7 Belgian Malinois Health Issues to Watch For (Vet Answer)

Belgian Malinois: Keeping This High-Drive Breed Happy and Healthy

The striking Belgian Malinois is often mistaken for a German Shepherd at first glance, but this unique herding breed from Belgium is its own distinct type of dog. With their proud carriage, alert expression, and sleek, muscular body, the Malinois is a picture of power and athleticism.

Bred originally as a herding and guard dog in the city of Malines, the modern Belgian Malinois is perhaps best known for their popularity as military working dogs and police K-9s. Their exceptional intelligence, intense work drive, and strong protective instincts make them well-suited for these demanding roles. However, the same traits that allow the Malinois to excel as a working dog also make them a challenging breed to own as a pet.

As a veterinarian, I‘ve treated many Belgian Malinois over the years and have great respect for this impressive breed. But I‘ve also seen firsthand how some of their natural tendencies, combined with certain genetic predispositions, can lead to health issues if not proactively managed.

If you‘re considering adding a Belgian Malinois to your family, it‘s critical to educate yourself on the breed‘s specific needs and potential health concerns. With that in mind, let‘s take a closer look at seven Belgian Malinois health issues to watch for according to veterinary experts.

The Importance of Responsible Breeding
As with any purebred dog, Belgian Malinois can be prone to certain inherited health problems. Many of these issues arise from generations of selective breeding that narrows the gene pool and allows harmful mutations to be passed down.

The best way to combat genetic disorders is through responsible breeding practices. This means carefully selecting breeding pairs based on health screenings, temperament evaluations, and proven genetic lines. Ethical breeders will openly share health test results and pedigree information with potential buyers.

Unfortunately, not all Malinois breeders prioritize health and temperament. As the breed has grown in popularity, so have high-volume breeders and puppy mills looking to churn out puppies for profit without regard for their wellbeing. Dogs from these sources are much more likely to develop crippling health issues and unstable temperaments.

Your best bet is to find a reputable breeder who is transparent about their program, provides health guarantees, and breeds with the intention of preserving and improving the Malinois as a working dog. Avoid pet stores, online dealers, or anyone unwilling to let you visit their facility or meet the parent dogs.

Now, let‘s examine seven of the most common genetic health problems seen in Belgian Malinois:

1. Hip Dysplasia
   Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal disorder in large breed dogs where the ball and socket of the hip joint don‘t develop or fit together properly. This leads to joint laxity, inflammation, and eventually arthritis and lameness.

Belgian Malinois have a relatively high incidence of hip dysplasia, with an estimated 19% of the breed affected according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Dogs with mild hip dysplasia may show no obvious symptoms, while more severe cases cause hind end weakness, difficulty rising, bunny hopping gait, and reluctance to run or use stairs.

Diagnosis of hip dysplasia is made with x-rays and manual manipulation of the joint. The PennHIP screening method can identify dogs prone to developing hip dysplasia as early as 16 weeks old. There is no cure for hip dysplasia, but a combination of weight management, anti-inflammatory medication, joint supplements, and low-impact exercise like swimming can help affected dogs stay mobile and comfortable. Severe cases may require surgical correction.

2. Elbow Dysplasia
   Elbow dysplasia is another heritable orthopedic issue that Belgian Malinois are prone to. It‘s an umbrella term for several developmental abnormalities in the elbow joint that lead to arthritis and forelimb lameness.

Just like in the hips, elbow dysplasia causes poor joint congruency that wears down the protective cartilage over time. The most obvious sign is limping in one or both front legs that is worst after exercise and long periods of rest. Affected dogs may also have swollen elbows, reduced range of motion, and show pain when their elbows are extended.

Since elbow dysplasia and the resulting arthritis are progressive, early diagnosis and intervention is important. X-rays and CT scans can identify lesions in the joint. Arthroscopic surgery to remove bone fragments and damaged cartilage may slow the development of arthritis in young dogs. Medical management with NSAIDs, joint supplements, weight control, and physical therapy is often the best approach for older patients.

3. Epilepsy
   Idiopathic epilepsy, meaning epilepsy without an identifiable structural cause in the brain, is the most common neurological disorder in dogs. While any dog can have a seizure, Belgian Malinois are one of the breeds genetically predisposed to recurrent epileptic seizures.

Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy typically start having seizures between the ages of one and five years old. Seizures cause involuntary contractions of the muscles and can appear as stiffening of the limbs, paddling, loss of consciousness, and uncontrolled urination or defecation. Most seizures last from 30 seconds to a few minutes.

If your Malinois has a seizure, try to stay calm, keep them away from stairs and furniture, and time the event. Seizures that last more than five minutes or occur in clusters require immediate emergency treatment. For dogs that have repeated seizures, daily anti-convulsant medications and regular monitoring are usually recommended to decrease the frequency and severity of episodes. With appropriate treatment, many epileptic dogs can enjoy a good quality of life.

