Common Diseases and Disorders
In general, the bloodhound is a healthy dog with few medical concerns. However, the following diseases or disorders have been reported:
Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, is a life-threatening sudden illness associated with the stomach filling with air and twisting.
Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, lameness and arthritis.
Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.
Ectropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes eversion of the eyelid margin. It most commonly affects the lower central eyelid.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a disorder of the eye that results when tear production is decreased.
Cherry eye is a prolapse of the third eyelid. Though not a serious injury and does not cause blindness, the prolapse can be irritating to the surface of the eye and cause persistent tearing or eye pain.
Ear infections are relatively common due to the large pendulous ears.
Aortic stenosis - is a disease caused by stenosis of the aortic valve that may cause symptoms such as weakness, collapse and sudden death.
Life Span
The average life span of the bloodhound is approximately 9 to 11 years.
We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.
