Choosing a German Wirehaired Pointer

Choosing a German Wirehaired Pointer

By: Dr. Dawn Ruben

Common Diseases and Disorders

In general, the German shorthaired pointer 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.

  • Hot spots are areas of itchy moist skin that becomes infected.

  • Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland does not function adequately. Without enough thyroid hormone, illness can occur.

  • Otitis externa is an infection of the ears.

  • Lick granuloma is considered a behavioral disorder and can occur in response to a variety of stressors. A skin lesion is created from licking.


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

  • Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a metabolic disorder characterized by excessive, extreme urination, and accompanied by thirst.

  • Oropharyngeal tumors - are tumors that may occur in the mouth and pharynx.


    In addition, although these occur infrequently, the following disorders have also been reported:

  • Cataracts cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.

  • Von Willebrand's disease is a disorder that results in the inability to clot blood. Affected animals will bleed extensively following trauma or surgery.

  • Mast cell tumors are malignant tumors than can occur in the skin or within the body.

  • Nasal tumors - may occur in some dogs.

  • 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.

  • Due to exposure pointers have an increased incidence to infectious diseases including: Histoplasmosis, Coccidiomycosis and Blastomycosis

  • Polyartritis is a condition in which the immune system is stimulated to cause an inappropriate inflammatory response in one or usually multiple joints

  • Ruptured cranial cruciate ligament is a problem that results from tearing of the cruciate ligament in the knee, causing lameness that may be severe .

  • 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.

  • Melanoma is a specific type of cancer that is often malignant.

  • 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 German shorthaired pointer is 12 to 14 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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