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The LCA Health, Research, and Education Committee was created to identify health concerns, determine their impact on the breed, research those problems, make recommendations to the Breeding Committee and to the Board, and to educate the Membership.
To visit LCA Health Committee's website, go to www.leowatch.org
Health Committee Chair
Ginny Bartholomay
Phone: 847-816-4560
The Leonberger Health Foundation works closely with the Health, Research, and Education Committee of the Leonberger Club of America to identify health concerns in the Leonberger breed. Their mission is to raise funds for canine research that will improve the health of the Leonberger dog through increased knowledge and understanding of canine diseases, in order to improve the quality of life, health, and longevity of Leonberger dogs.
To visit the Leonberger Health Foundation's website, go to www.leohealth.org
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The very strict breeding guidelines and the diligent oversight of our national Leonberger Club have been successful to date in preserving the general health of the breed. |
However, there are special medical problems, most of which are associated with large breeds in general, that every breeder, owner, and potential owner should be aware of.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is unfortunately found in almost all breeds, especially the larger ones. The Leonberger is no exception. Hip dysplasia (HD) is an hereditary developmental disease. HD is a result of abnormal development of the "ball-and socket" joints of the hips. Severity covers a wide range from slight abnormality to very severe dislocation. Dysplastic dogs are born with normal hip joints which undergo changes as the dogs mature. Although the cause is hereditary, the disease can be made worse by environmental factors such as rapid growth, overfeeding and excessive exercise. Keeping the incidence of the disease to a minimum depends on accurate X-ray diagnosis, accurate breeding records and strict breeding regulations that allow HD free dogs to breed.
Osteochondritis Dessicans (OCD): The LCA Breeding Committee is controlling for OCD and other joint diseases by requiring not only clear hips, but also clear elbow x-rays, before dogs can be bred. OCD is found in all large breeds that experience rapid growth, and is therefore seen in the Leonberger. OCD is a condition where an area of cartilage dies and falls into the associated joint. It sometimes revives and grows to form a loose lump called a "joint mouse." This rubs on the joint, causing swelling, pain and limping. It is treatable with surgery. There are a variety of causes for the condition.
Eosinophilic Panosteitis: "Pano" is a disease with no known cause that resolves without, or in spite of, treatment! It is a generalized inflammation of the bones that is commonly referred to as growing pains. A healthy puppy suddenly develops an acute and painful lameness with no known history of trauma. The lameness often shifts from one limb to another. It is easily diagnosed by veterinarians. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed, and attempts to slow the rate of growth of the puppy are usually recommended. The good news is that Pano is self-limiting and does not seem to result in any long-term damage.
Addison's Disease: Addison's disease is a rare hormonal disorder of the adrenal glands. It has been diagnosed in both European and American Leonbergers. It is serious and can lead to death if undiagnosed. However, if diagnosed correctly, it can be very successfully managed with medication. Affected dogs often have periodic vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, exercise intolerance, and weight loss. Symptoms come on gradually and become worse with time. It is typically a disease of young to middle-aged female dogs. It can be definitively diagnosed with blood tests. The bloodlines that have shown evidence of Addison's disease are being carefully monitored in the United States by the LCA's Heath Committee.
Bloat: Also known as gastric dilation, bloat can occur in any breed. In deep-chested breeds, like the Leonberger, the stomach can fill with gas and twist trapping the gas inside. This is a life-threatening event which must be treated immediately. As a preventative measure, Leos should be fed at least twice a day and should not be vigorously exercised or stressed for at least one hour before and after feeding.
Entropion and Ectropion Eyes: Some Leonberger lines are known to carry the genes for ectropion and entropion (inverted eyelids). These can be corrected with a relatively minor surgical procedure. This condition is considered a major fault, however, and affected dogs are not allowed to breed.
Osteosarcoma: Bone cancer is a frequent cause of death in giant breeds, and Leonbergers are no exception. However, it usually does not strike until dogs have passed their seventh year and frequently much later. Osteosarcoma is a a highly destructive tumor state which spreads rapidly to other organs, particularly the lungs. Treatment often requires amputation of the affected limb combined with chemotherapy.
For detailed information regarding various ailments that can affect Leonbergers, visit the LCA Health Committee's website at www.leowatch.org 
