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?
Unfortunately, Corgis’ adorable short legs and elongated bodies put them at a higher risk for several orthopedic and spine problems due to inherited abnormalities in cartilage and bone development. Also, like all purebred dogs, Corgis are susceptible to various hereditary health concerns. I’ll outline the most common ones that affect Corgis, along with symptoms to keep an eye out for. Often, getting vet care as soon as you notice signs makes a huge difference.
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. Dr. MacMillan is a veterinarian and surgeon at a small animal clinic in the United Kingdom. “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. McMillan. “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. 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.
Symptoms
These signs can occur slowly (over several weeks to months) or rapidly (over minutes to hours). Most dogs develop signs over a few days.
- Abnormal, unsteady walking
- Hunched back or neck with tense muscles
- Crying out in pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Paralysis
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and typically involves medication to control pain and swelling, as well as strict exercise restrictions. In more severe cases, surgery is required to prevent paralysis.
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, shares Dr. MacMillan. 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.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually don’t begin until dogs are around 8 years old, but they can range from 4 to 14 years old. These are the early warning signs:
- Difficulty getting up from a lying position
- Hind end weakness (difficulty climbing stairs, going for walks, jumping onto furniture, etc.)
- Hindquarters appear to sway when standing still
- Dog falls over easily when pushed from the side
- Dragging the hind feet, causing the nails to look worn down
Early signs can mimic arthritis, so it’s important to get your pup checked by your vet for a proper diagnosis. Unfortunately, there is no cure or effective treatment for degenerative myelopathy. Physical therapy and supplements can help slow the disease’s progression. However, within a year, dogs can no longer walk, and the disease is eventually fatal.
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 degenerative joint diseases 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.”
Symptoms
- Pain or discomfort during exercise
- Lameness
- Stiff back legs
- “Bunny hop” like run
- Stiffness getting up or running
- Struggling to walk up the stairs or take long walks
- Difficulty getting up
- Muscle tone loss in back legs
- Lack of enjoyment with physical activities that were previously enjoyable
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.
Symptoms
Many dogs experience what’s called the aura stage prior to the following signs of a seizure, where they appear anxious, fearful, or confused. Seizures typically last 30-90 seconds.
- Stiffening of the neck, body, and legs
- Falling over to the side
- Leg paddling
- Trembling, shaking, and convulsing
- Excessive drooling
- Making a chewing motion
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Vocalizing
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.
Symptoms
The most noticeable indication of multicentric lymphoma is enlarged lymph nodes. These may feel like firm, rubbery bumps beneath your dog’s skin. The lymph nodes in the neck, under the jaw, and behind the knees are typically the easiest to detect when they swell. Initially, many dogs may not exhibit any signs of illness, but as time goes on, they may start to show additional symptoms.
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Facial or leg swelling
- Increased thirst and urination
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. Here are the most common Corgi eye problems. 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. Treatment requires surgery.
- 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. If medicated eye drops don’t manage to control the pressure, surgery is necessary.
- 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. Treatment typically involves electrolysis and surgically removing the hair follicles.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is an inherited condition that eventually leads to blindness. It is not painful, but there is no cure.
Symptoms
Unless noted above, many eye problems share similar symptoms.
- Eye sensitivity
- Squinty eyes
- Repeated blinking
- Bloodshot or cloudy eyes
- Yellow or green discharge
7. Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) type I is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects dogs’ ability to properly clot blood. Dr. MacMillan shares that this disease is much more likely in Pembrokes than in Cardigans. “VWD causes affected dogs to be deficient in a protein called von Willebrand factor (vWF) that is essential for clotting. This can lead to bleeding, which can range from mild to severe in nature,” she says.
Symptoms
- Bruises easily
- Excessive bleeding, even from minor cuts
- Bloody gums
- Nose bleeds
- Bloody urine or stool
- Vaginal bleeding in female dogs
- Excessive bleeding during and after surgery
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.
Symptoms
- Heart murmur
- Abnormal pulse
- Excessive sleeping
- Difficulty breathing
- Exercise intolerance
- Stunted growth
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.
Symptoms
- Unexplained weight gain
- Lethargy
- Decreased activity level
- Abnormal hair loss without itching
- Dry, dull, brittle coat
- Skin darkening
- Recurrent infections in ears and skin
- Intolerance to cold
- Slow heart rate
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 severely exacerbate orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and IVDD, which Corgis are already prone to developing.
Consider Doing A DNA Test
Doing an at-home DNA test on your Corgi may shed some light on your pup’s health. These kits test for several of the conditions I describe above, including von Willebrand disease, progressive retinal atrophy, degenerative myelopathy, and IVDD. Embark and Wisdom Panel‘s health tests are your best options. See my reviews of the best at-home dog DNA tests to learn more.
Keep in mind, though, that these tests can only tell you if your Corgi is at a higher risk for these genetic conditions. It doesn’t mean that they will actually develop the disease. Still, knowing that your pup is at risk can help you and your veterinarian keep a close eye on early symptoms.
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 this provider sees in insured pets, with the following average costs based on claims.
- IVDD: $2,500-$7,000
- Hip dysplasia: $1,500-$6,000
How Pet Insurance Can Help
I’ve only highlighted a handful of the various health problems your Corgi may experience during their lifetime. You can cover these medical expenses yourself or consider enrolling your dog in a pet insurance plan to help cover a significant portion of the costs. Pet insurance can alleviate the tough choice between your budget and ensuring your furry friend receives the necessary veterinary care for an emergency injury or costly illness. Keep in mind that it’s wise to insure your pup while they’re still young, as most insurance companies won’t cover pre-existing conditions. See our reviews of the best pet insurance providers to learn more.
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 of death include heart disease and old age.
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.
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.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has over 20 years of experience in human health sciences communications, including more than 10 years as an expert on pet health conditions and treatment. She’s part of a team of dedicated canine professionals and long-time dog owners at Canine Journal. We test and research the best pet products, not only for our own pups but for all of our readers.