All purebred and mixed breeds are prone to hereditary health problems and the Black & Tan Coonhound is no exception. Thankfully, this list is extremely short and it is hoped the list continues to remain as such. 

 

As with all large breeds of dog Hip Dysplasia has been noted in the Black & Tan Coonhound and to a far lesser degree Elbow Dysplasia. Some eye conditions have also been noted. 

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Required Testing: 
The BTCC of GB require that all breeding dogs are hip & elbow scored as well as eye tested before mating. ‘Required health tests for the Black and Tan Coonhound are also listed in the Royal Kennel Club Health Standard’ that can be viewed here: The Royal Kennel Club Health Standard | The Royal Kennel Club

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Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

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A sensible practice when it is well documented large breeds have a higher predisposition for these orthopedic problems. 

 

What is Hip & Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs?

 

Hip Dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint does not develop properly leading to instability and potential damage to the joint. Hip dysplasia can cause pain lameness and difficulty when moving.

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For further information about hip dysplasia and how to get your dog screened, please visit the following link: Hip dysplasia screening scheme | The Royal Kennel Club

 

Elbow Dysplasia is a collective term for several developmental abnormalities that occur in the elbow joint, including fragmented coronoid process, osteochondritis dissecans & ununited anconeal process. Again, these can cause pain, lameness and restricted movement of the affected limb.

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For further information about elbow dysplasia and how to get your dog screened, please visit the following link: Elbow dysplasia scheme | Dog health | The Royal Kennel Club

 

Both hip & elbow are genetic conditions, meaning they can be inherited from the parents. They can also be influenced by environmental factors such as rapid growth, excessive weight, dietary factors, incorrect exercise, injury and impact on these joints which do not absorb shock.

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Eye Testing

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‘For further information about Eye testing and how to get your dog screened using the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme, please visit the following link: Eye screening scheme | Dog health | The Royal Kennel Club

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Heart Testing

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If you are thinking of getting your Black and Tan Coonhound heart screened, then you can find out more about heart disease and where to find a registered cardiologist using the following links:

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Heart disease in dogs | The Kennel Club

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Heart Screening - Veterinary Cardiovascular Society

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Health Test Results Finder | The Royal Kennel Club

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Use the Royal Kennel Club Health Test Results Finder to look up a dog that is registered with the Royal Kennel Club and see all available health information, DNA test results and screening scheme grades that the Royal Kennel Club records.

If you have had your dog health screened and would like the results to appear on the Royal Kennel Club website, please email a copy of the health test result certificates to the following email address: health.results@royalkennelclub.com

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Adding your dog’s health test results to the Royal Kennel Club database is extremely useful for monitoring breed health and developing health initiatives.

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Disease Detection

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Several health tests have been recommended for the breed by the OFA (Canine Health Registry in America) & the breed Club in the States, the American Black & Tan Coonhound Club. These tests include screening for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiac (heart) evaluation, eye examination & blood testing for autoimmune thyroiditis. Sadly, the majority of dogs listed have incomplete results meaning our knowledge is sketchy. 

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To see a clearer picture of breed health in the UK, the Black & Coonhound health team of  Estella Saxton (Kennel Club Breed Health co-ordinator), and Stephanie Goodacre would love to hear from owners & breeders to submit issues they feel their dogs may have. 

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Reporting health issues will help identify immerging health problems & trends so they can be targeted, and plans put in place for detection & treatment. It will contribute to breed health education so the breed community receives up to date health information and will help support responsible breeding practices.

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PLEASE CLICK THE BELOW LINK TO ACCESS THE HEALTH SUBMISSION FORM