Home › Guides › Deerhound health problems and tests
Like all dog breeds, Scottish Deerhounds are predisposed to certain health conditions. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions before breeding, and prospective owners should ask about health testing. Understanding common health issues—and the tests available to screen for them—helps owners provide appropriate care and catch problems early.
Factor VII deficiency
Factor VII is a blood clotting protein. Dogs deficient in Factor VII may experience excessive bleeding after injury or surgery, and some may experience spontaneous bleeding. The condition is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, meaning a dog must inherit the faulty gene from both parents to be affected.
A DNA test is available for Factor VII deficiency. Breeders use test results to avoid breeding two carriers together, which would produce affected puppies. A DNA profile of this kind gives a conclusive clear, carrier, or affected result for that specific mutation, unlike screening tests such as hip scoring, which assess probability rather than certainty. Prospective puppy buyers should ask breeders whether both parents have been DNA tested for Factor VII.
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle that causes it to weaken and enlarge, reducing the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. Symptoms may include lethargy, coughing, or difficulty breathing, though some dogs show no signs until the condition is advanced. Giant dog breeds, including Deerhounds, are at higher risk.
There is no single genetic test for DCM in Deerhounds, as the condition appears to be multifactorial. Screening typically involves echocardiography (heart ultrasound) performed by a veterinary cardiologist. Some breeders screen parent dogs before breeding; prospective buyers should ask whether the breeder has done cardiac screening on the dam and sire.
Bloat and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)
Bloat, or gastric dilatation, occurs when the stomach fills with gas and expands. In severe cases, the stomach may twist (volvulus), cutting off blood supply—a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgery. Giant breeds with deep chests, including Deerhounds, are at increased risk.
Risk factors include eating a single large meal, rapid eating, and strenuous exercise immediately after feeding. There is no genetic test for bloat susceptibility. Prevention focuses on management: feeding two or three smaller meals daily instead of one large meal, avoiding vigorous exercise for 1–2 hours after eating, and having a veterinarian’s emergency number readily available. Signs of bloat include a visibly distended abdomen, restlessness, retching without vomiting, and excessive drooling—all require immediate veterinary attention.
Bone and joint issues
Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) affects giant breeds at a higher rate than smaller dogs. It typically occurs in older dogs and causes lameness, swelling, and pain, particularly in the limbs. Unfortunately, osteosarcoma is aggressive and often fatal, though amputation and chemotherapy may extend survival in some cases. There is no screening test; early recognition of limping or swelling and prompt veterinary evaluation offer the best chance of detection.
Cystinuria is a genetic disorder affecting the kidneys’ ability to reabsorb certain amino acids, leading to crystal and stone formation in the urinary tract. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, blood in urine, or urinary tract infections. A DNA test is available for cystinuria. Breeders should screen for this condition, particularly if there is family history.
Screening and testing recommendations
The Royal Kennel Club recommends that breeders consult a breed health coordinator—an individual “working on behalf of breed clubs”—to identify which health tests are appropriate for their breed. Before breeding, responsible breeders typically perform:
- DNA testing for Factor VII deficiency and cystinuria
- Cardiac screening (echocardiography) for the dam and sire, ideally performed by a veterinary cardiologist
- Hip and elbow assessment through screening schemes such as the BVA/Kennel Club hip and elbow scoring scheme or PennHIP
What to ask a breeder
When contacting a breeder, ask:
- “Have both parents been DNA tested for Factor VII and cystinuria? May I see the results?”
- “Has the dam had a cardiac screening? By whom?”
- “Has the sire had a cardiac screening? By whom?”
- “Have the parents’ hips and elbows been screened?”
- “Do the parents or their close relatives have a history of any health problems?”
- “Will you provide a health guarantee?”
The Royal Kennel Club’s Health Test Results Finder allows you to search for a dog by name or registration number to verify claimed health test results.
Monitoring your deerhound’s health
Once you have a puppy or adult dog, regular veterinary check-ups are essential. Alert your vet to any lameness, coughing, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst or urination, or changes in appetite or energy. These can signal serious conditions requiring prompt investigation. Giant breeds also benefit from preventive care: maintaining ideal body weight, providing joint-supportive supplements if recommended by your vet, and avoiding strenuous activity in puppies until growth plates have closed (typically around 12–18 months). Keeping a record of your dog’s normal resting heart rate, weight, and general demeanour makes it easier for you and your vet to notice a meaningful change early, rather than putting subtle symptoms down to age or a quiet day.
Key points
- Factor VII deficiency is a blood-clotting disorder screened by DNA test; responsible breeders test both parents and avoid breeding two carriers together.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscle; cardiac screening by echocardiography helps identify at-risk breeding dogs.
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a life-threatening emergency more common in giant breeds; risk is reduced by feeding multiple small meals and avoiding exercise after feeding.
- DNA tests exist for cystinuria (urinary tract condition); responsible breeders screen both parents.
- Always ask breeders for health test results, cardiac screening certificates, and family health history before purchasing a puppy.
Related: Deerhound help near you