What health problems do Beagles have?
Beagles are hardy and buoyant little dogs, but like all humans, and all dog breeds, they are predisposed to certain conditions.
Just because a dog or breed has a predisposition to a certain condition, it does not mean that the dog will certainly develop it – but it pays to be informed before you decide whether or not to go ahead with getting a particular dog (if you’re researching the breed, here are the most important things to know before getting a Beagle).
If you’re thinking of getting a Beagle, or a dog of any kind, it’s really important to know what you’re getting yourself in for, and to understand the potential impact on both your life and your Beagle’s life, that some of these conditions can have.
In this article, this is what we’ll take you through:
Let’s go!
1) 3 Critical Beagle health conditions
These are the most serious health conditions to avoid in Beagles. A single test for these conditions (and several others) can be conducted by a simple swab test.
MLS (Musladin-Leuke Syndrome)
Condition
This is a disease that affects the connective tissue in a Beagle. It used to be called Chinese Beagle Syndrome. A Beagle will inherit this condition if both parents are carriers of a particular recessive gene, so it inherits two recessive genes. If a Beagle has just one of the two genes that are recessive, it will not exhibit the condition, but it will be a carrier and therefore should not be used for breeding. When a Beagle has MLS, it is apparent from birth.
Symptoms
A Beagle with MLS has tight joints and, where skin is usally soft, baggy and flexible, tightness. A Beagle with MLS will often have noticeably shorter outer toes on the front paws, leading to a ‘tip toe’ appearance (see an example here). Their head will appear differently shaped from other Beagles, with ears set high and additional cartiledge around the skull, giving a very ‘flat’ appearance’. Puppies with this condition often appear ‘stiff’ and have trouble getting up when they fall over, due to the lack of flexibility in their joints and skin. Some Beagles with MLS also experience seizures, and Beagles with this condition demonstrate lower intelligence than their non-MLS littermates.
Treatment
There is no cure for MLS. All but the most severe cases can be managed with supportive care at home.
Life expectancy
The condition is not always fatal, although life expectancy for dogs with this condition is often reduced as it can be hard for them to exercise, given their limited mobility.
Lafora (epilepsy)
Condition
Lafora is a severe form of epilepsy that manifests adult Beagles. It is another disease passed on by recessive genes.
Symptoms
Often starting around the age of 8 years, a dog will experience severe seizures. They will also demonstrate significant behavior changes, mental decline, impaired hearing and vision, and cognitive function.
Treatment and life expectancy
Lafora is a serious condition. There is no cure, but a relatively normal lifespan can be expected if appropriate veterinary treatment is sought promptly after initial onset, and reviewed regularly (see a study on 28 European Beagles here).
NCCD (Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration)
Condition
The cerebellum is the region of the brain responsible for equilibrium, posture, motor learning, and balance. In Beagles, NCCD is usually observed at about 3 weeks of age, as puppies begin to learn to walk. It is a condition caused by both parents possessing a recessive gene. If both parents have this gene, there is a 25% chance of being passed on to a puppy. For this reason, and because of the severity of the condition, breeding dogs who are known to be carriers of the genetic mutation is not recommended.
Symptoms
Lack of coordination, loss of balance, and tremors. Puppies demonstrate jerky movements and often fall over.
Treatment
While the progression of the disease appears to be slow, there is no real treatment for this condition. As a result, puppies are often euthanised.
Life expectancy
Sadly, life expectancy with from this condition is limited.
2) Other common Beagle health issues
These are some additional health conditions that are very common in Beagles. If you are considering getting a Beagle from a breeder, make sure you ask about the genealogy of both parents concerning these conditions. If you are considering adopting a Beagle, find out all you can about the Beagle’s relatives and medical history.
The list below may seem quite long, but any good breeder will not mind you asking lots of questions, and will not object to testing or veterinary review.
