Overall Breed health
Our breed surveys show the biggest causes of death in bloodhounds are Cancer and Gastric Torsion (Bloat). Both these issues are experienced in all breeds, especially the larger ones.
Skin Conditions
Some skin issues can occur in bloodhounds e.g. Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema, although incidences have been reduced significantly in recent years by careful breeding coupled with modern treatments.
Musculoskeletal (Hip/Elbow Dysplasia)
Although there are some incidences of bad hips and elbows, the bloodhound is generally sounder than many other breeds in these areas, although we need much more information, as the data collected is from a small number of hounds. We actively encourage breeders and owners to participate in the hip and elbow scoring schemes.
Eyes
Bloodhounds can suffer from multi ocular eye issues, mainly related to the eyelid shape, although almost none of them have a genetic test, the KC have now recommended basic BVA eye testing of all breeding stock.
Heart
Heart issues have been seen in the breed, but with the ease of availability of BVA heart testing schemes, its now a simple test that breeders can undertake to ensure they only breed from unaffected hounds.
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COI The current COI (Coefficient of Inbreeding) in bloodhounds, according to the Kennel Club data is 10.00%
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Initiatives Undertaken By The Breed Clubs And Joint Health Group Includes The Following:
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We have our own General Health Assessment and Eye Testing Schemes and hold clinics for both conducted by experts in these fields.
Bloodhound Health Award Scheme: Hounds that have successfully passed through the eye testing and general health schemes may be eligible for Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum awards.
Periodic Health Surveys are undertaken.
We actively participated in the Animal Health Trust Give a Dog a Genome project.
Karlton Index Breed Health Awards 2013: We were proud to receive the award for the breed making the biggest progress based on data collected between 2011 & 2013. This recognised the health initiatives undertaken by the breed clubs.
Also, In 2008, due to the low population of bloodhounds in the UK, the two breed clubs commissioned the Animal Health Trust to conduct a Population Analysis of the breed. The Report, published in December 2009, showed how well bloodhound Breeders had maintained genetic diversity within a numerically small bred over the last thirty years.
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For more HEALTH INFORMATION visit the Health Website and the Health Page