Otterhound Health

The Otterhound is generally considered a hardy, boisterous, and amiable breed, however, with overall global population estimates hovering around ~800 individuals it should come as no surprise that the gene pool has been impacted by certain genetic and hereditary conditions. 

Due to this, OHeavens is committed to completing all Otterhound Club of America (OHCA) and Canine Health information Center (CHIC) health testing and reporting requirements as a non-negotiable necessity for all breeding stock not only from our kennel, but for all hounds being considered for our lines. Health screening not only benefits us in the ability to track and verify healthy dogs in our own lines, but also allows other breeders searching for potential breeding stock to have the available information in order to make informed decisions as well.

Below we have listed additional information regarding all major illnesses that can impact this breed. Keep in mind, these are the most common issues within the breed and every dog is different. Unfortunately, there are still diseases and afflictions that can rear their ugly heads against the best efforts of ethical and responsible breeders, and some ailments do not have a genetic test available at all.

OHeavens is proud to be an active member of the OHCA Health Committee for the better part of a decade, working toward a brighter future for our beloved hounds in any way we can.

Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy (seizures of unknown origin) is a significant health concern for the Otterhound and both the OHCA and the Otterhound club (UK) currently keep a list of actively seizing/fitting dogs. The OHCA has sponsored an ongoing health study partnered with the Canine Health Foundation (CHF) to better understand how this disease impacts our breed and possible ways to prevent it. No breeder can guarantee a seizure free hound, but with a little luck and a dash of science perhaps a marker for this debilitating condition can be identified.​

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetically inherited disease where the hip joint does not form properly to make a smoothly moving ball and socket joint.  However, despite the genetic predisposition a hound may have to hip dysplasia, the severity and/or chances of development can be lessened by ensuring hounds are not overweight during crucial growth periods in puppyhood as well as not allowing your hound to jump off of taller heights or over-use their joints before fully mature.

​Elbow dysplasia is an increasing issue in Otterhounds both in the US and abroad.  It is a genetically inherited disease that causes osteoarthritis in the elbow.  The same prevention tactics can be applied to preserve elbows as well, the chances of development lessen so long as over-use and impact is limited during puppyhood until the growth plates are able to close during maturity.

Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia (GT)

A blood platelet disorder, the clinical presence of this bleeding disorder is relatively easy to spot because 'bleeding which cannot be stopped' is the main symptom.  There is a known genetic test for GT in Otterhounds and dogs are tested via a salivary sample collected through a cheek swab and sent for genetic testing. All OHeavens puppies have genetic testing and blood sample donations sent in before being placed into their new homes.

Sebaceous Cysts 

Sebaceous cysts typically appear as smooth, raised, firm-to-soft lumps on the skin, often measuring 5mm to 5cm, commonly found on the head, neck, back, or upper legs. These often bluish, white, or flesh-colored cysts may be itchy or painful, and can rupture, releasing a thick, cheesy, foul-smelling gray or yellow discharge. Certain cysts may require removal via surgery depending on placement and size, however, sebaceous cysts are not a life-threatening development. Always be sure to have any lumps and bumps checked by your veterinarian to be safe.