Beagle Health Problems

Permission has been granted by the editors of IDG Books (Howell Book House) for the excerpts contained herein from Control of Canine Genetic Diseases and from both the editors and authors of The New Beagle

The following conditions occurs, whether hereditary or idiopathic in the Breed. Overall, the beagle is a very healthy animal, and if obtained from a responsible breeder will have little to no difficulties during its lifetime. The following conditions in red are deemed the most prevalent in the breed.

Conditions are divided by the type of condition. Alimentary (Digestive Tract), Behavioral, Cancer, Endocrine(Glands which produce various hormones), Hearing/Balance, Hemapoietic (blood related) & Lymphatic (Lymph Gland system), Heart & Vascular, Immune System, Integumentary (Skin), Liver-Pancreas, Neurologic (Nervous System), Occular (eye), Reproductive, Respiratory (Lungs and Brochical System), Skeletal & Urinary.

Alimentary (Digestive Tract)	Hearing/Balance	Integumentary (Skin)	Reproductive
Behavioral	Hemapoietic (blood related) & Lymphatic (Lymph Gland system)	Liver-Pancreas	Respiratory (Lungs and Brochical System)
Cancer	Heart & Vascular	Neurologic (Nervous System)	Skeletal
Endocrine (Glands which produce various hormones)	Immune System	Ocular (eye)	Urinary.

Megaaesophagus (Esophageal Achalasia): Regurgitation of undigested food occurs due to failure of esophageal muscles to force swallowed food through to the stomach. H (undetermined mode) Occurs under 6 months of age. 1

Perianal Gland Adenomas: Benign growths in perianal area that may hemorrhage & ulcerate. Dog my excessively lick the area. (H -undetermined mode). First occurs under 9 years of age. 1

Aggressiveness (Excessive): Extremely assertive or forceful with other dogs & people, may attack or bite without reasonable provocation. (H - undetermined mode). First occurs +/- 3 years of age. 1

Mastosarcoma: Clinically, there may be masses palpable in the skin & subcutaneous tissue. These lesions may ulcerate or spread & metastasize to other parts of the body. There is generally weight loss & lethargy late in the development of this tumor. (H-Polygenetic). First occurs under seven years of age. 1

Hypothyroidism (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, Hashimoto's Disease, Lymphcytic Thyroiditis): Destruction of the thyroid gland due to an attack from the animal's own immune system. Causes rough, scaly skin; hair loss and weight gain, especially in later stages of the condition. (H-Probably incomplete dominant). First occurs under 2 years of age. 1 90% of cases are autoimmune thyroiditis, the remaining 10% have thyroid atrophy of unknown causes. Sometimes a temporary thyroid problem exists in relation to other disease or secondarily to use of a drug that has been given. Most common early symptoms are unexplained weight gain, dry coat, skin infections, flea, food allergies, smelly ears and chronic ear infections, infertility and dry-eye syndrome. Thyroid deficiency also plays a role in many of the immune-mediated blood diseases and increases the incidence of Von Willebrands disease. 2 As can be seen, the thyroid function is directly related to many aspects of the immune system and the rest of the endocrine system. For more information on this condition go here.

Deafness: Inability to hear may be unilateral or bilateral. Piebald or Extreme Piebald Gene Deafness, first occurring under 3 months,( H - Recessive or undetermined mode) 1

Vestibular Disease: Head tilt, loss of balance, circling, rolling & staggering gait. (H- Recessive). First occurs under 3 months. This is not the same as the vestibular disease that occurs in elderly dogs. 1

Factor VII Deficiency: A missing component in the blood causing slow coagulation. you may see mild subcutaneous bleeding (bruising). (H - Incomplete Dominant). First occurs at birth. 1. Usually no reason for concern even during surgeries. Does not require a prior blood transfusion. For more information, click here.

