12 Health Problems in Corgis & Vet Approved Tips on What to Do

Are Corgis Prone to Health Issues? A Vet‘s Perspective

Corgis are undeniably adorable with their fluffy butts, short legs, and outgoing personalities. These charming herding dogs have soared in popularity, thanks in part to the Queen‘s well-documented adoration of the breed. But are these dwarf dogs generally healthy, or do they come with more than their fair share of potential medical issues? As a veterinarian who has treated many corgis over the years, I‘ll give you my honest, balanced take on the breed‘s overall health and longevity.

The short answer is that corgis, like all purebred dogs, have a higher incidence of certain inherited disorders compared to mixed breed dogs. When you concentrate the gene pool through selective breeding, you increase the chances of doubling up on mutations that can cause disease. But it‘s important to keep this in perspective – every dog, whether purebred, hybrid or mutt, carries some genetic baggage that may impact their health. Ethical breeders work hard to identify and minimize inherited problems through careful screening of breeding stock.

So what particular problems are these long, low-riding pups prone to? Let‘s take a closer look at some of the most common health issues seen in the corgi breed.

Skeletal and Spinal Disorders

The corgi‘s most distinguishing features – their elongated spines and shortened legs – are actually the result of an inherited form of dwarfism called chondrodysplasia. While short stature proved advantageous for their traditional job of herding cattle (it‘s harder for a cow to kick a short dog!), it does predispose them to a variety of skeletal and spinal problems:

Hip Dysplasia: Corgis have a relatively high incidence of hip dysplasia, a condition where the ball and socket of the hip joint don‘t fit together correctly, leading to arthritis. Responsible breeders screen for this with x-rays before breeding.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Those long backs and short legs increase a corgi‘s risk of slipped or ruptured discs in the spine. Symptoms range from mild back pain to paralysis. While some cases respond to medications and rest, severe cases may require surgery. Keeping corgis slim, avoiding high-impact activities, and using ramps instead of stairs can help prevent IVDD.
Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive neurologic disease that causes weakness and paralysis of the hind limbs. It‘s similar to ALS in humans. A genetic test is available to identify dogs that carry this mutation. There is no cure, but physical therapy can help maintain quality of life.

Eye Problems

Several inherited eye problems are seen in corgis:

Cataracts: Many corgis will develop some degree of lens opacity as they age. Most cataracts won‘t significantly impact vision. But if a cataract progresses to complete lens opacity, it can cause blindness and may require surgical removal.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is an inherited disease that causes gradual deterioration of the retina, resulting in night blindness and eventually total blindness. Genetic testing of breeding dogs can help prevent transmission to puppies.
Retinal Dysplasia: This is an abnormal development of the retina which is evident in young puppies. Some mild cases won‘t progress or impact vision, but severely affected dogs may be blind. Exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist can screen for this issue.

Other Inherited Conditions

A few other genetically-linked disorders occur in the corgi breed that prospective owners should be aware of:

Von Willebrand‘s Disease: This is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in clotting factors. Affected dogs may have nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding after surgery, or blood in urine or stool. A screening test is performed prior to breeding.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus: PDA is a congenital heart defect where a vessel connecting two major arteries fails to close after birth. It can cause heart failure if not surgically corrected. A heart murmur on exam can indicate this issue.
Epilepsy: Corgis have an increased incidence of epilepsy which causes recurrent seizures. Onset is usually between 1-5 years of age. While frightening to witness, seizures can often be managed with anti-convulsant medications.
Cutaneous Asthenia: Also called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, this is a disorder caused by defective collagen production. It results in fragile, stretchy, and easily damaged skin. There is no cure, but careful management can prevent skin trauma.
Cystinuria: Affected dogs have difficulty reabsorbing the amino acid cysteine, leading to formation of cysteine bladder stones. Male corgis are at greater risk. Surgical removal is usually necessary to prevent urinary obstruction.

Obesity Concerns

One health issue that can be entirely prevented in corgis is obesity. These food-motivated, big-personality pups are skilled at convincing their owners to overindulge them. But excess weight is especially detrimental for long-backed, short-legged dogs. Obesity will put tremendous strain on their spine and joints, greatly compounding the risks of IVDD and hip dysplasia.

Corgis should be kept on the lean side with a visible waist and ribs you can easily feel (but not see). Portion control, limiting treats, and avoiding table scraps are essential. Regular exercise through walking and playtime will also help keep corgis fit. Just avoid any activities that involve jumping up and down from furniture or climbing/descending stairs. Low-impact exercises are best for protecting those long backs.

Lifespan and Longevity

So with all these potential health pitfalls, how long can a corgi owner expect their beloved pet to live? The average lifespan for the corgi breed is between 12-15 years. Of course, genetics, environment, and level of care all play a role. The oldest corgi I know personally lived a happy 17 years!

The key to corgi longevity lies in prevention:

Purchase your corgi from a responsible breeder who performs all recommended health screenings and can provide proof the parents are free of known heritable disorders. Avoid pet stores or online sellers who cannot provide health histories.
Establish care with a veterinarian who is familiar with corgis and their unique needs. Keep up with annual wellness exams to detect any developing issues early.
Prevent obesity at all costs through careful feeding, limited treats, and regular exercise. Excess weight will exacerbate every potential structural issue in corgis.
Limit high-impact activities like agility, jumping, or flights of stairs. Stick to positive, low-impact exercises and use ramps where possible. Lifting a corgi improperly can cause injury, so learn how to support their chest and rear when picking them up.
Consider pet insurance, especially for catastrophic issues like IVDD that may require expensive surgery or a prolonged recovery. With corgis, it‘s not a question of if a health issue may arise, but when. Be prepared financially.
Brush and trim the coat regularly, especially around the rear and under the tail. The dense double coat can trap moisture and debris, leading to infections.
Have the teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian yearly. Dental disease can cause systemic issues and shorten lifespan. Corgis are prone to retained baby teeth that should be removed.

Conclusion

Although this may seem like a daunting list of health concerns, the reality is that most corgis will not develop a major issue and will live a long, happy, healthy life. The majority of the corgis I see in my practice are thriving well into their teens thanks to devoted owners, attentive veterinary care, and a big dose of good luck in the genetic lottery.

If you‘re considering opening your heart and home to a corgi, arm yourself with knowledge about the breed and be prepared financially and emotionally to handle any health issues that may arise. Work only with responsible breeders who prioritize health, and partner with a veterinarian who understands the intricacies of the breed.

While corgis may statistically be at higher risk for certain problems, they are overall a robust, long-lived breed. For many, the joyful exuberance, keen intelligence, and steadfast devotion of a corgi far outweigh the potential health risks. These big dogs in small packages have a way of stealing hearts and providing years of laughter, love, and companionship.