When you are the owner of a Corgi, you know that they are a unique breed of dog with distinctive traits and characteristics. Because you have lived with your Corgi for most of their life, you know them well and can notice almost immediately when there are changes in how they move, act, and feel. While fluctuations in behavior are normal for Corgis as well as other dog breeds, in Corgis, there are certain health issues for which you need to be on the watch. As such, get to know some of the drastic changes in Corgi behavior that may require you to seek out the care and assistance of your veterinarian to keep them safe and healthy.
Lack of Coordination in Back Limbs
If your usually active and spunky Corgi begins to seem like they are wobbling while they walk or run or have a lack of coordination in their back limbs, you may have a serious health problem on your hands. Corgis are prone to a condition known as degenerative myelopathy.
This is a genetic condition that generally affects older dogs, but can sometimes become symptomatic earlier. It is a progressive condition of the spine that causes paralysis. It generally begins to affect the back legs first, which could be the reason for your dog's problems with coordination and strength in their back legs.
Early diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy can give you a greater opportunity to improve your dog's quality of life and comfort. While the condition is incurable, you can use canine carts and other devices to assist their mobility and treat any pain or discomfort in the rest of their body that they may experience due to overcompensation.
Lethargy and a Swaying Gait When Running or Walking
Corgis are generally energetic breeds, with bursts of excitement and energy occurring frequently even as they age. However, if your dog seems to be irregularly lethargic and they begin to develop a loose looking swing or sway when they walk or run, your Corgi may have another health condition.
Canine hip dysplasia is a condition in which a dog's hip joint is malformed. This can be a condition a dog is born with or that develops over time. The ball (head of the femoral bone) and the socket (the indentation in the pelvis where the femoral head fits) fit together perfectly in a dog with healthy hips. However, when a dog has hip dysplasia the two do not fit together properly.
Because Corgis have a long body with very short legs, they can easily develop hip dysplasia. While this condition is not life-threatening, it can affect their activity levels and quality of life. A veterinarian will help you determine if your dog does indeed have canine hip dysplasia by feeling the joint and taking x-rays. Once the condition is diagnosed, they may prescribe pain medications or joint support supplements. Surgery is also an option to shave down the femoral head or reshape the socket so that the hip fits together properly.
Now that you know a few of the times that drastic changes in your Corgi's behavior may require veterinary care, you can be sure that you take the best possible care of your Corgi now and in the future. If you want to learn more about veterinarian care for your pet, you can find out here by clicking the link.