Dilated Cardiomyopophay (DCM): Clinical signs include dyspnea, exercise intolerance, syncope, cough, anorexia, weight loss & lethargy. Heart sounds are muffled. (H- Undetermined mode). Can first occur before or after 6 years of age. 1

Pulmonic Stenosis (PS): Narrowing of the pulmoric artery where it attaches to the heart, causing murmurs & enlargement of the right side of the heart. (H-Polygenetic mode). First occurs under 1 year of age. 1

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the heart wall that divides the right and left sides, causing poor circulation & possible death. (H-Polygenetic mode). Occurs at birth. 1

Allergies: Are usually related to a problem with the Immune system. Click here for an excellent article

Demodicosis (Demodetic Mange): A localized Demodex infection that usually results in a mild erythema & may develop into some form of alopecia (hair loss). Pruitus may or may not be present. These are most commonly seen on the face and usually there is spontaneous recovery within 6-8 weeks. This is not considered to be hereditary. A generalized demodicosis usually develops as a chronic dermatitis with crusting, scaling & hyperpigmentation. There may be intense pruitis and a secondary pyoderma. Folliculitis, cellulitis, furnunculosis & seborrhea may occur. A susceptibility & predisposition to Demodex canis is thought to be based on a a T-cell disturbance. Generalized Demodicosis is considered to be inherited. (U) Occurs under one year. 1

Polygenicarteritis Nodosa (Beagle Pain Syndrome, Neck Pain Syndrome, Canine Pain Syndrome, Meningitis-Vasculitis, Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis, SRMA): Immune mediated vascular lesions in the menial & coronary arteries lead to typical neuralgic & cardiac signs, such as chronic fever, anorexia, stiff neck & para- or tetraplegia. (H-Undetermined mode). Can first occur under 2 years of age. 1 See this link for more detailed explanation

Inguinal Hernia: An outpouching of skin in the area of the inguinal ring, which may contain viscera (intestines); a scrotal hernia is a type of inguinal hernia. (H - Recessive or undetermined). Occurs usually under 6 months of age. 1

Umbilical Hernia: An outpouching of skin over the "belly button". It may contain abdominal viscera & sometimes regresses spontaneously. (H- Recessive or Polygenic). Usually occurs under 6 months of age. 1

Diabetes Mellitus: Excessive sugar accumulates in the blood and urine due to a lack or inability to use insulin. (H - Undetermined). Usually occurs under 3 years of age. 1

Pancreatic Hypoplasia (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, Pancreatic Acinar Atrophy, PAA): Weight loss & chronic diarrhea; generally correctable with pancreatic enzyme supplementation. (H - Recessive). Usually occurs under 1 year of age. 1

Portosystemic Shunt (Intrahepatic): Abnormal blood vessels within the liver, which prevents normal circulation & metabolism within the liver. (H - Undetermined). Usually occurs under 1 year of age. 1

Epilepsy: Seizures occur that are commonly called fits; they recur generally close together. (H - Undetermined). Generally occur under 1 year of age if hereditary. 1 Later onset usually indicates other causes. For more information please go to this link. To take part in the research for a genetic marker for Epilepsy go to Epilepsy Project.

Gangliosidosis (Storage Diseases): Ataxia, head tremors, blindness & generalized seizures involving all 4 limbs may occur. Dogs can become paraplegic or tetraplegic. (H- Recessive, age of onset under 6 months) 1

Hound Ataxia: Rear leg ataxia which progresses; forelimbs are not affected. (H- Undetermined mode). Age of onset under 7 years. 1

Narcolepsy (Cataplexy): Excitement, emotional stimulation or eating may cause the animal to suddenly fall asleep; muscle atonia may occur & the dog may collapse. Frequency of attacks varies greatly. (H- Recessive). Age of onset under 1 year. 1

Cataracts: Vary by breed & age of onset. As a generality, any lens opacity which obscures vision & may cause blindness is considered a cataract. In beagles there are the following forms of Cataracts: Congenital Cataracts (H - Recessive) age of onset birth. Early onset & Progressive Cataracts (H- Recessive or undetermined mode). Age of onset under 3 years. And Undetermined Cataracts for which no cause is know. 1 For more information click here

Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA): An optical defect due to retinal pigment degeneration, resulting in secondary degeneration of the rods and cones. Central vision loss, but peripheral vision may last to old age. Some dogs may not lose vision. (H- Undetermined mode). Age of onset under 2 years. 1

