Pop Quiz: which of the following conditions can be hereditary in dogs?
allergies
- glaucoma (clouding of the eye)
- hanging tongue (tongue does not retract properly)
- hygroma (fluid filled sac on dog's elbow)
- flank sucking (licking the skin on the side of the body)
- patella luxation (slipping knee cap)
- pyometra (bacterial infection of the uterus)
- skin neoplasms (tumors of the skin)
- zinc-responsive dermatitis (scaly skin that responds to zinc in the diet)
What do you think?
Well, the answer is ALL of them.
Fr example, while allergies aren't necessarily hereditary, there are some breeds that are known to be more prone to allergies than others, hence the genetic component (such as Dalmatians, Retrievers (especially Golden Retrievers), and Terriers.)
That is why it is so important to know what conditions your pet's breed is prone to and how to deal with them. (our Pet Health Center has a comprehensive list of breeds and their health conditions)
And of course, there's how pet insurance treats hereditary conditions - either as pre-existing even if there are no clinical signs or only pre-existing if there are clinical signs. There's a big difference. (Embrace is part of the latter group - we cover hereditary conditions as long as there were no clinical signs of the condition)
Have you had a dog or a cat (they aren't immune) that had a hereditary condition you knew nothing about beforehand?
Related Posts:
March is Genetic Condition Month at Embrace Pet Insurance
Guest Post: the importance of consider hereditary conditions when choosing a dog
Claim Example: portosystemic shunt surgery
Cardiomyopathy in Cats
