The Newfoundland Club Inc, New Zealand
Breed Information
Whilst some people are anxious to get a Newfoundland, please make sure this is the breed for you. They grow rapidly, require grooming and exercise, but most of all need lots of love and time and commitment. A Newfoundland is for life.
The information contained on this page is just an overview of some of the health issues found in Newfoundlands today.
If you are considering adding a Newfoundland as your new family pet, then it would be wise to research more on these areas listed below. A breeder will know if these problems exist in their lines, but be sure to ask, and see the results in writing.
More information on these disorders can be found in; Newfoundland Books, on the Internet, Vets and the Club can provide you with a copy of a booklet that contains more information.
In alphabetical order:
- Cherry eye
A mass of red tissue that appears in the inside of the corner of the eye. Requires surgical removal of the entire gland.
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- Cystinuria
Cystinuria is characterized by the inadequate reabsorption of cystine during the filtering process in the kidneys, thus resulting in an excessive concentration of this amino acid. Cystine will precipitate out of the urine, if the urine is neutral or acidic, and form crystals or stones in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder.
More information - cystinuria »
More information - bladder stones »
- Elbow dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a condition involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow-joint.
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- Entropion
is the turning in of the eyelid which causes the lashes to rub on the cornea. This can cause pain and inflammation. Requires corrective surgery.
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- Heart disease
Sub aortic stenosis is the second most common canine heart malformation and is defined as an "obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract that ranges in severity from an incomplete fibrous ridge to a fibromuscular tunnel", and lies just under the aortic valve. This lesion causes turbulence in the blood as it crosses the aortic valve, and creates a murmur in most of the affected dogs.
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- Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints.
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- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
OCD is caused by a flap of cartilage in the shoulder or stifle that breaks off and dies before it has fully calcified. Small pieces can be reabsorbed in to the body, but surgery may be required to remove the excess flap.
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Further reading on Newfoundland dogs and potential health problems:
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