Dermoid: A small patch of skin generally on the cornea, often causing irritation. (H- Possibly Recessive) age of onset under 1 year. 1

Distichiasis: Abnormal location of eyelashes on the margin of the eyelid, causing irritation. (H- Undetermined mode). Age of onset under 1 year. 1

Ectopic Cilia (Aberrant Cilia): Eyelashes are abnormally placed on the conjunctiva (inner surface) of the eyelid (most often the upper eyelid. (H- Undetermined). Age of onset, birth. 1

Ectropion: Turning out of the eyelids, causing excessive exposure of the eyeball. (H-Undetermined), age of onset under 6 months. 1

Entropion: Turning in of the eyelids, causing the eyelashes to rub the eyeball. (H- Undetermined)age of onset under 1 year. 1

Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the globe, which can be a result of various causes. Without treatment, the pressure damages the eye, causing pain & often blindness. (H - Recessive) age of onset under 3 years. 1 For more information, click here

Imperforate Lacrimal Punctum (Epiphoral): Failure of development of the nasolacrimal drainage system, causing tears to spill onto the face. (H-Undetermined) age of onset under 1 year. 1

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS, Dry Eye): Inadequate tear production, causing irritation of the conjunctiva & cornea. (H-Undetermined), age of onset under 1 year.1 Also dry eye can be caused by the removal of the lacrimal gland, oral sulfa medication or nerve damage, as well as plugged tear ducts. It has also been reported that Dry Eye can occur as an adverse reaction (autoimmune) to the dog's own tear glands. There are many treatments available as well as salivary gland duct transplantation for unresponsive cases. 2 For more information click here.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Degeneration of the retinal vision cells which progresses to blindness. (H-Undetermined) age of onset varies. 1 For more information click here.

Prolapse of the Gland of the Third Eyelid (Cherry Eye): Clinically, the gland protrudes into the medial canthus of the eye. This tissue becomes swollen & reddened, resulting in the term "Cherry Eye". (E, H-Undetermined), age of onset under one year). 1 This condition can be corrected after medical reduction of the gland by several surgical methods to tack the gland back in place, or to remove part or all of the gland. Removal of the entire gland or failure to to anything can and often does result in Dry Eye, as the source of major lacrimal (tear) production is either removed surgically or through the gland losing it's blood supply if left alone. For more information click here.

Cryptorchidism: An absence of testicles due to retention in the abdomen or inguineal region; can be one- or both-sided, or may slide in and out of the scrotum. (H-Undetermined). Age of onset under 3 months.1

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Clinically, severe respiratory dyspnea due to abdominal organs in the thoracic cavity. Puppies are extremely weak, cyanotic & gasping for air. Death ensues soon after. (H-Recessive) age of onset under 4 weeks. 1

Tracheal Collapse: Improper formation of the cartilaginous rings of the trachea causing mild to severe breathing problems. (H-Undetermined), age of onset under 1 year. 1

Brachury (Short Tails): A tail that is shorter than what is considered normal for the breed. (H-Recessive) age of onset under 6 months. 1

Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate: A fissure of cleft in the roof of the mouth & upper lip; may be present together or separately. this allows food &/or fluid to enter the nasal respiratory pathway. (H-Undetermined mode). age of onset birth. 1

Beagle Dwarfism (Osteochondrodysplasia, Chondrodysplasia, Achondrodysplasia, Pseudoachondroplasia, Primary Metabolic Skeletal Abnormality, Enchondrodystropy) Dwarfism is defined as a disorder that reduces the size of a dog below that which is reasonably established as expected for a given breed. It may or may not include physical deformities & they may be proportionate or disproportionate. (H-Recessive, Possibly prenatal influences) age of onset under 3 weeks. 1 A study on the marker gene for Beagle Dwarfism is currently underway. In beagles "Funny Puppies" as they were called, are usually the smallest in the litter, seem slow to nurse and less vigorous than their siblings, often requiring supplemental feedings. But then diarrhea is another problem, and after a week or ten days on antibiotics and supplementation, the pup seems to catch up. Usually around 3 weeks it screams in pain and is unable to put weight on one of its forelegs, but all seems fine in a few days. About 4 weeks it will seem to have problems getting up on its feet and moves with more of a shuffling gait.. By 4-6 months the pup seems fine and the condition has stabilized, with crooked front legs, a roach to the back and walks with a limp, and is weak or cow-hocked in the rear. The skin is frequently tight and itchy. Usually very intelligent and affectionate, they make marvelous companions. However it is often seen that these puppies have bad bites, dental problems, an early left-eye cataract, short toes, are lacking in frontal sinuses, are often dysplastic, susceptibility to infections and other various abnormalities. 2 We now have a marker gene discovered, and the problems is being more thoroughly researched for authentication. Click here for more information on this condition. Dr. Neff would like more submissions from affected or suspected to be affected dogs.

