The swelling is very firm
to touch and the dog is stressed and in obvious pain. The dog may lie in the 'praying' position with both
forelegs stretched fully forward or may vocalize and thrash and throw itself about to relieve the
discomfort.
Bloat requires immediate, rapid, transport to a veterinarian where clinical diagnosis can be confirmed
with X-Rays. Any delay in obtaining treatment increases the severity of shock and reduces the likelihood
of survival.
There are many theories as to what causes bloat and how to prevent it, with no definitive research to
date. Some of the factors thought to increase the likelihood of bloat are inherited tendencies, drinking
large quantities of water after exercise, a diet of dry kibble, and vigorous exercise after eating.
AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASES
Weimaraners as a breed are prone to Auto-Immune Diseases of various types, conditions in which the
dog's immune system mistakenly considers its own tissues to be foreign and turns on itself. The
presentation can include some or all of the following: fever, hives, swollen lymph nodes, hot ears, hot
feet, reduced appetite, food allergies, skin allergies, red skin, and frequent vomiting of bile. It may also
cause a condition in puppies called HOD, or Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy that is characterized by
painful, swollen joints, lameness, fever and lethargy, often occurring within days or weeks of vaccination
or a condition called MMM, or Masticatory Muscle Myositis, that is characterized by stiffness and pain on
opening of the jaw.
Auto-Immune Disease is thought to be most commonly triggered in Weimaraners by stressful events
and/or vaccination reactions. The Weimaraner Club of America has made a recommendation for a vaccine
protocol that minimizes vaccinations and avoids giving vaccinations during the 12-16 week of age period.
Treatment of auto-immune disease requires ongoing care by a veterinarian who is well versed in these
conditions in Weimaraners. Meedical treatment with steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or
antibiotics may be necessary.
HIP DYSPLASIA
In hip dysplasia, one or both of the hip joints are excessively lax. Consequently there is excessive strain
on the soft tissues that support the hip joint and excessive movement of the hip joint surfaces on each
other. The result is degenerative joint arthritis leading to lameness, stiffness and pain. In severe cases,
the dog will be seen to limp before one year of age.
X-Rays to check for hip dysplasia should be taken when the dog is 2 years of age and sent for evaluation
to the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). Dogs with severe dysplasia often require medical
intervention of injections or surgery. Milder cases can often be supported with pain and
anti-inflammatory medication combined with eliminating jumping and exercise on hard surfaces.
EYELID AND EYELASH DISORDERS
There are numerous eyelid and eyelash disorders that are common in the Weimaraner breed.
EYELID DISORDERS
Both entropion, inward rolling of the eyelids, and ectropion, outward rolling of the eyelids, are the most
common abnormalities. Although entropion and ectropion are hereditary disorders in many breeds, their
mode of inheritance is complex. No one gene controls the development of eyelid conformation. Instead,
it is a combination of genes that control eyelid size and shape, depth of the orbit (eye socket), size and
shape of the eyes, head conformation and amount of facial skin. All of these genes work in concert to
determine the relationship of the eyelids to the eye.
Ectropion, unless very pronounced, does not lead to severe diseases of the eye itself. However, the
droopy eyelid may collect debris such as dust, pollen and plant material from the environment. This may
cause ocular irritation that leads to discharge and a red eye. This is particularly pronounced in hunting
dogs or dogs that are outdoors much of the time.Because of increased exposure of the eye, dogs with
ectropion are prone to develop allergic or bacterial conjunctivitis - inflammation of the thin membrane
that covers the periphery of the surface of the eye and lines the eyelids. Affected dogs may develop 'dry
eye' due to lost ability to wet and clean the cornea. In addition to the sagging of the eyelids, dogs with
ectropion commonly have a discharge in the eye, reddening of the exposed conjunctiva, and decreased
tear production.
