Future Health Problems

[Peggy]

Well just wondering for people who have older Corgis... what are the main health problems? I know there are back problems and maybe eye problems. Is there anything to be pro-active? My girl is 8 months old and so far she just has a very sensitive stomach.. other than that she is good.

I hope you don't mind I moved this thread. IMO, it's a question, not an article.

Anyway, not all old corgis have back or eye problems. The majority do just fine.

I've had many old corgis over the years. The one thing that I've seen as "common" is arthritis.

They usually slow down some and are calmer/less active. Many of mine don't even begin to show their age until they are about 10.

Your girl may very well outgrow her sensitive stomach. As for being pro active, just keep her in good weight and healthy. Feed a good food, keep the teeth in good shape and that's about all any of us can do.

Peggy

[Michael Romanos]

One can take precautions concerning future arthritis, from when your Corgi is a pup.
Dampness and coldness are two of arthritis greatest friends.
If a Corgi is left or kept in damp conditions for lengthy periods of time and on a number of occasions - such as waiting outside by a door in damp or wet conditions - he/she may contract arthritis for later in life. Continuously left in cold conditions - such as being kept in a cold room/shed/garage for such reasons as being the Corgi's sleeping 'quarters' - is another way of attracting future arthritis.
Injuries to limbs - such as ligament damage - is also a prescription for arthritis.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Michael Romanos

One can take precautions concerning future arthritis, from when your Corgi is a pup.
Dampness and coldness are two of arthritis greatest friends.
If a Corgi is left or kept in damp conditions for lengthy periods of time and on a number of occasions - such as waiting outside by a door in damp or wet conditions - he/she may contract arthritis for later in life. Continuously left in cold conditions - such as being kept in a cold room/shed/garage for such reasons as being the Corgi's sleeping 'quarters' - is another way of attracting future arthritis.
Injuries to limbs - such as ligament damage - is also a prescription for arthritis.

Sorry, guys, I can't ignore this one.

My dogs have not been kept in damp or cold conditions. They sleep in the house with us and when it's cold or wet outside they don't go out for extended time periods. They do not sit on the step on the rain or snow waiting to be let in.

And yet, my old dogs get arthritis. Same as with people. It's something that's common with old age. Not all, but common.

Peggy

[SparklingSparky]

May i know if arthritis is common for corgis. any preventive method to help it less occur in old age?

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by SparklingSparky

May i know if arthritis is common for corgis. any preventive method to help it less occur in old age?

Arthritis is fairly common in older dogs in general. Yes, keeping them out of the damp and cold helps, but won't prevent it. IMO. As I've had several with arthritis as they've aged and they've not been in the damp and cold, especailly to sleep as I've said.

I was advised by one of the vets I use to put all my dogs over the age of 8 on a glucosamine supplement. It helps protect and keep the joints lubricated.

You don't need a speical "doggy" kind or anything specific. Just get some from Wal Mart or wherever.

I understand that some types work better for some people than others and it can take up to 6 weeks to start to take effect. You can do an internet search for more information. Try "glucosamine+dogs" in Google.

That's the best suggestion I have for any type of prevention.

Peggy

[Michael Romanos]

Apart from the result of cold, damp conditions and being the victim of limb, back, neck etc damage, a Corgi can get arthritic through genetics ie handed down from his/her parentage (especially osteoarthritis). To lessen the likelihood of arthritis, take care in providing your Corgi with neutral, dry conditions and physical management.

There is a brilliant New Zealand-produced natural medication which gives huge relief to dogs from the pain of arthritis made from shark's fin, green mussel and deer velvet.

[craigroo]

My 10 year old Cardigan had great difficulty with arthritis when I got her two years ago (took a while for her to get on her feet after sleeping, what with the pain). She was also quite overweight. By diet she lost the extra weight, and I feed her "Senior formula". She has made great improvements - even cavorts through the house with my new dachsie puppy!

Craig

[Michael Romanos]

There are quite a few avenues available for helping to stem and to reduce the pain of arthritis. But Craig has hit on the top two - weight reduction to even a little below the recommendation for the average Corgi; and appropriate food re specific super premium food daily - pref food that is prescribed by a vet for Corgis with arthritis but if the Corgi is a senior, senior premium dog food takes into account ( to a lesser extent than prescription food) probable arthritic conditions.