Musladin-Leuke Syndrome (Chinese Beagle Syndrome) (H-Autosommal Recessive. Age of onset birth. This syndrome manifests itself by quite specific characteristics. It is often quite easy to identify a puppy/dog affected with this syndrome. Typically, MLS affected beagles have short outer toes and they walk upright on their front feet in what resembles a ballerina stance. Often all four feet are affected. Affected beagles often have tighter skin with limited “scruff”. Their bodies feel hard due to the tight skin, tendons and muscles. They often appear very well muscled. Their head shape is also notably different having a flat skull, higher ear set and slanted eyes. Tails are often carried in a straight, stiff fashion and some beagles have noticeable kinks in the tail as well. The syndrome can be determined very early on at about 2 to 3 weeks if you know what to look for. The syndrome progressively gets worse until about 1 year of age when the dog then stabilizes. It is also important to note that there are varying degrees of “affectedness” with many beagles and breeders should look at any or all of the above indicators to assist in determining an MLS diagnosis or a potential MLS carrier. Unless there are associated congenital or genetic problems, these beagles will have a normal life span. A commercial DNA test is now available from the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of California, Davis. 3 For further information and explanation of this syndrome, please click on to the following link: here. Click here for a request form for the ordering the DNA test for MLS

Hip Dysplasia: Abnormal formation of the hip socket, causing rear-limb lameness. (H-Polygenic, E, N) age of onset under 2 years. 1 Click here for more information on this condition.

Intervertebral Disc Disease(IDD): Dorsal rupture of the discs between the vertebral bodies, causing back pain, rear-end ataxia & paralysis. (H-Undetermined mode), age of onset 1 year. 1 For more information, go here.

Lunation of the Patella (knee): Poor development of the structures holding the kneecap in place. The patella usually rotates medially (inward) in small breeds. (H-Polygenic mode), age of onset under 1 year. Luxation can also occur to to trauma injury resulting in stretching or tearing of the cruciate ligaments at any age. 1 The dog usually does not appear in pain and can be normal one moment and hopping the next. Lateral (outward) displacement is considered to be trauma induced and not of a hereditary nature. Surgical repair in either incidence is indicated. 2 Quite often similar symptoms may occur due to Anterior Cruciate Ligament problems.

Panosteitis (Enostosis, Eosinophilic Panosteitis): Usually, sudden onset of a mild, shifting lameness. Fever, anorexia & lethargy may be present. The disease may be serious enough that the animal may not bear weight on the affected limb. This disease is self-limiting. (H-Undetermined), age of onset under 18 months. 1

Ectopic Ureters: The ureters do not properly attach to the bladder, causing urine dribbling, usually from birth. (H-Undetermined). 1

Polygeniccystic Kidney (Normal Livers): Large cysts occur only in the kidney causing malfunction and death. (H-Recessive). age of onset under 1 year. 1

Systemic Reactive Amyloidosis: Renal anyloid deposits lead to uremia & chronic renal failure. (H-Undetermined), age of onset under 6 years. 1

1. Control of Canine Genetic Diseases. George A. Padgett, DVM, Professor of Pathology, Michigan State University. Howell Book House, Publishers, New York. 1998

2. The New Beagle. Judith M. Musladin, M.D., A.C. Musladin, M.D. & Ada T. Lueke. 2nd Edition, Howell Book House, New York. 1998