Portuguese water dogs, like any other breed, have some common health considerations. Here are the most common health concerns.

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Hip/elbow dysplasia

By dysplasia we understand abnormality of development of the hip or an elbow. It is a genetic condition which causes the hip/elbow to develop abnormally. Most dogs inherit dysplasia from their parents therefore the only way to prevent hip/elbow dysplasia is not to breed with dogs with such condition. Dysplasia causes pain and eventually arthritis. This conditions is mostly found in medium to large dog breeds.

 Hip/elbow dysplasia can be tested by radiography imaging being assessed by a specialist.

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PRA-prcd

PRA-PRCD stands for Progressive rod cone degeneration - Progressive retinal atrophy. It is degenerative disorder that causes a dog’s vision to deteriorate over time. Ultimately it can lead to blindness.

PRA-prcd can be tested in specialised laboratory.

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eo-PRA

Early Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy

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IC (Improper coat)

Improper coat is not a health condition. IC is inherited coat pattern, where the coat of the dogs is shorter on the face, front of the legs and feet.

IC can be tested in specialised laboratory.

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GM1 (Ganliosidosis)

GM1 is inherited disease characterised by numerus neurological symptoms such as loss of vision, seizures, change of behaviour. It affects brain and spinal cord. It is described as autosomal-recessive condition which means that a dog must receive two copies of the abnormal gene (one from the mother and one from the father) before it affects its health. If a dog receives one abnormal gene, its health will not be affected but he will be a carrier. Affected dogs rarely survive beyond 6 moths of age.

GM1 can be tested in specialised laboratory.

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JDCM (Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy)

JDCM is a inherited disease, early onset of heart failure, which results in sudden cardiac death at a young age (between the age of five weeks to seven month). 

Research info here.

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CDPA/CDDY (IVDD) (Chondrodystrophy and Chondrodysplasia)

Chondrodystrophy in dogs is characterised by shortened length of the limbs, which is a result of early changes in the structure of growth plates. 

Chondrodysplasia is defined as an inherited condition and is also known as canine dwarfism.

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