10 Common Corgi Health Issues For Pembrokes & Cardigans

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One of the world’s most popular herding dogs, Corgis are lively little companions, well-known for their affectionate and fun-loving personalities. If you already own a Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Cardigan Welsh Corgi or are considering adopting one, you may be wondering, do Corgis have health problems?

Understanding these common health problems can help you provide better care and catch warning signs early.

Planning Ahead For Vet Bills

Corgis are prone to various health issues, which means vet bills can add up fast. Pet insurance can help you manage the cost of exams, treatments, and even surgeries for breed-specific issues.

Learn more about the best pet insurance options for Corgis and get a free quote using the form below.

Pembroke vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi Health Concerns

Is there a difference between Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi health issues? Not much. The two breeds are largely similar regarding their inherited health risks.

However, it’s interesting to note that there are some distinct differences between the two in some of their physical traits and temperament. See our guide on differentiating between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi if you want to learn more.

10 Common Corgi Health Problems

I spoke with Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed, BSAVA, PGCertSAM, MRCVS, to get a practicing veterinarian’s perspective on Corgi health issues. “Both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are generally healthy little dogs, but like many pedigree breeds, they are prone to some conditions,” she says.

Based on Dr. MacMillan’s insights and my research, here are the top 10 most common Corgi health problems. It’s so important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of each condition so you can contact your vet as soon as you notice signs.

1. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

“Corgis are a chondrodystrophic breed like Dachshunds and French Bulldogs. This means they have a genetic abnormality giving them their characteristically short legs,” says Dr. MacMillan. “However, these genetics also put them at a much greater risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).”

“The intervertebral discs normally sit between the bones of the spine (vertebra), acting as shock-absorbing cushions,” says Dr. MacMillan. “The discs can age and harden prematurely in these dogs, causing ruptured material to burst out and press on the spinal cord. This leads to pain, weakness, and even paralysis in affected animals.”

A large study indicated that Pembroke Welsh Corgis rank among the top five breeds most affected by IVDD. The breed’s weight, in conjunction with its short legs, is thought to primarily contribute to the disc degeneration associated with this condition.

IVDD Diagnosis & Treatment

If IVDD is suspected, your veterinarian will begin with a physical and neurological exam to check reflexes, coordination, and pain response. For a definitive diagnosis, advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scans is often required, as these can clearly show compression of the spinal cord.

Milder cases are managed with strict rest, anti-inflammatories, pain medication, and later, controlled physical therapy. Severe cases often require surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and prevent permanent damage.

2. Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative myelopathy (DM), a spinal cord disease, is a common condition that can affect the nerves in the spine in both types of Corgi. Similar to the human disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), DM causes progressive muscle weakness and an inability to control hind limbs, eventually leading to paralysis.

DM Diagnosis & Treatment

Because early signs often resemble arthritis, vets rely on neurological exams and genetic testing to confirm DM. Imaging like MRI may be used to rule out other spinal conditions.

DM is progressive and typically leads to paralysis within 6–12 months of diagnosis. There is no cure, but physical therapy, mobility aids, and supplements may slow progression and improve quality of life.

3. Hip Dysplasia

Another inherited orthopedic issue in the Corgi, hip dysplasia occurs when the head of the femur bone doesn’t fit correctly into the hip socket. This chronic condition causes progressively increased pain and decreased mobility. Canine hip dysplasia often leads to other joint problems like arthritis.

“Reputable breeders should screen their dogs for this condition before breeding them,” Dr. MacMillan points out. “While this doesn’t eliminate the chances of puppies inheriting hip dysplasia, it does reduce their risk considerably.”

Hip Dysplasia Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis involves your veterinarian palpating the hip joint and performing an x-ray of the hip socket.

Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment options can include anti-inflammatory and pain medications, joint supplements, physical therapy, and weight management. In more advanced cases, surgery is often necessary. The most effective surgical treatment is total hip replacement.

4. Epilepsy

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known to have a higher incidence of epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The age of onset can vary from six months to six years old.