Hip Dysplasia
Condition
Hip dysplasia is present when the ball and socket joint of the hip are incorrectly formed. It is a common complaint among several dog breeds, including Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Pugs, and Beagles. It affects the hips – the two joins either side of the tail.
There are varying degrees of severity of the condition, and it’s something that should be taken into account before breeding Beagles. In the UK, it is common practice to have breeding dogs’ hips evaluated at the age of one, and given a score. A low score is desirable and, while it isn’t a guarantee that their offspring will also have good hips, it’s as good an indicator as to the likelihood of puppies’ hips as is available.
Symptoms
Limping, hopping or skipping with the back legs, reluctance to move up or down stairs, struggling to get up and down. Over time, you may also notice muscle wastage in your dog’s back legs, or an increase in muscle around the shoulders.
Treatment
There is no cure for hip dysplasia. This condition deteriorates with age, so if you suspect hip dysplasia is an issue for your dog, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible, and if necessary, start them on a treatment plan that will ensure a comfortable life. The best way to treat the condition is when a dog is young, with repeat visits to veterinarian to monitor progress and adjust medication or therapy. There are also lots of things you can do to ensure your dog is comfortable at home.
If you live somewhere with wooden or slippery floors, make sure your dog’s paws don’t slide out from under them.
Stairs can be painful for dogs with hip dysplasia. Consider lifting your dog up and down stairs.
Comfy, therapeutic beds help with join pain. Memory foam in particular can reduce pressure on sore joints.
Regular walks are an important part of your dog’s treatment, but avoid overly long walks: exercise can make the condition more painful.
It’s even more important for dogs with hip dysplasia not to carry excess weight, as this can lead to a deterioration of the joints, and in turn cause increased pain. It is very important to carefully manage your dog’s diet with appropriate nutrition. Your veterinarian may prescribe supplements to help maintain healthy joints or reduce inflammation.
Life expectancy
Depending on the severity of the condition, your Beagle may be able to live a full and active life.
Cost to treat
$4-6k per hip.
Autoimmune thyroiditis
Condition
This is another condition to which some Beagles are predisposed. It occurs when the their immune system attacks the thyroid.
Symptoms
If your dog has autoimmune thyroiditis, they will display all the signs of hypothyroidism, which are as follows:
Your dog may appear tired, lacking in energy, and generally lethargic.
You might notice that they put on weight,
demonstrate lack of enthusiasm for going on walks or doing exercise.
You may notice that they get cold more easily, and seem unhappier when they are cold than usual,
You may see changes in their coat: either excessive shedding, or thinning of the fur.
Treatment
Autoimmune thyroiditis is treatable but not curable. It is managed through medication of an thyroid replacement hormone, which must be taken for the rest of the dog’s life. It can a few months to establish the appropriate dose, as it is different from dog to dog, so you will need to monitor your dog closely during that time, for signs of hyperthyroidism (hyperactivity, increased appetite, many opposite signals to hypothyroidism), or for ongoing hypothyroidism.
Life expectancy
When diagnosed and treated swiftly, your dog can life a full and active life.
Cost
$5/month for thyroid replacement hormone, plus ongoing veterinary consultations and testing as needed.
Cushing’s disease
Condition
This is the disease that many of us know for the characteristic ‘fluffy’ appearance of a Beagle with the condition. Cushing’s disease is caused by an increased level of the stress hormone cortisol. There are three main causes of this increase: either the Beagle has a pituitary tumor or an adrenal tumor, or as an unintended side effect of using another medication.
Symptoms
The following symptoms are all commonly observed with Cushing’s:
Increased appetite
Lethargy
Poor coat condition
Bloated or pot-belly appearance
Panting
Thin skin
Chronic skin infections
Hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin)
Persistent bladder infections.
Treatment
Your dog’s Veterinarian can test for Cushing’s via a blood test. The only way to cure Cushing’s completely is by removing the tumor causing the increase in cortisol production. However, because of the location of the tumor on the adrenal or pituitary glands, that is often a complex surgery, and surgery often isn’t an option. Therefore, Cushing’s is usually treated exclusively with medication.