Entropion is frequently is a cause of ocular pain and corneal damage, particularly if the eyelid is rolled
inward sufficiently so that the hairs of the eyelid rub on the eye. Entropion most commonly affects the
lower eyelid the lower lid. Severe cases left untreated may ultimately cause visual impairment. The
problem is usually evident before a year of age. Discomfort from entropion will cause increased tearing
and squinting. The dog may be sensitive to light and may rub at its eyes. Chronic irritation by the
turned-in eyelid may cause corneal ulceration and scarring which is painful and, if not corrected, can
impair vision. The inrolling of the eyelid(s) is readily apparent on visual inspection. Generally both eyes
are affected. The veterinarian will use of topical ophthalmic anaesthetic to anaesthetize the cornea and
conjunctiva in order to fully evaluate the problem prior to surgical correction. If possible it is best to
delay surgery until the dog is an adult since the involved facial structures are still growing and changing.
EYELASH DISORDERS
The Weimaraner breed is prone to several types of eyelash abnormalities - distichiasis, trichiasis, and
ectopic cilia. With any of these disorders, the clinical signs relate to irritation of the cornea (the surface
of the eye) by extra or abnormally placed eyelashes. The degree of discomfort varies greatly, depending
on the number of abnormal cilia, and whether the eyelashes are very fine or coarser. The mode of
inheritance has not been established. Often the extra eyelashes are very soft and fine, and cause no
problems. However if there is reduced tear production or if the hairs are coarse and stiff, you will likely
see signs of irritation such as reddening of the conjunctiva (the inside of the lid), excessive tearing, and
squinting. Your dog may paw or rub the eyes. Corneal ulceration may occur, and this will increase the
dog's discomfort. Ectopic cilia are particularly irritating and likely to cause corneal ulcers. Very bright
light and magnification are required to see the extra eyelashes. Cryosurgery is the most effective
treatment for eyelash disorders.
disease, diabetes, diseases causing blindness, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. However, as a breed,
Weimaraners are prone to a few health issues, including bloat, low thyroid, mast cell tumors, and
especially, auto-immune reactions that are often linked to vaccination.
BLOAT
Bloat is a medical emergency in which the dog's stomach distends with air and gas. This condition
requires immediate veterinary care where a tube can be inserted into the dog's stomach to relieve the
pressure. This distention alone can be enough to cause shock and death, however, in some cases the
distended stomach twists on its longitudinal axis, blocking off circulation to vital organs. The result is
gastric torsion - a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery.
The official name for bloat is Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, where gastric refers to the stomach, dilatation
refers to the distention and volvulus refers to the torsion. Bloat is a possibility in all breeds but is far
more common in deep-chested breeds such as Weimaraners.
Bloats presents as an obvious, visible, swelling on the left side of its abdomen. The swelling is very firm
to touch and the dog is stressed and in obvious pain. The dog may lie in the 'praying' position with both
forelegs stretched fully forward or may vocalize and thrash and throw itself about to relieve the
discomfort.
Bloat requires immediate, rapid, transport to a veterinarian where clinical diagnosis can be confirmed
with X-Rays. Any delay in obtaining treatment increases the severity of shock and reduces the likelihood
of survival.
There are many theories as to what causes bloat and how to prevent it, with no definitive research to
date. Some of the factors thought to increase the likelihood of bloat are inherited tendencies, drinking
large quantities of water after exercise, a diet of dry kibble, and vigorous exercise after eating.
AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASES
Weimaraners as a breed are prone to Auto-Immune Diseases of various types, conditions in which the
dog's immune system mistakenly considers its own tissues to be foreign and turns on itself. The
presentation can include some or all of the following: fever, hives, swollen lymph nodes, hot ears, hot
feet, reduced appetite, food allergies, skin allergies, red skin, and frequent vomiting of bile. It may also
cause a condition in puppies called HOD, or Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy that is characterized by
painful, swollen joints, lameness, fever and lethargy, often occurring within days or weeks of vaccination
or a condition called MMM, or Masticatory Muscle Myositis, that is characterized by stiffness and pain on
opening of the jaw.
Auto-Immune Disease is thought to be most commonly triggered in Weimaraners by stressful events
and/or vaccination reactions. The Weimaraner Club of America has made a recommendation for a vaccine
protocol that minimizes vaccinations and avoids giving vaccinations during the 12-16 week of age period.
