Rheumatoid Arthritis Support

The most common serious health issues of standard poodles (listed in order of the number of reported cases in the [http://www.poodlehealthregistry.org/ Poodle Health Registry] (as of August 20, 2007) are Addison's disease, gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV = bloat/torsion), thyroid issues (hyperthyroid and hypothyroid), tracheal collapse, epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia, and cancer. Standard poodles are also susceptible to some health issues usually too minor to report to the poodle health registry. The most common of these minor issues are probably ear infections. Ear infections are a problem in all poodle varieties. Ear problems can be minimized by proper ear care. A veterinarian should be consulted if the dog shows signs of an ear infection.

Addison's Disease

Addison's disease is (as of August 20, 2007) the illness most commonly reported to the Poodle Health Registry. The number of reported cases of Addison's disease is nearly twice as high as the next most common problem (GDV). Addison's disease is characterized by insufficient production of glucocorticoid and/or mineralocortoid in the adrenal cortex. Addison's is often undiagnosed because early symptoms are vague and easily mistaken for other conditions. Standard poodles with unexplained lethargy, frequent gastric disturbances, or an inability to tolerate stress should be tested for Addison's. Addison's can cause fatal sodium/potassium imbalances, but, if caught early and treated with lifelong medication, most dogs can live a relatively normal life.

Gastric dilatation volvulus

Standard poodle owners should take special note of the high incidence of GDV in this breed. Excess gas trapped in the dog's stomach causes "bloat." Twisting of the stomach (volvulus or "torsion") causes or is caused by excess gas. Symptoms include restlessness, inability to get comfortable, pacing, or retching without being able to bring up anything. The dog's abdomen may be visibly swollen, but dogs can bloat or torsion without visible swelling. GDV is a dire emergency condition. If you suspect a dog is bloating, you should not wait to see if he improves. A dog with GDV requires immediate veterinary care. The dog's survival usually depends on whether the owner can get him to the vet in time. It is a good idea for a standard poodle owner to know the route to the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic, so time is not wasted looking for directions.

Longevity and causes of death

Standard poodles in UK, Denmark and USA/Canada surveys had a median lifespan of 11.5 to 12 years. In a UK survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (30%), old age (18%), GDV (bloat/torsion, 6%), and cardiac disease (5%).

Miniature and toy poodles in UK surveys had median lifespans of 14 to 14.5 years. In miniature poodles, the leading cause of death was old age (39%). In toy poodles, the leading causes of death were old age (25%) and kidney failure (20%).

Some toy poodles can live up to 20 years, if they have a healthy life and are not overweight.

Common illnesses

* Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism)

* Cataracts

* Congenital heart disease

* Chronic active hepatitis

* Cushing's syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism)

* Distichiasis

* Entropion

* Epilepsy

* Gastric dilatation volvulus (Standard)

* Gastric torsion

* Glaucoma

* Intervertebral disc degeneration

* Lacrimal duct atresia

* Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome

* Progressive retinal atrophy

* Patellar luxation (Toy and Miniature)

* Trichiasis

* Urolithiasis.

* Hip dysplasia (Standard)

* Hypothyroidism

* Mitral valve disease

* Osteosarcoma

* Patent ductus arteriosus

* Sebaceous adenitis

* Von Willebrand disease


Adapted from the Wikipedia article Poodle, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki