Understanding the Health and Care of the Irish Wolfhound

Quick answer

The Irish Wolfhound is a majestic breed that requires specialized attention due to its size and specific health predispositions. Owners should prioritize monitoring for signs of heart disease, bone health issues, and sudden digestive emergencies. By maintaining a lean body condition and working closely with your vet on routine screenings, you can manage the unique challenges associated with this breed.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

This life-threatening stomach condition, often called bloat, occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice your dog pacing, trying to vomit without bringing anything up, or showing a swollen, hard abdomen. This is a true emergency. If you see these signs, you must head to the nearest emergency clinic immediately. The vet will perform an X-ray to confirm if the stomach has rotated. Do not wait to see if it passes, as the window for successful treatment is very narrow.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

This is well recognised in the breed. It involves the weakening of the heart muscle, which impairs its ability to pump blood effectively. Because this condition is well established in the breed, regular cardiac screening is essential. You may notice your dog tiring more easily during walks or breathing faster than normal while resting. Your vet will listen for heart murmurs or irregular rhythms and will likely use an echocardiogram or an ECG to assess the heart's function.

Osteosarcoma

This is a form of bone cancer that is a recognised tendency in the breed. It most commonly affects the limbs. You should watch for any new, persistent lameness or a visible lump on your dog's leg. If your dog begins to limp without a clear injury, the vet will likely order X-rays to look for changes in the bone density. Early detection is important for managing the pain associated with this condition.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

These are developmental conditions affecting the joints. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice your dog struggling to stand up, hesitating to jump, or showing a stiff gait after resting. The vet will perform physical examinations and use radiographs to assess the fit of the joints. Providing non-slip flooring at home and keeping your dog at a lean weight helps reduce the stress placed on these joints.

Liver Shunt and Portosystemic Shunt

This is well recognised in the breed, specifically involving the intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, or patent ductus venosus. A shunt is an abnormal connection between the blood vessels that bypasses the liver. You might notice your dog is smaller than its littermates, appears lethargic, or shows signs of neurological confusion after eating. The vet will use blood tests to check liver function and may use ultrasound or advanced imaging to locate the shunt.

Von Willebrand's Disease

This is a hereditary bleeding disorder that is a recognised tendency in the breed. It affects the blood's ability to clot properly. You may not notice anything until your dog undergoes a surgery or suffers a minor injury that bleeds longer than expected. If you are planning any surgical procedures, ensure your vet is aware of this predisposition so they can perform the necessary blood clotting tests beforehand.

Congestive Heart Failure

This is well recognised in the breed, particularly in males. It is a condition where the heart can no longer pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs or body. This is a recognised tendency in the breed, and the mode of inheritance is unclear, though autosomal dominant transmission with incomplete penetrance has been reported. You might notice a persistent cough, exercise intolerance, or rapid breathing. Your vet will use imaging to identify fluid and manage the condition with appropriate medications.

Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease

This is a recognised tendency in the breed, as it is a large breed dog with an increased incidence of atrioventricular valve disease. Over time, the heart valve may leak, causing the heart to work harder. You might notice a heart murmur during a routine checkup. The vet will monitor the progression of the murmur to determine when intervention is necessary.

Lymphoma

This is a form of cancer affecting the immune system. There is a recognised tendency for T-cell lymphoma in the breed. You might notice swollen lymph nodes under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees. If you find any unexplained lumps or notice your dog losing weight or appetite, the vet will perform a biopsy or fine-needle aspirate to check the cells.

Atrial Fibrillation

This is a heart rhythm disturbance that is a recognised tendency in the breed. It is often an early finding, sometimes appearing before other signs of heart muscle disease. It can lead to an irregular heartbeat that you might feel if you place your hand on your dog's chest. The vet will confirm this using an ECG. Because this is a recognised tendency, your vet will likely check your dog's rhythm at every annual exam.

Idiopathic Epilepsy

This involves recurrent seizures without a clear underlying cause. A genetic basis is strongly suspected or proven for this condition, and it is a recognised tendency in the breed. During a seizure, your dog may lose consciousness, paddle its legs, or lose control of its bladder. If this happens, keep your dog safe from falling, time the seizure, and contact your vet. The vet will perform blood work to rule out other metabolic causes before diagnosing epilepsy.