Common Corgi Health Issues

A key point about this breed is that all Corgis have achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism that gives this breed its shorter legs. This genetic mutation has been encouraged in corgis, as well as other dogs such as dachshunds and a few terrier breeds, and is what gives them their small size.

While the Corgi’s dwarfism isn’t really one of its health issues, the fact is that later in the dog’s life, it does contribute to potential health problems.

Common Corgi Health Problems

Below are the Top 10 Corgi health problems, along with insights on how to identify these issues, treatment options, and last but not least–prevention.

#1: Hip Dysplasia In Corgis

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common orthopedic condition, including Corgis. It’s caused by a malformation of the hip joint in which the ball and socket of the hip don’t fit together correctly. This can lead to pain, arthritis, and joint instability. Hip dysplasia is largely due to heredity, and Corgis with a  history of hip dysplasia in their family tree are at higher risk.

When It Develops

Hip dysplasia in dogs begins to develop when a dog is quite young and growing. Symptoms may or may not appear at this stage. As time goes on and your Corgi is an adolescent, the condition begins to noticeably manifest itself with limping, stiffness and a reluctance to exercise. Adulthood, generally two years or older, brings more severe effects of the condition, and your Corgi may now have arthritis or joint degeneration.

How To Spot Symptoms:

Common symptoms of hip dysplasia in Corgis are:

• Difficulty in Movements: Problems climbing stairs, getting up from a lying position, or jumping.
• Pain: Signs of pain or discomfort, including whining or flinching when hips are touched.
• Limping or Lameness: Often observed in one or both back legs, especially after activity.
• Less Active: Less interest in playing or exercising

Treatment:

Hip dysplasia in dogs can be challenging for a dog owner, but there are various management techniques that will help improve your Corgis quality of life:

• Weight Control: Weight management is critical to reducing stress on your dog’s joints.
• Exercise: Appropriate exercise helps maintain muscle strength along with joint stability. Avoid high impact exercise on hard surfaces.
• Pain Relief: Pain is usually alleviated with anti-inflammatory meds. You should also have a discussion with your vet about pain management options for your Corgi with hip dysplasia.
• Surgery: Severe cases may need surgery. A total hip replacement that replaces the defective hip joint with plastic and metal implants is sometimes a good idea.

Prevention:

Here are some things that can be done to prevent and/or manage hip dysplasia in Corgis.

• Healthy Lifestyle: A well balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight and judicious exercise are all key factors in managing hip dysplasia.
• Regular Vet Check-ups: Early detection and management can be tremendously helpful in mitigating the severity of this condition.
• Selective Breeding: Breeding practices should be focused on producing dogs with healthy hips in order to reduce the occurrence of dysplasia. This means not breeding a Corgi with hip dysplasia.

#2:  Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Intervertebral disc disease, or IVVD, in Corgis includes bulging, herniated, ruptured, or slipped discs. It’s a common reason for back pain in dogs. Just as in hip dysplasia, IVVD is an inherited, progressive, and exceedingly painful condition. s, IVDD may be to blame. Corgis, with their long bodies, are prone to this disorder.

When It Develops:

There is no specific age for cataracts to develop in Corgis, but the condition is more common in older dogs.

How To Spot Symptoms:

If your dog has any of these symptoms shown below, it needs to see a vet right away:

• Reluctance to move
• Inability to support own weight
• Head held low
• Shivering or crying
• Arching back
• Unsteadiness in all 4 legs
• Knuckling of all 4 paws
• Inability to feel all 4 feet and legs
• Inability to walk normally
• Inability to stand

Treatment:

Treatment might include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgery. In severe cases that don’t respond to anti-inflammatory meds, physical therapy or rest, surgery might be performed to remove the hardened disc material pressing on the dog’s spinal cord, which causes IVDD symptoms. Post surgery, your Corgi will need 6-8 weeks of recovery, during which time physical activity must be restricted to avoid injuring the spine.

Prevention:

Intervertebral Disc Disease isn’t really preventable. Corgis are more susceptible to this problem due to their long backs and short legs. However, there are measures you can take to lessen your Corgi’s risk of developing this condition:

• Avoid High-Impact Activities: Discourage jumping on and off furniture, as well as chasing after objects. These actions strain the back and can worsen IVDD.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping your dog at an appropriate weight helps reduce stress on their back.
• Use a Harness: Use a well-fitting harness when walking your dog, as it distributes weight across the chest and minimizes stress on the neck as well as the spine.
• Give your Corgi a high quality joint supplement.

#3. Epilepsy In Corgis

Epilepsy in Corgis is a neurological condition that is characterized by recurring seizures. It may affect any breed, including both types of Corgis. There are three types of epileptic seizures in dogs:

1. Structural Epilepsy: This type is a result of physical abnormalities in the brain, including tumors or malformations.
2. Secondary Epilepsy: Secondary epilepsy is caused by an underlying condition. These might include metabolic disorders, brain tumors, or infections. If the underlying cause is identified and treated, seizures might be eliminated or at least reduced.
3. Idiopathic Epilepsy: This type is the most common. It has no cause that can be identified. Idiopathic epilepsy is very often hereditary, and can occur in various breeds, including Corgis.

When It Develops

Here are the 3 main time frames for epilepsy to develop in Corgis, or any breed of dog:

• Juvenile: Seizures often start between 6 months and 3 years. This is when idiopathic epilepsy is usually diagnosed.
• Adult Onset: Not common, but seizures may begin in dogs three to six years old. It may be the result of secondary causes, including  infections, metabolic disorders, or brain tumors.
• Late Onset: Rare, but may occur in dogs older than six years of age. Many late onset seizures are related to secondary causes such as tumors or various other health issues.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of epilepsy in Corgis typically include:

• Aura: Some dogs may show certain signs preceding a seizure, such as hiding or becoming restless.
• Seizures: Seizures may vary in both type and severity, but usually include convulsions, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, or unusual behaviors.
• Postictal State: Following a seizure, a dog may be lethargic, disoriented, or even temporarily blind.

Treatment:

Corgis with epilepsy may need treatment throughout their lives. After the type of seizure is determined and treatment begun, a dog will require regular monitoring by a veterinarian. Meds might need to be tweaked depending on side effects and response to the medication.

Anti-seizure medication is the front line treatment of epilepsy in Corgis. The most widely prescribed drugs are:

• Zonisamide
• Phenobarbital
• Potassium bromide
• Levetiracetam

Prevention:

Although epilepsy can’t be prevented, there are steps you can take to help lessen your Corgi’s seizure activity:

• Avoid Triggers: If certain things—stress, flashing lights, loud noises—appear to trigger your dog’s seizures, try to minimize exposure.
• Diary of seizures: Keeping a record of the duration and frequency, as well as any possible triggers of seizures, can help the veterinarian adjust treatment as indicated.
• Medication as ordered: Be sure to give your Corgi its medication as prescribed by the vet.
• Emergency Planning: Having an emergency plan in place is important. If seizures become frequent or severe, for instance, consult your vet right away.

#4: Degenerative Myelopathy In Corgis

Degenerative Myelopathy is a spinal cord disease that causes weakness in the hind legs. It is a progressive condition that worsens over time. Similar to ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in humans, Degenerative Myelopathy causes degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord. It is more often found in, middle aged or senior dogs. It affects mostly German Shepherds, Boxers, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

When It Develops:

Typically, this condition appears in dogs that are older, generally 8 years or more. However, symptoms can appear anywhere from four to fourteen years old.

How To Spot Symptoms:

The first symptoms of Degenerative Myelopathy may be subtle, such as the dog dragging a rear foot or developing an unsteady gait. As time goes on, a dog may lose coordination, develop worn nails on their rear paws, and sway. Eventually, the hind legs become paralyzed, then the front legs. It can progress to the head, which may affect bladder control.

Treatment:

Sadly, there is no cure or effective treatment for Degenerative Myelopathy in Corgis. Physical therapy might slow down the progression to some extent, but it’s a case of postponing the inevitable. At some point, euthanasia is the kindest thing for the dog due to its quality of life.

Prevention:

This condition cannot be prevented. However, genetic testing is available that identifies the presence of the SOD1 gene mutation that is associated with Degenerative Myelopathy. If the risk is a concern to you, consult your vet or a laboratory for testing. This is crucial if you are a breeder of Corgis. If a dog does carry the gene, you don’t want to use it for breeding purposes.

#5: Ear Infections In Corgis

Corgis are susceptible to ear problems because of their ear structure. They have upright ears, which may trap moisture along with debris, which makes the ear canal more prone to infections. Excessive hair growth in and around the dog’s ear canal can also trap moisture and debris.

When It Develops

Corgis can develop ear infections at any point between puppyhood and adulthood on to their senior years. Still, there are certain periods that may make them more likely to develop an ear infection:

• 0-6 months: Puppies don’t have a strong immune system yet, making infection more of a problem. Plus, they’re curious babies and want to explore everything, even places that may have irritants or exposure to infections.
• 6 months-2 years: Hormonal changes in adolescent Corgis weaken the immune system, leaving them more vulnerable to infection.
• 2 years and older: Adult Corgis may have developed chronic ear infections due to allergens, irritants, environmental moisture and other contributing factors.

How To Spot Symptoms

Common symptoms include rubbing ears on furniture or the floor, head shaking, discharge from one or both ears, redness, incoordination, swelling, excessive scratching, plus a strong yeasty odor.

Treatment

If your Corgi has symptoms of an ear infection, a trip to the vet is in order. Treatment ordinarily consists of cleaning the ears, antibiotics and medicated ear drops. The vet may also prescribe pain relief meds for the dog, as ear infections can be quite painful.

Prevention:

Keeping your Corgi’s ears dry is key to preventing ear infections. Always dry its ears after bathing, swimming or getting wet. Ear cleaning and trimming the hair growing inside your dog’s ears also helps prevent infections.

#6: Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Also known as PDA, Patent Ductus Arteriosus is a congenital birth defect of the heart that may affect Corgis, especially the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The ductus arteriosus in a healthy heart connects two major arteries. It usually closes soon after birth. But In dogs with PDA, it stays open and allows an abnormal blood flow pattern.

When It Develops

This condition is present at or shortly after birth.

How To Spot Symptoms

Common symptoms may include rapid or labored breathing, coughing, an inability to exercise, heart murmurs, weakness, and in extreme cases, congestive heart failure along with  fluid accumulation in the lungs. Early diagnosis of Patent Ductus Arteriosus is critical as it may lead to serious heart complications as well as shorter life expectancy if it it’s left untreated.

Treatment:

Treatment for PDA is aimed at closing the ductus arteriosus. This might be done through open chest surgery or using a catheter to close the opening with coils or a ductal occlude. The catheter method may not be appropriate for small dogs. Please note that the sooner either of these treatments is performed, the better.

Prevention:

There is no means of prevention for Patent Ductus Arteriosus. But, if your Corgi has this condition, they should not be used for breeding purposes.

#7  Urinary Stones

Urinary stones, sometimes referred to as bladder stones or uroliths, are crystalline formations in the urinary tract. These are extremely painful and  both Pembroke, as well as Cardigan Welsh Corgis, are prone to these because of genetics.

Frequent urination isn’t normal. Nor is straining to urinate, or blood in the Corgi’s urine. Any of these occurrences might signal a UTI, or Urinary Tract Infection, or a stone.  or strain to do so. This isn’t something to be taken lightly. In fact, it requires an immediate vet visit and medical intervention.

When It Develops

There is no specific age for urinary stones to develop in Corgis. However, they do occur more frequently in smaller breeds, so it’s important to be mindful of this and monitor your dog’s hydration, diet and urination.

How To Spot Symptoms

The most common symptoms of urinary stones in Corgis include:

• Straining to urinate
• Painful urination
• Too frequent urination
• Blood in urine

Treatment:

Treatment might be medications, dietary changes, or surgery in severe cases. Diet is often advised to have lower levels of protein, phosphorus and magnesium. This diet helps to dilute the dog’s urine and acidify it, which assists in preventing the formation of urinary stones.

Non-surgical treatment consists of the vet using a technique called urohydropropulsion that flushes out the stones and pushes them back into the dog’s bladder. No incision is necessary. In more severe cases or with larger stones, the vet will do surgery to remove the stones.

Prevention:

First and foremost, always ensure that your Corgi stays well hydrated. This, combined with a diet that is lower in protein and magnesium, can help prevent formation of urinary stones.

