Pembroke Welsh Corgi Age Calculator

An inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand factor, a protein essential for blood clotting. Type I is the mildest form and is relatively common in Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Affected dogs may bleed excessively during surgery, after injuries, or during heat cycles. Many mildly affected dogs live normal lives without incident, but awareness is critical before any surgical procedure.

Prevention: DNA testing identifies carriers and affected dogs. Inform your veterinarian of your Corgi's vWD status before any surgical procedure, including spay/neuter. Affected dogs may require special surgical precautions or pre-treatment with desmopressin (DDAVP). Avoid medications that affect clotting, such as aspirin.

Symptoms: excessive bleeding from minor cuts, prolonged bleeding during surgery, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in urine or stool, excessive bruising

Abnormal formation of the hip joint where the femoral head does not fit properly into the hip socket, causing pain, inflammation, and progressive arthritis. Despite their small stature, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a notable incidence of hip dysplasia. Their low-slung build can mask symptoms, as owners may attribute gait changes to normal Corgi movement rather than joint pain.

Prevention: Source puppies from breeders who perform OFA or PennHIP evaluations on breeding stock. Maintain a healthy weight throughout life, as excess weight dramatically accelerates joint deterioration. Provide joint supplements proactively, keep exercise moderate and low-impact, and avoid slippery floor surfaces.

Symptoms: bunny-hopping gait, reluctance to exercise or play, difficulty rising after rest, limping or lameness in hind legs, decreased range of motion in hips, audible clicking from hip joint

Degeneration and herniation of spinal discs causing pain, nerve damage, and potentially paralysis. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a chondrodystrophic breed with disproportionately short legs and a long spine, making them highly susceptible to disc problems. The thoracolumbar (mid-to-lower back) region is most commonly affected. IVDD can range from mild pain episodes to acute paralysis requiring emergency surgery.

Prevention: Prevent jumping on and off furniture by providing ramps. Maintain a lean body weight to minimize spinal stress. Support the full body when lifting a Corgi — never pick them up by the front legs alone. Avoid high-impact activities. Early veterinary attention at the first sign of back pain dramatically improves outcomes.

Symptoms: reluctance to jump or climb stairs, crying out when picked up, arched or hunched back, wobbly or unsteady gait, dragging hind legs, loss of bladder or bowel control

A group of inherited eye diseases causing progressive degeneration of the retina, ultimately leading to blindness. The form most common in Pembroke Welsh Corgis is rod-cone degeneration, which first causes night blindness before progressing to total vision loss. The condition is painless but irreversible, and affected dogs must adapt to life without sight.

Prevention: DNA testing is available for the rcd3 form of PRA in Corgis, and responsible breeders screen all breeding stock. There is no treatment once the disease develops. Dogs that go blind can adapt remarkably well in familiar environments — keep furniture in consistent locations and use verbal cues to guide your dog.

Symptoms: night blindness (bumping into things in dim light), reluctance to go outside at night, dilated pupils, increased eye shine (tapetal reflection), progressive vision loss, eventual complete blindness

A progressive, incurable neurological disease affecting the spinal cord that causes gradual loss of hind-limb function. DM is particularly prevalent in Pembroke Welsh Corgis and is caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene. The disease typically begins with mild hind-end weakness and progresses over 6-12 months to complete paralysis of the rear legs. It is painless but profoundly disabling.

Prevention: There is no cure or proven prevention once symptoms appear. DNA testing for the SOD1 mutation allows breeders to avoid producing affected puppies. Regular exercise may slow progression. Physical rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, and assistive devices (rear harnesses, wheelchairs) can maintain quality of life. Discuss genetic testing with your breeder before purchasing a puppy.

Symptoms: knuckling of hind paws, scuffing toenails when walking, wobbling or swaying hindquarters, difficulty rising from lying down, crossing of hind legs, progressive hind-limb paralysis, eventual fecal and urinary incontinence