Treatment of auto-immune disease requires ongoing care by a veterinarian who is well versed in these
conditions in Weimaraners. Meedical treatment with steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or
antibiotics may be necessary.
HIP DYSPLASIA
In hip dysplasia, one or both of the hip joints are excessively lax. Consequently there is excessive strain
on the soft tissues that support the hip joint and excessive movement of the hip joint surfaces on each
other. The result is degenerative joint arthritis leading to lameness, stiffness and pain. In severe cases,
the dog will be seen to limp before one year of age.
X-Rays to check for hip dysplasia should be taken when the dog is 2 years of age and sent for evaluation
to the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). Dogs with severe dysplasia often require medical
intervention of injections or surgery. Milder cases can often be supported with pain and
anti-inflammatory medication combined with eliminating jumping and exercise on hard surfaces.
EYELID AND EYELASH DISORDERS
There are numerous eyelid and eyelash disorders that are common in the Weimaraner breed.
EYELID DISORDERS
Both entropion, inward rolling of the eyelids, and ectropion, outward rolling of the eyelids, are the most
common abnormalities. Although entropion and ectropion are hereditary disorders in many breeds, their
mode of inheritance is complex. No one gene controls the development of eyelid conformation. Instead,
it is a combination of genes that control eyelid size and shape, depth of the orbit (eye socket), size and
shape of the eyes, head conformation and amount of facial skin. All of these genes work in concert to
determine the relationship of the eyelids to the eye.
Ectropion, unless very pronounced, does not lead to severe diseases of the eye itself. However, the
droopy eyelid may collect debris such as dust, pollen and plant material from the environment. This may
cause ocular irritation that leads to discharge and a red eye. This is particularly pronounced in hunting
dogs or dogs that are outdoors much of the time.Because of increased exposure of the eye, dogs with
ectropion are prone to develop allergic or bacterial conjunctivitis - inflammation of the thin membrane
that covers the periphery of the surface of the eye and lines the eyelids. Affected dogs may develop 'dry
eye' due to lost ability to wet and clean the cornea. In addition to the sagging of the eyelids, dogs with
ectropion commonly have a discharge in the eye, reddening of the exposed conjunctiva, and decreased
tear production.
Entropion is frequently is a cause of ocular pain and corneal damage, particularly if the eyelid is rolled
inward sufficiently so that the hairs of the eyelid rub on the eye. Entropion most commonly affects the
lower eyelid the lower lid. Severe cases left untreated may ultimately cause visual impairment. The
problem is usually evident before a year of age. Discomfort from entropion will cause increased tearing
and squinting. The dog may be sensitive to light and may rub at its eyes. Chronic irritation by the
turned-in eyelid may cause corneal ulceration and scarring which is painful and, if not corrected, can
impair vision. The inrolling of the eyelid(s) is readily apparent on visual inspection. Generally both eyes
are affected. The veterinarian will use of topical ophthalmic anaesthetic to anaesthetize the cornea and
conjunctiva in order to fully evaluate the problem prior to surgical correction. If possible it is best to
delay surgery until the dog is an adult since the involved facial structures are still growing and changing.
EYELASH DISORDERS
The Weimaraner breed is prone to several types of eyelash abnormalities - distichiasis, trichiasis, and
ectopic cilia. With any of these disorders, the clinical signs relate to irritation of the cornea (the surface
of the eye) by extra or abnormally placed eyelashes. The degree of discomfort varies greatly, depending
on the number of abnormal cilia, and whether the eyelashes are very fine or coarser. The mode of
inheritance has not been established. Often the extra eyelashes are very soft and fine, and cause no
problems. However if there is reduced tear production or if the hairs are coarse and stiff, you will likely
see signs of irritation such as reddening of the conjunctiva (the inside of the lid), excessive tearing, and
squinting. Your dog may paw or rub the eyes. Corneal ulceration may occur, and this will increase the
dog's discomfort. Ectopic cilia are particularly irritating and likely to cause corneal ulcers. Very bright
light and magnification are required to see the extra eyelashes. Cryosurgery is the most effective
treatment for eyelash disorders.
WEIMARANER HEALTH ISSUES
