Understanding the Health and Care of the Brittany

Quick answer

The Brittany is a spirited, intelligent, and highly active dog that requires significant daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. While they are generally robust, they are prone to specific health issues involving the joints, the eyes, the nervous system, and the kidneys. By keeping your dog at a lean body condition and monitoring them for subtle changes in behavior or bathroom habits, you can provide the best possible care for your companion.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket joint of the hip does not fit together perfectly, leading to abnormal wear and discomfort as the dog moves. At home, you might notice your dog is reluctant to jump, struggles to climb stairs, or shows a swaying gait in the hindquarters. Some owners mistake this for simple fatigue after a long run.

Your vet will perform a physical manipulation of the hips and use X-rays to confirm the fit of the joint. The urgency of care depends on the level of pain and the dog's ability to remain mobile. Keeping your dog at a lean, healthy weight is the most important step you can take to reduce the stress on these joints.

Epilepsy

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Epilepsy manifests as recurrent seizures, which can range from mild twitching to full-body convulsions. When a seizure happens, the dog may lose consciousness, paddle their legs, or drool excessively. It is a frightening experience for any owner, but remaining calm is essential for the safety of both you and your pet.

Your vet will need to rule out other causes of seizures through blood work and neurological exams before diagnosing epilepsy. If your dog experiences a seizure that lasts more than a few minutes, or if they have multiple seizures in a single day, this is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Never put your hands near the dog's mouth during a seizure, as they cannot control their jaw movements.

Eye Conditions

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Eye health in the Brittany can be affected by various conditions that impact the surface or the internal structures of the eye. You may notice your dog squinting, rubbing their eyes, or showing signs of discharge or cloudiness. Any change in your dog's vision or the appearance of their eyes should be checked by a professional.

Your vet will use specialized lights and magnification to inspect the eye structures. Because eye conditions can progress quickly and potentially lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated, you should treat any sudden redness or cloudiness as a reason to schedule an appointment promptly.

Chronic Kidney Disease

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Chronic Kidney Disease involves the gradual loss of kidney function over time. Because the kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood, a decline in function causes toxins to build up in the body. You might first notice that your dog is drinking much more water than usual and urinating more frequently, or perhaps they seem less interested in their food.

How this passes down is not settled, but it is known to be an immune-mediated form of glomerulonephritis. Your vet will use blood tests and urinalysis to measure how well the kidneys are filtering waste. Early detection is key to managing the condition, so any changes in water intake should be addressed with your vet rather than waiting for other symptoms like weight loss to appear.

Protein Losing Nephropathy

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. This condition occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to retain protein, allowing it to leak into the urine. This is associated with a hereditary deficiency of the third component of complement. You might not see obvious symptoms until the protein loss is significant, at which point you may notice your dog becoming lethargic or developing swelling in the limbs or abdomen due to fluid retention.

Your vet will confirm this through a specific urine test that measures the protein-to-creatinine ratio. Because this condition can lead to severe health complications, it is important to monitor your dog's energy levels and general demeanor closely.

Glomerulonephritis

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. This is a familial form of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, which is also associated with the hereditary deficiency of the third component of complement. It involves inflammation of the tiny filters within the kidneys. Similar to other kidney issues, the signs are often subtle at first, such as increased thirst or a decrease in appetite.

Your vet will likely perform blood pressure monitoring and blood chemistry panels, as kidney inflammation often affects the entire body. If your dog is diagnosed with this condition, your vet will discuss a specialized diet and medication plan to support kidney function and minimize the workload on these organs.