#8: Eye Disorders In Corgis

Corgis are prone to various eye disorders. These include, but are not limited to: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a group of inherited diseases that result in a gradual loss of vision. Cataracts cloud the eye’s lens. Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), is a congenital disorder capable of severely impairing vision. Cherry Eye results from the prolapse of the third eyelid’s gland.

Glaucoma puts increased pressure on the eye, causing optic nerve damage. Entropion, wherein the eyelid rolls inward, causes pain and discomfort, and corneal ulcers, which are often caused by eye injuries.

When It Develops

Corgis may develop eye disorders at various stages during their lives. Here is a generalized overview:

Early Life:

• Congenital: Some eye disorders in Corgis might be evident at birth due to developmental abnormalities or genetic factors.
• Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM): A common congenital condition in which pieces of fetal tissue remain in the eye. This doesn’t ordinarily cause significant problems but it may affect the dog’s vision.

Adulthood:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA usually becomes noticeable when your Corgi reaches adulthood. It leads to progressive loss of vision and eventually to blindness.
• Age-Related Changes: With age, Corgis might develop eye conditions such as cataracts or lens issues.

How To Spot Symptoms

1. Vision Changes: Walking cautiously, squinting, watery discharge, different-sized pupils, or bumping into objects may be a sign of eye disorders.
2. Red Blood Vessels: Noticeably reddened blood vessels in the white of the dog’s eye can signal an eye problem.
3. Pain: Your Corgi might exhibit discomfort, as in  not fully opening one or both eyes or rubbing its eyes.

Treatment:

Treatment will depend on the type of eye disorder. Some, such as cataracts and Cherry Eye, usually require surgery. Others, like corneal ulcers, may be treated with medication.

Prevention:

Although some eye disorders are congenital or hereditary and can’t reasonably be prevented, others such as corneal ulcers that are often caused by trauma are preventable to an extent. Here are some things you can do to be proactive about good eye health in your Corgi:

1. Avoiding Trauma: Avoid trauma to your Corgi’s eyes while playing. This means avoiding rough play or sharp objects that could injure the dog’s eyes.
2. Practice Cleanliness: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away debris or discharge around your Corgi’s face and eyes.
3. Eye Exams: Schedule eye check-ups with a vet on a regular basis. Spotting eye disorders early may well bring better outcomes.
4. Avoiding Irritants: Protecting your dog’s eyes from irritants and chemicals could play a big part in maintaining its eye health.
5. Proper Diet: Feeding your Corgi a vitamin and nutrient enriched diet will help its overall health, including eye health.

#9: Gastrointestinal Issues In Corgis

Corgis have a tendency to be prone to digestive problems, more so than other dogs. In fact, these dogs have very sensitive stomachs and digestive systems. They often suffer from gas, diarrhea, stomach cramping, vomiting, and bloating. A lot of factors can cause these stomach and bowel upsets, ranging from a sudden diet change, food allergies, stress, or any one of a number of things that might disrupt your corgi’s microbiome, which is the good bacteria in its gut.

When It Develops:

Corgis might be born with sensitive stomachs, and experience digestion problems starting from a young age, due to genetic abnormalities in their digestive systems, food allergies or just sensitive stomachs.

How To Spot Symptoms:

Here are some typical signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal issues in Corgis:

• Loss of Appetite: If your Corgi suddenly isn’t hungry, it might be a sign of digestive issues.
• Changes in Stool Color and/or Consistency: Any unusual changes in color or the consistency of stool should be monitored closely.
• Abdominal Pain: Whining, reluctance to be touched around the belly, and
• restlessness could all be signs of GI upsets.
• Vomiting: Vomiting may be a sign of stomach or digestive tract issues.
• Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal upset may cause watery, loose
• Excessive Gas: Excessive flatulence or abdominal bloating could be an indicator of digestive problems.

Treatment:

If your Corgi’s GI symptoms appear fairly mild, you might try any of these treatments shown below. If these measures fail to get things straightened out, or the dog’s condition deteriorates, a trip to the vet is in order.

