Weimaraner Medical Conditions
by Jennie Bullock

        The Weimaraner was created as both a hunting dog and family companion. To fulfill these jobs the dog had to be sound, durable, athletic and long lived. Many of today's Weimaraner still possess these healthy qualities, however, some bloodlines are not as genetically strong as others. Prior to purchasing a Weimaraner pup be sure to check the certification of the parents (OFA), and that the parent dogs are a part of the family.
 

 Hip Dysplasia (HD)
       Hip Dysplasia is the result of the malformation of the hip joint(s).  This condition is a common difficulty in most of the large dog breeds.  This condition is both genetic and environmentally influenced.
       Be sure that both parents of any Weimaraner puppy you are considering purchasing is certified by OFA or Penn Hip to be free of Hip Dysplasia.
       Over-feeding, over-exercise and injury while young may also contribute to your puppy damaging his hips(leading to degeneration).

For further information regarding this condition please see (Medical Index/Hip Dysplasia).
 
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)
      von Willebrand's disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder.  It impacts the dog's ability to clot blood (similar to hemophilia).  This disorder is found in both males and females.

For further information regarding this condition please see (Medical/von Willebrand's Disease).
 
Cryptorchidism
       Cryptorchidism is a genetic condition in which either one or both testicles do not descend into proper location within the scrotum. This is hereditary and dogs exhibiting this condition should never be used for breeding.

For further information regarding this condition please see (Medical Index/Cryptorchidism).
 
Elbow Dysplasia
       Elbow Dysplasia is a developmental disorder of the bones associated with the elbow joint.  This disease is generally accepted as genetic in nature, and can occur in multiple levels of severity.
       As with Hip Dysplasia, both parents should be certified as free of Elbow Dysplasia prior to breeding.

For further information regarding this condition please see (Medical Index/Elbow Dysplasia).

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