Choosing a Dalmatian

Choosing a Dalmatian

By: Dr. Becky Sweeney


Health Concerns

In following diseases or disorders have been reported in the Dalmatian:

  • 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.

  • Interdigital dermatitis, also known as pododermatitis, is an inflammation of the paws involving the feet and nails.

  • Atopy is an itchy skin disease of animals that is caused by an allergy to substances in the environment.

  • Food allergy affected pets develop skin allergies due to a variety of food ingredients.

  • Demodectic mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by a mite. Hair loss and itchiness are common.

  • 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.

  • Glaucoma is a painful and serious condition that causes pressure within the eye to increase. It can lead to blindness if not treated early.

  • Pannus is a disease of the eye resulting in inflammation.

  • Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to loose transparency and can result in blindness.

  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a disease that causes nerve cells at the back of the eye to degenerate. The condition usually begins in older pets and can lead to blindness.

  • Distichiasis is the abnormal growth of an eyelash on the margin of the eyelid. The abnormal eyelash rubs against the surface of the eye (cornea) and causes irritation.

  • Urolithiasis is a condition affecting the urinary tract resulting in the formation of bladder stones. Dalmatians are particularly susceptible to urate urolithiasis.

  • Polyneuropathy is a degeneration of nerves that can cause weakness in all limbs and exercise intolerance. The disease usually begins at about 1-1 ½ years of age.

  • Congenital Deafness present at birth.


    Life Span

    The average life span for the Dalmatian is approximately ten to thirteen years.


    We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.

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