Taken from the 'Greater Swiss Mountain Dog A Complete And Reliable Handbook' published by T.F.H. Publications, Inc., written by James R. Barton

The one question that is debated, argued and studied the most concerning the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is that of health concerns. In order to avoid hearsay and third person information, I will base my information on clinically diagnosed conditions of the Swissy.

The first and foremost concern with the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is that of bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus. This is a disease or digestive problem that is of serious concern for most large and giant breed dog owners. Although I have seen where smaller dogs have been inflicted with this problem it remains more common in larger breeds. Bloat is a condition that most commonly affects dogs between the ages of three and seven years of age. However, younger and older dogs alike have been diagnosed with this condition. Bloat has and is being studied around the world by nearly every major veterinary university and institution. The cause is as elusive as any illness affecting man or beast, and therefore prevention is equally frustrating.

Canine bloat is the condition that is often fatal to affected dogs, therefore prompt medical attention is imperative. Signs of this condition might include:

• Uneasiness, where the dog cannot relax or get comfortable.
• Unsuccessful attempts at vomiting.
• Enlarged abdomen, possibly hard to the touch.
• Pale gums.

Delays of even minutes can make all the difference in the world. Therefore, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary medical clinic immediately for advice or better yet rush your dog to the office without delay. Ask your veterinarian for information and literature on this affliction so that you will be well prepared in the event of an emergency."

Another condition that affects Swissys is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a condition where the ball and socket of the hips are not formed or seated properly. This could be very mild, and the dog will never have physical discomfort or movement disorders, or could become extreme, and hip replacement or other radical surgical procedures might be recommended. The severe cases usually result in crippling conditions for the dog as it matures.

Epilepsy is another condition occasionally found in the Swissy. There can be a breed predisposition to this malady; however, other environmental factors such as distemper, toxoplasmosis, lead poisoning and severe intestinal parasitism can also cause seizures. It is therefore prudent that sires and dams be free of this disorder and that puppies be maintained in such a fashion as to avoid environmental risks.

Osteochondrosis (OCD) is a condition classified as a secondary degenerative joint disease that is occasionally found in large and giant breeds. In Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, this might be observed particularly in the front shoulders. It particularly affects younger dogs between the ages of six to twelve months. There is some evidence of a genetic predisposition as well as environmentally caused factors. Therefore you should inquire as to whether either parents or siblings have ever had this disease. Also, follow your breeders recommendations on exercise and nutritional intake.

Eye problems affecting the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs range from distichiasis to entropion. In the case of distichiasis, abnormally positioned eye lashes along the eyelid margin may irritate the cornea. Distichiasis is common to all breeds of dogs and in most cases does not require medical treatment. Entropion, however, is a condition where the eyelid margin actually rolls inward to some extent. This could result in multiple eyelashes contacting the corneal surface causing irritation and eventually corneal ulceration. In both cases, veterinary care may be required to alleviate serious problems. Obviously, the few extra lashes of distichiasis usually requires minimal, if any, eye invasion or surgery whereas entropion may require extensive surgical procedures.

As a whole, you will find that when compared with other purebred canines, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is quite healthy and sound."