Health

Health of the Bavarian Mountain Hound is one of the most important factors when it comes to the welfare of this breed. Unlike some other breeds, BMH are not plagued by health issues, however attempting to reduce the occurance of those health issues that do exist is of exteme importance. In recent times here in the UK, there has been increasingly frequent occurances of poor breeding practice by individuals who have little concern for the breeds welfare. The BMH Society requires that both Bitches and Dogs are health screened, with results in hand prior to breeding, and advises anyone who experiences any othe health issues with their hounds to contact both the breeder and the society with details. By working together, reputable breeders and the society can attempt to cap the development of emerging health issues.

HIP DYSPLASIA (HD)

Hip dysplasia is a term that refers to several types of orthopeadic abnormality of the hip joint. Genetics are a large factor in which individuals exhibit hip dysplasia, however environmental factors and obesity will exacerbate the condition. Hounds can be screened for an indication to the degree of incidence of the condition.

More information regarding Hip Dysplasia in hunting hounds can be found by following the link below:

Hip Dysplasia in Hunting Hounds

KC/BVA Hip Scoring
Hounds are commonly screened for HD under the KC/BVA scheme.Hounds must be KC Registered, micochipped and a minimum of 12 months of age prior to presenting for testing. General anaesthetic or heavy sedation is required to perform Hip Scoring.

KC/BVA HD screening can be organised by contacting your local veterinary practice. Details for the procedure of hip scoring is on the link below

BVA Procedure for Hip Scoring

More information regarding Hip Scoring can be found via the BVA website:

http://www.bva.co.uk/public/documents/Hip_Dysplasia.pdf

ENTROPION

Entropion is a condition that affects the eye, whereby either/both upper and lower lids curl inwards towards the surface of the eye. The condition can be painful to the hound and if left untreated can cause corneal ulceration and scaring from where the lashes come into contact with the surface of the eye.
If caught early enough Entropion can be corrected by a simple surgical procedure if indicated by the veterinary surgeon.
It is known that Entropion can be congenital, therefore the BMH Society advises not breeding from any affected hound and contact be made to both breeder and the society.

Please contact your veterinary surgeon for if you have any concerns regarding entropion.

EPILEPSY

There have been several reports of Bavarian Mountain Hounds showing symptons of epilepsy.

Epilepsy is not a disease but ongoing condition characterised by reoccuring seizures. Epilepsy has also been noted as being hereditory.

The website below provides a good information base about the condition

http://www.canineepilepsy.co.uk/

The BMH Society would be grateful if anyone whose hound suffers with epilepsy contact us in order for us to monitor the condition.