A dog with Cushing’s will need frequent monitoring by a veterinarian. They will regularly test your dog’s blood for signs of progression of the disease, and to understand the efficacy of the medication.
There are sometimes side effects from the medication used to treat Cushing’s, and finding the correct dose for your dog can take some time. During this time, you may find your Beagle has a lot of vet appointments. The most common side effects are as follows:
Lack of appetite
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Vomiting
Weakness.
In some cases, dogs can have an adverse reaction to the medication, which can on rare occasions be severe.
Life expectancy
If the tumor is small, it is possible to successfully control the disease for many years. If the tumor is large, the prognosis is less favorable.
IVDD (Intertebral Disk Disease)
Condition
This is a degenerative disease of the disks in the spine, that manifests gradually over time. It is common in several breeds of dog, including Beagles, but probably most famously in Dachshunds.
The disease can go undetected for a long time, even with regular checkups at the vet. The degeneration of the disks happens gradually, starting with a hardening of the disks between the vertebrae, which reduces flexibility and mobility. If one of the hardened disks is squashed or crushed between vertebrae when your dog jumps off the sofa at an awkward angle, the disk can be damaged or dislodged. Disks also press on the spinal cord. This is a painful condition that can even cause paralysis.
There are five stages to the disease:
Stage I – Beagle demonstrates pain in the neck or back, can walk normally. May have a stiff neck.
Stage 2 – Moderate pain along back and neck. Visible discomfort when walking, may be dragging paws.
Stage 3 – Moderate or severe pain, crying when walking. Partial paralysis may be present.
Stage 4 – Severe pain, unable to stand or walk, feels pain in back legs.
Stage 5 – Paralysis of affected limbs, loss of pain sensation, incontinence.
Symptoms
If your dog displays any of these symptoms, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Keeping head low and back arched
Difficulty or reluctance to walk
Flinching at touch, when they don’t usually
Shivering and whimpering
Unstable or ginger movements
Inability to get up
Inability to walk without crying or whimpering
Muscle spasms
Tucking of the belly
Tail hanging down
Paralysis of one or more limbs
Urinary or fecal incontinence.
In severe cases, sometimes dogs are unable to support their weight or walk at all, or feel their back legs.
If you can seek urgent help from a veterinary neurologist or neurosurgeon, your dog will receive expert care from someone with extensive experience dealing with this condition.
Treatment
IVDD is a very treatable disease, although in some cases the impact on your pet’s mobility will be high.
Mild cases of IVDD can be resolved with a short course of anti-inflammatory medication. More severe cases may require surgery to remove the hardened disk from your pet’s back or neck. Following surgery, a follow-up course of physical therapy may also be necessary. In all cases, following an IVDD diagnosis, a period of complete bed rest is essential, for a minimum of 4-6 weeks.
If your dog loses use of one or both of its hind legs, they may need to use a doggy wheelchair to comfortably move around.
Life expectancy
At Stages 1-3, swift treatment, even with surgery, is most often successful. Stages 4-5 more often than not have positive outcomes, but the risks are greater.
Cost
Approximately $3000-$8000 per disk. ($1500-4000 for the surgery itself, excluding x-rays and other imaging techniques required to prepare for surgery.)
Allergies
Condition
As with humans, allergies in dogs have increased significantly over the past 30 years. Some veterinarians estimate that around a quarter of all pets they see experience allergies of some kind.
Beagles are prone to various different types of allergies, which can manifest in various different ways, and it can be notoriously difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing the irritation.
Symptoms
Beagles very often experience skin irritation as a result of allergies. This manifests by excessive licking of the forelegs and feet, brown discharge from the eyes, and sometimes also repeated and frequent ear infections. They can also exhibit a rash, dandruff, sores, hot spots, or diarrhea.
