• The regal German Shepherd can suffer from hip dysplasia.german shepherd image by Aleksander from Fotolia.com
  
  Many dog owners want purebreds, which are bred to exacting standards. These purebreds are eligible to be registered by organizations such as the AKC (American Kennel Club). Every few years the popular breed varies, resulting in breeders trying to produce the perfect purebred, which can command high prices. Unfortunately, purebred dogs can suffer from a host of health problems. Some problems occur due to inbreeding, while others are caused by the inability to breed out undesired dominant health traits.
  
  

Heart Problems

• Heart disease is common in dogs, just as it is in humans. The signs and symptoms are the same-lack of energy, difficulty breathing, coughing, swelling and poor circulation. Large breeds prone to congenital heart problems include collies, Irish Setters and St. Bernards. Some smaller breeds such as Yorkshire terriers, dachshunds, and Chihuahuas can develop murmurs. Treatment includes many of the same medications as humans-diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and inodilators to relax blood vessels.
  
  

Hip Dysplasia

• Hip dysplasia causes abnormal wear of the joints, which leads to osteoarthritis. Signs of hip dysplasia include limping and pain with exercise. Dogs tend to develop hip dysplasia later in life, although it can be found in puppies. Purebreds that are prone to it include German shepherds, Great Danes, Laborador retrievers and English setters. While dogs of all sizes can suffer hip dysplasia, larger breeds are more commonly affected.
  
  

Bloat

• Bloat is a life-threatening medical emergency. It occurs when the dog's stomach swells due to swallowed air or retained gas or fluid. The stomach may become twisted, cutting off circulation to internal organs. Large, deep-chested dogs such as Great Danes, greyhounds, Great Pyrenees and German shepherds are the most vulnerable. Bloat can be prevented by feeding several small meals a day instead of one large meal and by resting for an hour after eating before engaging in vigorous activity.
  
  

Diabetes

• Diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, resulting in high blood sugar. Like humans, dogs can be treated with insulin injections, but it is difficult to manage and requires intensive care daily. Purebreds prone to diabetes include beagles, poodles and dachshunds. Over the long term, diabetes can cause kidney problems, blindness and heart problems.
  
  

Epilepsy

• Epilepsy, or seizures, may be caused by medical conditions such as low blood sugar, organ failure or brain tumors. Toxic substances such as common household products such as antifreeze may cause seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy (or epilepsy for which there is no obvious cause) may be hereditary and difficult to breed out of subsequent litters. Epilepsy is commonly found in beagles, dachshunds, poodles and Dalmatians.