Other Health Conditions affecting Dalmatians
Kidney failure has afflicted some Dalmatians, and a project funded by DCAF investigated the possibility of a congenital or hereditary renal issue in the breed. You can read more about this study here. The study found that there were many types of renal disease with no clear evidence of it being a hereditary disease in Dalmatians. There can be environmental causes, congenital (birth defect) causes, causes related to prescription drugs, hereditary causes, causes from other diseases processes, etc. However, it is good for owners to be aware of signs and symptoms since early detection can prolong the lives of dogs affected. It is also a good idea to do baseline blood panels for dogs when they get their first annual vaccination renewal usually at about 14 months to detect early onset and to have a reference should the problem present later.
More information about kidney disease.
Find a veterinary internal medicine specialist.
Dalmatian Renal Interest Group
Glaucoma has been recognized in the veterinary literature as a condition that may affect Dalmatians. This is a serious, painful condition that requires immediate treatment and often results in vision loss. It may be Primary (inherited or congenital) or Secondary (caused by some sort of trauma to the eye). Diagnosis of glaucoma depends upon accurate intraocular eye pressure (IOP) measurement and internal eye examination using special instruments. Acute glaucoma is an emergency. Sometimes immediate referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist is necessary. Upon diagnosis, there are prescription drops that can be used to relieve the pressure (and the pain) and prolong the vision of affected dogs. More information about canine glaucoma.
Iris Sphincter Dysplasia is another, less devastating eye condition that may be present in some Dalmatians and should be checked when OFA eye exams are done. All Dalmatians used for breeding should have an annual OFA Eye examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
More information about the OFA Eye Exam and certification can be found here.
Find a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Allergies are not uncommon for Dalmatians. Approximately one in five Dalmatian owners will encounter one of these issues. They can be challenging and expensive to figure out. The dermatology health and research topic group focuses on conditions commonly observed in the Dalmatian breed, such as canine atopic dermatitis (sometimes described as Dalmatian Bronzing Syndrome). More information about allergies can be found at:
General allergies in dogs:
Food allergy in dogs
Find a dermatology specialist.
There have been reports of cardiac disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, in Dalmatians, and dietary cardiomyopathy (associated with certain dog foods) has been reported in many breeds.
Information about dilated cardiomyopathy can be found here.
Information about dietary cardiomyopathy can be found here.
Dalmatians can be afflicted with Epilepsy, like many other breeds and mixed-breed dogs. Epilepsy is a diagnosis of elimination, meaning that after all other causes for seizures have been explored and eliminated, the disorder is assumed to be epilepsy. There are a number of prescription drugs that can help control seizures and allow dogs to live long mostly normal lives.
The Canine Health Foundation resource web page contains more information.
Another resource for information and support is Canine Epilepsy.
Dalmatians do not appear to have any breed specific hereditary orthopedic problems, but as athletic, active dogs, they can develop issues such as cruciate ruptures and other soft tissue and orthopedic injuries. Many people who choose a Dalmatian do so because they want an active companion. It is important to allow Dalmatians (and all dogs) to physically mature before engaging in strenuous activities. Limiting exercise to normal play and short (less than 1 mile) walks until the dog’s growth plates close at between the ages of 12 and 18 months is likely to lessen the chance of injury later in life and likely to extend the dog’s musculoskeletal well-being well into old age. Well-bred Dalmatians will have parents who have had at least their hips OFA certified, and often elbows as well. More about OFA certification of hips and elbows.
Dogs of all breeds may be affected by conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, Diabetes mellitus, and others. Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in dogs, and testing for autoimmune thyroiditis is recommended for dogs who will be bred. More information is available here.
