From hip dysplasia to deafness: Managing congenital diseases in pets

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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. I recently had to operate on my three-year-old Golden Retriever, Musafir, to address his undescended testicles. This is just one of many congenital diseases that can affect pets.

Congenital diseases are disorders or abnormalities that are present from birth. They can be inherited from a pet’s parents or caused by developmental issues during gestation. Some congenital conditions go unnoticed for years, while others manifest early on.

Though they can affect any breed, some breeds are genetically more predisposed to them. Retained testicles, or cryptorchidism, which is what Musafir had, is a condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. It is common in dogs, particularly in breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, German Shepherds, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers.

Retained testicles remain in the abdomen or groin, increasing the risk of testicular cancer by approximately thirteen times and leading to other complications. Neutering is the recommended treatment. If your male dog’s testicles haven’t descended by 14 months, address the issue promptly.

Another common congenital disease, particularly in large breeds, is hip dysplasia, which significantly affects a dog’s mobility and quality of life. It is when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to loose, unstable joints. Over time, this results in pain, limping, and arthritis.

If diagnosed before 12 weeks of age, corrective surgery is an option. Affected puppies may struggle to stand, have a stiff gait, or bunny hop with both hind legs when climbing. If diagnosed later, treatment includes physical therapy, weight management, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions such