by Angie Pollock

Created on: August 07, 2009

The Afghan Hound derives its name from its place of origin, Afghanistan. This ancient breed made its way to Britain and North America during the early 1900s. Afghan Hounds were once used as a hunting dog for animals like the gazelle and hares but in modern times, this breed is best known for its astounding beauty and luxurious coat.

Generally, the Afghan Hound is a healthy breed. Like with most all other dog breeds, Afghans do have some ailments and disorders that are more commonly seen within the breed. Before purchasing an Afghan Hound, new prospective owners should research the history of the dog or pup they are considering acquiring. Many good breeders will not breed dogs that have a history of these ailments so one should also look into the breeder.

Hip Dysplasia

A genetic disorder, hip dysplasia will cause the hip joint to degenerate. In a healthy joint, the ball and socket will fit neatly together. Hip dysplasia will loosen that neat joining causing rapid wear on the joint sometimes leading to arthritis. Serious cases of this disorder can lead to immobility of the back legs.

Large dog breeds are prone to hip dysplasia including Greyhounds, Great Danes, and the Afghan Hound. Signs of this disease will generally appear in the early stages of life while the puppy is rapidly growing. Signs of hip dysplasia include limping, difficulty jumping, and the position of the hind legs may not appear natural.

Allergic Dermatitis

Allergic dermatitis is a common term used to explain a group of skin allergies that are caused by different reasons. The allergies can be from external or internal sources. Most common causes for allergic dermatitis include flea bites, food allergies, and allergens inhaled from the environment. Contact allergies can be acquired from factors in the environment that the dog touches.

Other issues that contribute to this ailment include reactions to medications, hormonal fluctuations, and allergies to other parasites. Most common signs that a dog has allergic dermatitis include scratching, hair loss, and scaly patches on the skin. All types of dermatitis can be serious as the scratching and biting of the skin can lead to open wounds and possibly infections.

Eye Disorders

A cataract is a disease of the eye where the lens hardens. This can result in the light being blocked from passing through the eye's retina. Aging is the most common cause of cataracts however some breeds are genetically prone to the disorder including

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