In general Maremma Sheepdogs are quite healthy however they can be prone to a number of different diseases, especially those seen frequently in larger breed dogs.
Skin Cancer
Normally Maremmas have completely pigmented noses however if they are lacking pigmentation, they have been known to develop skin cancer.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is the abnormal growth and development of the hips. A healthy hip joint operates as a smooth gliding 'ball and socket' joint. Hips that are dysplastic typically have a flattening of the 'socket', resulting in a shallow joint that the 'ball' cannot sit in securely. This leads to instability of the joint; causing pain, inflammation, and the development of osteoarthritis.
The condition is primarily genetic in origin with varying degrees of disease seen between dogs due to a combination of factors such as body weight, exercise, nutrition, and hormonal factors. Rapid growth due to incorrect diet can worsen the dysplasia of the hip joint in affected puppies making correct nutrition so vital at this important stage of growth and development.
To learn more, check out our article on Hip Dysplasia
Gastric Torsion/Bloat
Bloat is a life-threatening condition whereby the stomach expands many times its normal size and in many cases twists and rotates, cutting off its own blood supply. The spleen is usually an innocent bystander that gets pulled into the rotation, also compromising its blood supply. While this condition typically affects deep chested dogs such as the German Shepherd and Great Dane , it can affect any breed and size, even Chihuahuas and Dachshunds. How do you know if your dog has bloat? The main signs to look out for are sudden onset of abdominal distension, distress, anxiety, pain (such as panting, guarding the belly), drooling and multiple unproductive attempts to vomit. What should you do in this situation? Transport them to a veterinary hospital or emergency clinic immediately where urgent treatment and surgery is required. Do not attempt to give anything by mouth.
In breeds with a high risk of bloat, a preventative surgery called a prophylactic gastropexy can be performed at the same time as desexing. The surgery involves securing the stomach to the inside of the abdomen to prevent it rotating. For more information about bloat and preventative surgery, we recommend speaking with your regular veterinarian.
Eye Disease
Maremmas can be born with the genetic predisposition to developing several eye conditions. Entropion and Ectropion are conditions in which the eyelids roll inwards or outwards, respectively. Distichiasis is when the eyelashes either grow in the wrong location or sit incorrectly and actually touch the dog's eye. If you've ever experienced an eyelash in your eye, you can appreciate how painful and irritating this would be to deal with 24/7.
Dogs with any of these conditions often present with red eyes, excessive tearing, blinking, squinting, pawing at the eye and general discomfort. Without treatment they will likely develop corneal ulcers, scarring and the abnormal growth of blood vessels across the eye (corneal neovascularisation).
Top Health and Supplement Recommendations for Maremma Sheepdogs
Given their propensity to develop orthopaedic conditions and GDV the following joint supplements and products are recommended to support the health of your Maremma.