Epilespy Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosing epilepsy involves ruling out all other possible causes of seizures. This process involves evaluating the dog’s medical history, a thorough physical exam, blood and urine tests, and x-rays. In some cases, further tests are required, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and bile acid testing, as well as CT or MRI imaging.

Because there’s no cure for epilepsy, treatment involves managing symptoms with ongoing anticonvulsant medications.

5. Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a form of cancer that impacts the lymph nodes and the lymphatic system, which is a complex network of lymph vessels, tissues, and organs found throughout the body. Among the various types of lymphoma, multicentric (systemic) lymphoma is the most prevalent, and it affects lymph nodes across the entire body.

Most lymphomas are classified as high-grade and tend to advance quickly. This cancer is most commonly seen in dogs that are middle-aged or older.

Lymphoma Diagnosis & Treatment

Veterinarians typically diagnose lymphoma by performing a fine-needle aspiration, which extracts a sample from your dog’s lymph nodes or other affected organs. When confirmed, your vet will likely do staging tests (blood and urine testing, x-rays, sonograms, etc.) to determine how far the lymphoma has spread throughout the body.

Chemotherapy is the only effective treatment for multicentric lymphoma. However, the cancer eventually returns. With chemotherapy, the average survival time is about 12 months.

6. Multiple Eye Disorders

Like all purebred dogs, Corgis are at risk of developing several ocular disorders due to genetics. These conditions often affect both eyes but not necessarily at the same time. Some can also occur concurrently.

Dr. MacMillan says, “Breeders should screen their dogs for eye conditions before mating them so that they only breed from healthy individuals.”

• Cataracts: A common condition in many dogs (and humans), cataracts occur when the lens becomes firmer and less transparent. As the cataract matures, it becomes cloudy and blocks more and more light from reaching the back of the eye until vision is lost.
• Glaucoma: This eye disorder occurs when eye fluid builds up due to inadequate drainage, leading to pressure within the eye that can cause damage to the retina and optic nerve.
• Distichiasis: An eyelid disorder, distichiasis occurs when extra eyelashes grow from the eyelid margin rather than the eyelid skin. These hairs rub against the eye surface, causing irritation and inflammation.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is an inherited condition that eventually leads to blindness. It is not painful, but there is no cure.

Eye Disorder Diagnosis & Treatment

Vets typically use eye exams with tools like an ophthalmoscope or tonometer (to check pressure for glaucoma). Genetic testing can confirm inherited conditions like PRA, and breeders are encouraged to screen for these diseases before breeding.

• Cataracts: Early stages may be managed with monitoring; advanced cases may need surgical removal of the lens.
• Glaucoma: Requires urgent care. Medications can reduce pressure, but surgery or even eye removal may be necessary if the condition is advanced.
• Distichiasis: Extra eyelashes are treated by plucking, cauterization, or surgery to prevent irritation.
• PRA: No cure, but antioxidants and supplements may slow progression, and dogs adapt well to vision loss with a safe environment.

Outcomes vary by condition. While PRA and some cataracts lead to permanent vision loss, early detection and treatment of glaucoma or distichiasis can preserve comfort and prevent complications.

7. Von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) type I is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects dogs’ ability to properly clot blood. “VWD causes affected dogs to be deficient in a protein called von Willebrand factor (vWF) that is essential for clotting,” says Dr. MacMillan. “This can lead to bleeding, which can range from mild to severe in nature.”

According to Dr. MacMillan, the disease is much more likely in Pembrokes than in Cardigans.

VWD Diagnosis & Treatment

A diagnosis involves blood screenings to determine how long it takes blood to clot and a specific test to identify the amount of vWF in the bloodstream. In many cases, a diagnosis only occurs during routine pre-surgical testing.

Treatment consists of IV medications or blood products to temporarily increase the amount of vWF in the blood. In emergency situations, vets use blood or plasma transfusions to stabilize the patient.

8. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect that affects Corgi puppies.

The ductus arteriosus is an opening between the aorta and pulmonary artery that’s present during fetal development, but the opening normally closes at birth. PDA occurs when the ductus arteriosus does not close, causing fluid build-up and strain on the heart.