4. Eye Disorders
   Belgian Malinois have an increased risk for certain inherited eye problems that can threaten their vision. Two of the most concerning are cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

Cataracts are opacities in the lens of the eye that interfere with light transmission. They typically appear as grayish spots or clouding on the surface of the eye and are most common in older dogs. Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes and often gradually progress to cause complete blindness.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative disease where the light-sensing cells in the retina slowly die off. It has an early and late onset form, with dogs as young as three years old potentially affected. Initial signs are night blindness and dilated pupils, which progresses to total vision loss.

For both cataracts and PRA, early diagnosis is key to preserve a dog‘s sight for as long as possible. This is one reason why routine exams with a veterinary ophthalmologist are so important for at-risk breeds like Belgian Malinois. Dogs should have their first exam before breeding, with annual rechecks throughout their life. While there is no treatment for PRA, surgery to remove cataracts can restore vision in some cases.

5. Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)
   Deep-chested breeds like Belgian Malinois are anatomically predisposed to developing GDV, also known as bloat. This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach fills with air and twists on its axis, cutting off blood flow.

GDV can strike suddenly and progress rapidly. Affected dogs will retch unproductively, drool excessively, have a swollen abdomen, and go into shock. Without prompt treatment to decompress the stomach and surgically tack it to the body wall, dogs with GDV will die.

While the exact cause of GDV is unknown, risk factors include anxious temperament, eating too quickly, having a single large daily meal, and vigorous exercise after eating. Knowing these risk factors can help owners make appropriate lifestyle modifications. For dogs not intended for breeding, prophylactic gastropexy to anchor the stomach at the time of spay or neuter is highly recommended to prevent future GDV.

6. Hemangiosarcoma
   Hemangiosarcoma is a highly malignant cancer that arises from the cells lining blood vessels. Belgian Malinois are overrepresented for this devastating disease, which can affect the skin, heart, spleen, and liver.

Dermal hemangiosarcomas often appear as red or purple lumps on the skin that bleed easily. Visceral forms can develop with few early signs until the tumor ruptures and causes acute collapse due to internal hemorrhage. Common symptoms include lethargy, weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, and abdominal distension.

Sadly, even with aggressive treatment combining surgery and chemotherapy, the prognosis for hemangiosarcoma is very poor. Most dogs succumb within 6-8 months of diagnosis. Owners of Belgian Malinois should perform routine skin and abdominal checks to find any masses as early as possible.

7. Thyroid Disorders
   Belgian Malinois appear to have a higher than average incidence of thyroid dysfunction. The most common condition is hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn‘t produce enough hormone.

Signs of hypothyroidism can be vague and include weight gain, lethargy, heat-seeking behavior, chronic skin and ear infections, and a dull haircoat. Because the thyroid gland controls metabolism, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to a host of health issues.

Luckily, hypothyroidism is typically easy to diagnose with blood testing and can be managed with lifelong oral thyroid supplementation. Annual screening of middle-aged and senior Malinois can catch cases before clinical signs develop.

Keeping Your Malinois Healthy
In addition to buying from a responsible breeder and being aware of common inherited disorders, Malinois owners can take a proactive role in their dog‘s health. The foundation of good health starts with a nutritious, balanced diet and maintaining a fit body condition throughout life.

Belgian Malinois are extremely active, athletic dogs with high exercise needs. They require daily aerobic exercise as well as regular training to keep their minds engaged. Insufficient physical and mental stimulation can lead to anxiety, destructive behavior, and even aggression. Structured activities like obedience, tracking, herding, and protection sports are ideal outlets.

Routine preventive care with your veterinarian is also essential. This includes keeping your Malinois up to date on vaccinations, pest preventatives, and dental cleanings. Senior dogs may benefit from biannual exams and screening bloodwork to detect age-related issues early.

Grooming your Malinois weekly also provides the opportunity to feel for any new lumps or bumps and get a closer look at their skin, ears, and mouth. Abnormal signs like limping, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, itching, or behavior changes should prompt a trip to the vet.

Finally, consider purchasing pet health insurance, especially while your Malinois is young and healthy. With their larger size and active lifestyle, Belgian Malinois are prone to injuries and illnesses that can be costly to treat. Having insurance can give you peace of mind and allow you to make medical decisions based on your dog‘s needs rather than financial concerns.

As a committed owner, educating yourself about the breed and partnering with a trusted veterinarian are the best ways to help your Belgian Malinois live a full, vibrant life. While no dog is free from health issues, with a proactive approach the intense and intelligent Malinois can thrive as a cherished companion for many years to come.