Treatment
It can be notoriously difficult to pinpoint exactly what causes an irritation, and as a result, treatments can vary widely. If left untreated, your dog may injure itself through nonstop scratching, so you need to keep experimenting until you find some kind of relief for your dog. Once you figure out what is causing the irritation, the easiest thing to do is just avoid it. But, right, easier said than done.
First stop should always be the vet to confirm whether the condition is indeed an allergic reaction, or whether it’s something else.
You could also consider trying an elimination diet. To do this successfully, you feed your dog an entirely new diet for a minimum of 8 weeks to see whether this makes a difference (no treats, no scraps from the table – you have to go completely cold turkey or it doesn’t work). At the end of the eight weeks,
Feeding your dog a prescription diet (your vet would prescribe this if suitable). This can go a long way to helping with allergic response.
Medicated shampoos can help with soothing itchy or sore skin.
Your veterinarian may also prescribe a wide range of supplements, depending on specific symptoms.
Life expectancy
Generally unaffected.
Cost
How long is a piece of string? It depends greatly on the severity of the allergy, and how prone to it your dog is.
Ear infections
Condition
One of the most endearing features of a Beagle is their large, floppy ears. However, these oversized flappers can also harbor the ideal warm, moist environment for bacteria or mites to thrive. Ear infections in Beagles can be caused by many different things, including foreign bodies, autoimmune conditions, allergies, and even cancer. However, some dogs are just predisposed to getting ear infections, and most Beagle owners will run into this sooner or later. Lots of dogs contract them after swimming or having a bath, others get them as a result of allergies. It’s an ongoing problem for many Beagles and their owners, but thankfully, it’s an annoying, temporary, and easily treated issue in most cases.
Symptoms
Scratching at the ears, shaking of the head, dark brown residue inside the ears, sweet sickly fragrance in the ears, dark brown discharge from the eyes, red and inflamed ear canal. In extreme cases, crusts or scabs can form inside the ears.
Treatment
When you suspect your dog has an ear infection, a trip to the vet is essential. Ear infections don’t go away on their own but are easily and quickly remedied with medication. Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog’s ear and administer medicated treatment directly into the ear canal. You may need to continue to administer drops into your dog’s ears several times a day over the course of a week or two, until the infection has completely gone. In some cases, it takes more than one course of medication.
Life expectancy
Unaffected. If left untreated, other conditions can develop, and deafness can develop in extreme cases over time.
Cost
$150-200/treatment.
Cherry eye
Condition
Did you know that dogs have three eyelids? Well they do. And some breeds, there is a predisposition for the third eyelid to prolapse. In Beagles, this usually only happens in dogs that are under one year old, when the ligament that stretches the third eyelid becomes hyperextended and loses elasticity. It can also occur in older Beagles, but is less common.
Symptoms
Cherry eye appears as a bright red lump in the corner of the eye.
Treatment
Medicated drops, and in some cases, surgery.
Life expectancy
Unaffected, if treated promptly.
Cost
Surgery is between $500 and $1000 per eye.
Bear in mind these are common ailments and they will not affect all Beagles
Every breed of dog will have proclivities (is that the right word) towards certain conditions. Most of the ones affecting Beagles respond well to treatement. If you are looking to get a Beagle, you can ensure and that you are prepared (mentally, emotionally, and financially) for all eventualities, in the case that your dog develops one of the conditions listed above.
If you’ve decided that a Beagle is the right dog for you, the next step is to make sure you find the right hound for you. You can either do that by adopting a rescue Beagle or purchasing a puppy from a responsible and caring breeder. If you’re considering the latter, check out our checklist of all the questions you should ask a Beagle breeder.
Protect yourself from unexpected costs: get insurance
If you want to safeguard against unexpected costs, the best time to insure your pet is as a puppy. The second best time is now!
Once a dog receives a diagnosis for a particular disease or condition, very often insurance will no longer cover that condition for the remainder of the dog’s life. So it’s a really sensible precaution to invest in insurance for your dog as soon as you get them.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like:
🐶 10 things to know before getting a Beagle
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