As puppies grow, PDA worsens and can lead to congestive heart failure, so early diagnosis is key.

PDA Diagnosis & Treatment

Typically, a heart murmur detected at a puppy’s vet exam is the first sign of PDA. If a vet finds a heart murmur, they will do a thorough cardiovascular assessment with an echocardiogram. Chest x-rays and a cardiac ultrasound may also be required.

Fortunately, PDA can be cured if caught in time. Treatment involves either open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive surgical technique to close the ductus arteriosus.

9. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a lifelong disease that results from the body’s inability to produce sufficient thyroid hormones, leading to a reduced metabolism. This common endocrine disorder usually affects middle-aged dogs (6-7 years old) and can lead to serious health issues without treatment.

Hypothyroidism Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism involves blood tests that measure the thyroid levels in your dog. Depending on other signs and symptoms, your vet may do additional tests to check for organ function.

While this disease isn’t curable, it is treatable with good results. Dogs with hypothyroidism must take an oral thyroid replacement hormone for the rest of their life.

10. Obesity

Corgis are a food-motivated breed, which means they can easily pack on the pounds without strict weight management by owners. As a Corgi owner, it’s so important to not overfeed your pup and limit treats to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.

Because Corgis are a small breed, even a few extra pounds over their ideal weight can lead to serious health conditions, like diabetes and heart disease. Also, being overweight can worsen orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and IVDD, which Corgis are already prone to developing.

Obesity Diagnosis & Treatment

Vets use a body condition score (BCS) to assess whether a Corgi is overweight, typically by examining rib coverage, waistline, and overall fat deposits. Weigh-ins and routine exams help track changes over time.

Weight loss focuses on dietary management and exercise. This may include portion control and limiting treats to under 10% of daily calories. Daily exercise—walks, swimming, or controlled play—helps burn excess energy. Vets may also recommend supplements or prescription foods that support metabolism and joint health.

Most Corgis respond well to gradual weight reduction. Owners should maintain regular weigh-ins and stick to long-term management, since regaining weight can quickly worsen other health conditions.

Average Costs For Several Corgi Health Issues

Fetch Pet Insurance says of its insured Corgis that hip dysplasia, disc disease, and epilepsy are common illnesses they cover. As reported by Fetch, the range of average costs for these health problems are:

• IVDD: $6,661-$7,994
• Hip dysplasia: $3,995-$5,452
• Epilepsy: $4,299-$5,154

Embrace Pet Insurance lists hip dysplasia and IVDD as the most common Pembroke Welsh Corgi health issues in insured pets, with the following average costs based on claims:

• IVDD: $2,500-$7,000
• Hip dysplasia: $1,500-$6,000

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions our readers ask most often about Corgi health problems. If you don’t see yours here, ask us in the comments.

What Do Corgis Usually Die From?

The leading causes of death for Corgis are cancer and degenerative myelopathy. Other common causes include heart disease, kidney failure, and complications from obesity-related conditions.

In older Corgis, multiple health problems often occur together, which can shorten lifespan.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Corgi?

A Corgi’s lifespan depends on the type of Corgi.

The more popular Pembroke Corgi lives an average of 12 to 13 years, while the Cardigan Corgi has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, several factors impact every pup’s lifespan, including genetics, overall health, and lifestyle.

Are Corgis Prone to Back Problems?

Yes. Because of their long backs and short legs, Corgis are at higher risk for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).

Owners should discourage activities that strain the spine, like jumping off furniture, and keep their Corgi at a healthy weight to reduce stress on the back.

Can You Prevent Corgi Health Problems?

While not all conditions are preventable, you can lower risk by choosing a responsible breeder who screens for genetic diseases, keeping your dog lean, providing regular exercise, and scheduling routine vet checkups. Preventive care makes a big difference in long-term health.

What’s The Best Diet For Corgis?

Because Corgis are prone to so many health issues, feeding them the healthiest diet possible can help keep symptoms at bay and boost their immune systems to fight off their risk for illnesses and infections. See our top picks for the best dog food for Corgis in all life stages. We also have reviews of the best dog food for weight loss if your furry friend struggles with obesity.