Health and Care
Health and the Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound is a hearty breed. The number of dogs that have been seriously affected by hereditary problems is small when compared to many other popular breeds.
Puppies are always adorable. How can we resist those big eyes, wiggly tails, and wet puppy kisses? While holding a soft, cuddly puppy, we imagine a loyal friend that will be around for many happy years. Unfortunately, this is not always the reality. In any breed, hereditary health problems can be a nightmare. However, there are steps you can take to ensure you buy the healthiest puppy possible. They key is to avoid impulse buying.
Research the puppy's pedigree and breeder before buying:
- Ask questions
- Get answers
Reputable Breeders
Breeders can make or break the health of the breed. The Ibizan Hound Club of the United States maintains a Breeder Referral List. All breeders on the list have agreed to abide by the Club's Code of Ethics and perform health checks on their breeding stock. Not all breeders perform the same checks. It is up to the buyer to ask for proof of which health checks have been performed. While health checks on a sire and dam does not guarantee that their pups will remain free from hereditary disorders, they greatly reduce the risk of certain inherited problems.
Unethical breeders (and unwary people they sell to), can quickly make the pendulum swing the other way. To avoid such breeders, ask for references. Talk with the parent club (IHCUS) and other breeders. Ask which, if any, dogs in the puppy's pedigree have been affected with hereditary problems. Insist on proof of veterinary checks for certain problems. Reputable breeders will welcome such requests. Careful breeding practices are necessary to ensure the good health of the breed.
Specific Problems
Some of the health problems that generate the most concern are:
- Seizures - Causes are many, and some are thought to be hereditary in nature. No tests are available.
- Deafness - Dogs can be deaf in one or both ears. A BAER test can be performed on very young puppies (without anesthesia) to verify complete hearing. Sires and dams can also be tested before breeding (though this does not ensure the pups will be free from this disorder).
- Eye Disorders - CERF tests can be performed on the parents before breeding. Young puppies can also be tested for certain eye disorders.
- Allergies - As in people, certain foods, pollen, topical products, insects, and other irritants are common allergies that may affect some dogs. The degree of severity varies from mild to extreme. In severe cases, veterinary treatment is required.
Other health tests that can be performed:
Contacts
IHCUS Health & Research Chair: Katie Belz, DVM
Support Health Research
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