Azawakh Health
While the Azawakh was originally thought to be a very healthy breed, the smaller gene pool created by its importation into Europe and a lack of documentation about Azawakh health in their native communities has lead to several notable health issues in the breed.
Cervical Spondylopathy (Wobbler Syndrome)
Cervical spondylopathy is a condition caused by abnormally developed cervical vertebrae in the neck, which either compress the spinal cord or cause spinal tissues such as discs to compress the cord by thickening. It is also known as Wobbler Syndrome, due to the 'wobbly' gait often seen in affected dogs.
Most cases of cervical spondylopathy first appear in dogs between four and six years of age, although some dogs with extremely deformed vertebrae can develop the condition as puppies. Typically, cervical spondylopathy is progressive, but occasionally affected dogs will degrade rapidly in just a few days. Any signs of neck pain or a weak or wobbly gait should be investigated in the Azawakh.
In this picture, an MRI scan shows several deformed vertebrae. They have resulted in a slipped disc, which is now protruding into the spinal cord.
Surgery is the most ideal solution for cervical spondylopathy, as it tends to only progress and get worse with time. Surgery typically includes removal of the tissue causing compression and may include fusing or stabilising the affected vertebrae to prevent further compression issues in the future.
Cervical spondylopathy is a condition caused by abnormally developed cervical vertebrae in the neck, which either compress the spinal cord or cause spinal tissues such as discs to compress the cord by thickening. It is also known as Wobbler Syndrome, due to the 'wobbly' gait often seen in affected dogs.
Most cases of cervical spondylopathy first appear in dogs between four and six years of age, although some dogs with extremely deformed vertebrae can develop the condition as puppies. Typically, cervical spondylopathy is progressive, but occasionally affected dogs will degrade rapidly in just a few days. Any signs of neck pain or a weak or wobbly gait should be investigated in the Azawakh.
In this picture, an MRI scan shows several deformed vertebrae. They have resulted in a slipped disc, which is now protruding into the spinal cord.
Surgery is the most ideal solution for cervical spondylopathy, as it tends to only progress and get worse with time. Surgery typically includes removal of the tissue causing compression and may include fusing or stabilising the affected vertebrae to prevent further compression issues in the future.
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Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MMM)
Muscle inflammation (myositis) of the mouth and jaw (masticatory) occasionally occurs in Azawakhs. It involves inflammation, atrophy and sometimes even necrosis of the masticatory muscles in the face. While some affected dogs develop a 'lockjaw' and find it painful to open the mouth to eat or drink, the azawakh appears so far to only show a loss of muscle mass in the facial muscles in response to this condition. Other potential signs of MMM include excessive drooling, facial pain, pawing at the mouth, muscle swelling rather than atrophy, protruding eyes, an elevated temperature and a lack of appetite.
MMM is caused by an abnormal immune reaction towards the masticatory muscles. It is therefore relatively simple to diagnose through tests such as serum titres, tissue biopsies and CT/MRI imaging to assess the appearance of these muscles. Treatment is usually through immunosuppressive drugs such as prednisone, with most dogs recovering within four weeks. However, some relapse and require additional treatment.
Muscle inflammation (myositis) of the mouth and jaw (masticatory) occasionally occurs in Azawakhs. It involves inflammation, atrophy and sometimes even necrosis of the masticatory muscles in the face. While some affected dogs develop a 'lockjaw' and find it painful to open the mouth to eat or drink, the azawakh appears so far to only show a loss of muscle mass in the facial muscles in response to this condition. Other potential signs of MMM include excessive drooling, facial pain, pawing at the mouth, muscle swelling rather than atrophy, protruding eyes, an elevated temperature and a lack of appetite.
MMM is caused by an abnormal immune reaction towards the masticatory muscles. It is therefore relatively simple to diagnose through tests such as serum titres, tissue biopsies and CT/MRI imaging to assess the appearance of these muscles. Treatment is usually through immunosuppressive drugs such as prednisone, with most dogs recovering within four weeks. However, some relapse and require additional treatment.
Hypothyroidism and Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine condition in dogs, where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroxine hormone and so the dog's metabolism does not function correctly. It often results in difficulty maintaining a healthy weight (either unusual weight loss or weight gain), hair loss and skin issues.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is a condition known as autoimmune thyroiditis, which, as in the case of MMM, is an abnormal reaction of the body's immune system. Diagnosis is straightforward, only requiring a blood test to assess thyroid function, and treatment is a lifelong but simple supplement. The disease frequently manifests between two and five years of age, although dogs should be tested repeatedly throughout their life to ensure they have not developed it as it may occur after several clear thyroid profiles. This condition has been proven to be heritable and a thyroid panel can be run to check for it prior to breeding.
Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine condition in dogs, where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroxine hormone and so the dog's metabolism does not function correctly. It often results in difficulty maintaining a healthy weight (either unusual weight loss or weight gain), hair loss and skin issues.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is a condition known as autoimmune thyroiditis, which, as in the case of MMM, is an abnormal reaction of the body's immune system. Diagnosis is straightforward, only requiring a blood test to assess thyroid function, and treatment is a lifelong but simple supplement. The disease frequently manifests between two and five years of age, although dogs should be tested repeatedly throughout their life to ensure they have not developed it as it may occur after several clear thyroid profiles. This condition has been proven to be heritable and a thyroid panel can be run to check for it prior to breeding.
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Epilepsy has appeared in several azawakhs, although the condition is believed to be less common these days. Idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed when the dog experiences several, repeated seizures with no apparent or detectable cause. It is a chronic, lifelong condition that typically manifests between six months to six years of age. It can often be managed with drug therapy, but with notable side effects. This form of epilepsy is thought to be heritable and there is evidence for this in the Azawakh.
Epilepsy has appeared in several azawakhs, although the condition is believed to be less common these days. Idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed when the dog experiences several, repeated seizures with no apparent or detectable cause. It is a chronic, lifelong condition that typically manifests between six months to six years of age. It can often be managed with drug therapy, but with notable side effects. This form of epilepsy is thought to be heritable and there is evidence for this in the Azawakh.
Other Concerns
While heart conditions and diseases of the eye have not been frequently reported in the Azawakh, these issues are common in many other Sighthounds and so cardiac and eye testing would be a sensible decision for the discerning breeder or the owner passionate about breed conservation. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in most breeds of dog, but rarely in Sighthounds.
While heart conditions and diseases of the eye have not been frequently reported in the Azawakh, these issues are common in many other Sighthounds and so cardiac and eye testing would be a sensible decision for the discerning breeder or the owner passionate about breed conservation. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in most breeds of dog, but rarely in Sighthounds.
Last update: November 14, 2020