The
health of our Irish Wolfhounds
Regine Vandamme
It is wise to be well informed and to have realistic expectations before getting an Irish Wolfhound as a companion.
His average lifespan is, as that of many other purebred dogs, not very long. In some countries the estimation varies between seven and eight years, in others it lies between five and six years. Nevertheless there are Irish Wolfhounds who live quietly till the age of 10 of 11 without too many problems, some even become 12 or 13. But the vast majority does not reach this respectable age... .
Most causes of untimely death are different kinds of cancer (prominent is bone cancer, called osteosarcoma) and heart problems. Here dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and heartrythm disturbances are the main culprits.
Whilst growing up some problems may occur, they can be genetic, but are very often due to overstraining, overfeeding (wheight excess), or inappropriate food composition (high-quality food is an absolute must).
Mentioned below are a number of headwords, where to click for more information.
When your puppy is growing up, pay a regular visit to your breeder, thus enabling him or her to detect possible problems at an early stage. Prevention is far better than curing!
Luckily most breeders of Irish Wolfhounds, certainly those mentioned on our list, are very concerned about health problems. As a club we organize at least once a year a preventive heart examination for all those who are interested. We most strongly recommend every owner to participate. When a heart disease is detected at an early stage, it is possible with the right medication, to maintain the quality of life and have a favourable effect on the dog’s lifespan. By only examining the dogs used for reproduction it is very difficult to achieve a long term health improvement.
We also ask the breeders to check all their puppies for livershunt, before they are leaving for their new home.
If health problems are suspected in some bloodline, or if a breeder is a novice with the breed, a PRA-test (progressive retinal atrophy) and an HD-examination (hip-dysplasia) are to be recommended.
It is only logical that one does not breed with sick dogs. In this respect we subscribe to the rules of the F.C.I.
Dare to ask questions to your breeder. The more you get to know about his ancestors, the better you will be able to evaluate your puppy's future. You also have the right to ask for written prove of the necessary health examinations.
As a club we organize at least twice a year an activity concerning the breed’s health. You are more than welcome to these gatherings!
Sufficient exercise, healthy nutrition, a good life quality are important factors that - as with humans - will favourably influence your Irish Wolfhound’s well-being. This is something, that together with preventive examinations, lies solely in your hands.
Article Dr J. Rothuizen : FR - NL
Herpes (Article Ronsse & Verstegen) : FR - NL
Kinesitherapy by dogs (Josy Laumen) : FR - NL