Health

Health Issues

There are 3 health issues that everyone should consider when buying or breeding Pembroke Welsh Corgis. They are: vonWillebrand's disease (vWD), hip dysplasia (OFA) and eye conditions (CERF). Some people will say that none of these are life threatening and therefore non-issues. However, they can cause long-term health problems for the dog and potentially large vet bills for the owner. Not to mention the heart break associated with watching your beloved pet deteriorate with any of these conditions. If all breeders would only breed dogs with the highest health ratings many of these conditions could be eliminated completely.

We have all our dogs tested at the appropriate ages for these health issues to ensure that we don't pass these problems on to their offspring and potentially to a puppy buyer. None of our dogs will be bred if they do not pass these screenings.

vWD or Von Willebrand's Disease

We are fortunate that the gene that carries this condition has been identified. With a simple mouth swab, it can be determined if your dog is Clear, a Carrier, or Affected. If the dog is determined to be clear, then he does not have the gene at all and cannot possibly pass it on to offspring. A carrier has the gene but not the disease, he will pass the gene onto his offspring. The number of offspring that will have the gene will be determined by the vWD state of the mate. The Affected dog has or will have the disease.
It is not unlike hemophilia in humans. Please check out the VetGen web site for more information.

CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation)

An exam by an Veterinary of Ophthamology,will determine the condition of your dog's eyes. If the dog is permantly identified, the CERF foundation will give a CERF number to your dog. The ideal descriptor is Normal. The exam should be done annually if the dog is being bred, as some conditions develop over time.

OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)

This screening is used to determine the dogs' risk or likely-hood of developing hip dysplasia. The ratings are Good, Fair, and Excellent. The dog should be at least two years old when this is done. It only needs to be done once.

Genealogy

Dog Information

Health Issues

vWD or Von Willebrand's Disease

CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation)

OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)