• Bland Diet: A bland diet  of  boiled rice and chicken, for example, might be a good idea for a few days to soothe a troublesome stomach.
• Fasting: Fasting can provide the dog’s gastrointestinal tract time to heal. Even 12-24 hours can be beneficial.
• Probiotics: A multi-strain probiotic can help support your dog’s gut health and also manage flatulence and/or diarrhea.
• Pumpkin or Prebiotic Supplements: Prebiotic supplements or plain pureed pumpkin can often help regulate digestion.
• Digestive Enzymes: These enzymes do a good job of  improving overall digestion.

If seeing a vet is necessary, your dog may be prescribed medications, and undergo testing to diagnose the problem.

Prevention:

Prevention of GI problems in Corgis encompasses several factors, including a combination of regular exercise, regular veterinary care, proper diet, and good hygiene. One of the best things you can do as a dog owner to prevent gastrointestinal problems along with a host of other health issues is to make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Good hydration is a key element of good health.

 #10: Cancer In Corgis

Although cancer in Corgis is the last on our list, it’s actually a leading  cause of death for this breed, as with all other breeds. Statistically, one in three dogs will develop some type of cancer, and 28.4% of Corgis will die from it. There are several different types of cancer in dogs, but Corgis have the highest rate of Lymphoma.  This cancer affects the immune system cells, called lymphocytes.

When It Develops:

While cancer can develop in Corgis or dogs in general at any age, most are older when it develops. The Lymphoma cancer that Corgis are most prone to have, though, can occur at any age.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are some signs and symptoms of lymphoma in Corgis:

• Swollen lymph nodes behind the shoulders, neck, or knees
• Lethargy
• Weight loss

Here are some symptoms of other types of cancer in Corgis, including mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, melanoma, mouth and nose cancer, brain tumors and histiocytic:

• Any lumps or bumps visible on the body
• Blood coming from ears or mouth
• Evidence of pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Tiredness
• Depression
• Changes in bathroom habit
• Change in appetite
• Abnormal odors
• Coughing
• Sudden weight loss
• Abdominal swelling

Treatment:

• Immunotherapy: The vet may extract immune cells from your Corgi and train these calls to recognize and then attack cancerous cells. Or a dog might be given a vaccine for cancer, like one in common use to treat melanoma.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy for dogs is a fairly new thing, and has proven to be effective in many cases. It uses drugs to target fast-growing, cancer cells that are rapidly metastasizing, or spreading. This treatment may shrink cancerous tumors and slow their growth as well.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target malignant cells. Typically a treatment for cancerous tumors that are localized, it is also useful to relieve pain when surgery isn’t a viable option.
• Surgery: Surgical removal of cancer is sometimes the best treatment. This depends on factors such as the type of cancer and its location. The primary goal of surgery is to get rid of existing malignant tissue and prevent its spread.

Treatment of Corgis for Lymphoma might include the treatments above, or if caught early, it may be treated with medication and antibiotics.

Prevention:

Monitor Your Corgi’s Health: Stay watchful for changes in your Corgi’s overall health and condition, or changes in its behavior.

Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular check-ups with the vet are vitally important. The sooner cancer is detected, the better the dog’s chances of a good outcome.

Healthy Weight and Lifestyle: A healthy diet and lifestyle along with regular exercise supports a dog’s well-being and may lessen its risk of developing cancer.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Common Corgi Health Issues?

The short answer is yes, it does. When you’re shopping for pet insurance, check the coverage to be sure that genetic and hereditary conditions are included. Understand that there is a difference between hereditary and pre-existing conditions.

Very few pet insurance policies will provide coverage for pre-existing conditions. You should also check out reimbursement percentages, benefit limits, and waiting periods.

Pet insurance typically covers most common health problems in Corgis. There are a number of types of pet insurance available. You may prefer a policy that covers accidents and injuries, but not illness or disease, or a policy that covers chronic issues like arthritis, as well as routine health problems. When you are ready to purchase insurance for a Corgi, you will find policies that cover the following:

• Routine wellness examinations
• Blood and lab tests
• Diagnostic tests
• Surgery
• X-Rays
• MRIs
• Prescription meds
• Prescription food and/or nutritional supplements
• Behavioral therapy
• Alternative treatments

Although pre-existing conditions aren’t normally covered, some pet insurance providers offer coverage that is more expensive, but includes extra coverage.