Primary Health Concerns in the Bracco Italiano

 

Hip Dysplasia: This condition occurs when the hip joint develops abnormally, leading to looseness between the head of the femur and the pelvic socket (acetabulum). Over time this joint laxity leads to secondary arthritic changes, pain, and lameness. Hip dysplasia is most often, but not always, inherited. Surgical treatment  may be available for some dogs with hip dysplasia. All Bracchi Italiani should be screened for hip dysplasia prior to being bred.

 

Elbow Dysplasia: This inherited condition occurs when the elbow joint develops abnormally. There are multiple types of elbow dysplasia, but they all lead to pain and lameness. Surgical treatment may be available for some dogs with elbow dysplasia. All Bracchi Italiani should be screened for elbow dysplasia prior to being bred.

 

Eye Diseases: Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, rubbing and causing trauma to the surface of the eye. Ectropion occurs when the lower eyelid rolls outward, exposing the eye to excessive dirt, debris, and dryness. Additional information about entropion and ectropion is available here. The Bracco Italiano is also known to have cataracts, or opacities in the eye lens, which can lead to blindness. All Bracchi Italiani should be screened for eye diseases prior to being bred.

 

Kidney Disease: Renal amyloidosis and renal maldevelopment (previously called renal dysplasia) have been described in the Bracco Italiano. These diseases can be medically managed but not cured and are most often considered fatal. All Bracchi Italiani should be screened for kidney disease prior to being bred. Additionally, annual kidney health screening is recommended for all Bracchi Italiani.

 

Other Reported Health Concerns

 

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat): The stomach twists on itself and is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency surgery. Having a close relative with GDV increases a dog’s risk of developing this condition. Prophylactic gastropexy, or tacking of the stomach, may be recommended for some Bracchi Italiani (especially those with a family history of GDV).

 

Ear Infections: Due to the breed’s pendulous ears, they are predisposed to developing ear infections. Routine cleaning and ear maintenance helps to prevent more severe infections. Some cases may need to be managed by a veterinary dermatologist.

Allergies: A dog can have allergies to fleas, environmental triggers, their food, among others. Itchy skin is a common symptom and is very common in the Bracco Italiano. Some cases may need to be managed by a veterinary dermatologist.

 

Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma): Like many large breeds of dog, the Bracco Italiano is known to develop a bone cancer called osteosarcoma. This is an aggressive form of cancer with a high rate of metastasis (spread). Surgical treatment and chemotherapy are generally recommended.

 

Lymphoma: This is a cancer common in many breeds, and it has been seen in the Bracco Italiano as well with some frequency. The prognosis and treatment options depend on which part of the body is affected.