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Beagle Health Problems

Beagles belong to the hound group and are similar to foxhound in appearance. However, this breed
of dog is small to medium in size with small and short legs, but long and soft ears. One of the wellknown beagle facts is their sense of smell. Therefore, they are commonly also used for tracking and
detection. They are also one of the intelligent dogs and are known to have even temper, which
makes them one of the favorite pet variety. They are also known to be friendly, outgoing, active and
curious. It is not uncommon to see the beagle bonding with the children in the family. If one has to
observe the beagles, it will be seen that they rarely have inherited health problems. However, there
does exist some health problems in this breed of dogs, which you as the pet owner should be aware
of.
Common Beagle Health Problems
Although unlike a number of other dog breeds, beagles are known to be a very healthy dog breed.
However, like is the case with all dog breeds, they are also susceptible to certain health problems.
Let's find out, which are the common health problems that plague the beagles.
Cherry Eye
One of the common health problems is cherry eye in beagles. This condition is known as nictitans
gland prolapse or also prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. In this condition the gland of the
third eyelid protrudes out from its normal position and is red and swollen. This gives it an
appearance of a cherry, where the disease derives its name from. The most common symptom of this
condition is protrusion at the corner of the eye close to the nose, mucous discharge, scratching of
the eye, etc. This condition has to be treated with a surgery, where the gland is repositioned.
Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This is a congenital condition of the eye. The rods and cones of the retina deteriorate as the beagle
grows older. This often results in the dog losing his central vision. In most cases, the peripheral
vision is retained till the old age. This condition is often diagnosed, when the dog is around 2 years
of age.
Dwarfism
Like the name suggests, the dog is smaller in size as compared to the normal sized beagles. Often
the dogs advertised as mini-beagles or pocket beagles are the dogs affected with this condition. Due
to dwarfism, the pocket beagle health problems include certain physical anomalies in the dog.
Therefore, care should be taken while buying the beagle.
Hypothyroidism
One of the dog breeds to be sensitive to hypothyroidism is the beagle. This condition can either be
caused due to problem with the immune system or it can also be caused due to certain medication,
toxins or in some cases also due to lack of exercise. One of the most common symptom of this
condition is slow metabolism, which in turn results in the dog gaining weight, hair loss, lethargy,
dullness, etc. If the dog is overweight and under-exercised, then the first measure will be to get the
dog moving, which will help in keeping the condition under control.

Elongated Palate
This condition is often observed in beagles. Since the palate is elongated, the overhang of the soft
palate causes an obstruction of the airway. Therefore, it will be seen that the dog snorts or snores
making loud breathing noises. The noises may increase when the dog exercises. In most cases, this
condition is observed in the dog at birth itself. Often it is seen that the condition aggravates with
age.
Ear Infection
The long ears of the beagles are prone to ear infection. If the ear is infected, then the dog will
scratch the infected ear incessantly. The dog may also shake its head due to itching and irritation
caused by the infection. On close observation of the dog, discharge from the ear with foul odor may
also be observed.
Umbilical Hernia
One of the health problems affecting the beagle is umbilical hernia, which is often protruding fat or
bowel through the abdominal wall. If the opening in the abdominal wall does not close during prenatal development, this condition may be observed. Often it is seen that the beagles may genetically
be predisposed to delay in closing of the abdominal ring around the navel. This condition may be
observed once the dog is about 6 months of age.

Other than the health problems mentioned above some of the other conditions, which may affect the
dogs are seizures, epilepsy, heart disease, inter-vertebral disk, etc. The beagles are prone to reverse
sneezing, however, this is not a serious condition. For healthy and long life of the dog, it is advised
that you keep a close watch on the health of the dog.

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