Breed-Specific Health: Common Conditions & How to Prevent Them for Lagotto Romagnolo
- manaway
- Jul 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 4
The Lagotto Romagnolo, a charming and intelligent breed known for its curly, hypoallergenic coat and truffle-hunting heritage, is generally healthy with a lifespan of 15 to 17 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to specific health conditions. As a dedicated breeder with one of the most frequented websites for the Lagotto Romagnolo, we aim to provide comprehensive information to help you ensure your dog thrives. This article explores common health issues, prevention strategies, and care tips, including genetic health screening, ear care, hip and elbow evaluations, lifespan, and diet and exercise recommendations.
Breed specific Health Conditions in Lagotto Romagnolo
The following conditions are among the most common for the Lagotto Romagnolo, based on information from reputable sources like the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America and veterinary resources:
Hip Dysplasia:
Description: A developmental condition where the hip joint forms improperly, leading to arthritis, pain, and mobility issues. It’s influenced by genetics, rapid weight gain, and environmental factors like slippery surfaces.
Symptoms: Lameness, difficulty rising, or reluctance to exercise.
Management: Weight control, moderate exercise, and, in severe cases, surgery (costing $2,500+).
Elbow Dysplasia:
Description: A similar orthopedic issue affecting the elbow joint, causing lameness and arthritis.
Symptoms: Limping or stiffness in the front legs.
Management: Similar to hip dysplasia, with early detection via X-rays and weight management.
Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE):
Description: A neurological disorder causing seizures in puppies aged 5–9 weeks, often resolving by 8–13 weeks.
Symptoms: Seizures or tremors in young puppies.
Management: Genetic testing prevents breeding of carriers; veterinary care for affected puppies.
Lysosomal Storage Disease (LSD):
Description: A severe, breed-specific neurodegenerative disease affecting dogs under 4 years, leading to behavioral changes and poor quality of life.
Symptoms: Coordination issues, behavioral changes, or neurological decline.
Management: Genetic testing is critical; affected dogs may require humane euthanasia.
Hyperuricosuria (HUU):
Description: A condition causing elevated uric acid in urine, predisposing dogs to bladder or kidney stones.
Symptoms: Difficulty urinating or blood in urine.
Management: Genetic testing and a diet promoting hydration can reduce risks.
Patellar Luxation:
Description: Dislocation of the kneecap, leading to lameness or an abnormal gait.
Symptoms: Intermittent limping or skipping steps.
Management: Weight control and, in severe cases, surgical correction.
Eye Issues (e.g., Cataracts):
Description: Clouding of the lens that can impair vision.
Symptoms: Cloudiness in the eyes or difficulty seeing.
Management: Annual eye evaluations by a board-certified ophthalmologist for early detection.
Hypothyroidism:
Description: An underactive thyroid gland causing weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues.
Symptoms: Unexplained weight gain, hair loss, or low energy.
Management: Routine blood tests and hormone replacement therapy.
Ear Infections:
Description: The breed’s pendulous ears and curly coat can trap moisture, leading to infections like otitis or Malassezia.
Symptoms: Scratching, head shaking, bad odor, or redness in the ears.
Management: Regular cleaning and monitoring to prevent infections.
Genetic Health Screening
Genetic health screening is essential for reducing the risk of hereditary conditions in Lagotto Romagnolo puppies. The Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America recommends:
DNA Testing for BFJE and LSD: At least one parent must be clear or normal for each condition to prevent affected offspring.
Hip Dysplasia Testing: Breeding dogs should be evaluated via X-rays, with only those within acceptable ranges used for breeding.
Annual Eye Evaluations: Conducted by a board-certified ophthalmologist to ensure eye health in breeding dogs.
Optional Tests: Some breeders test for elbow dysplasia and patellar luxation to further ensure healthy litters.
When choosing a puppy, always request verifiable proof of these tests from the breeder. Reputable breeders, like us at Northwest Lagotto, adhere to these standards to produce healthy, well-socialized puppies.
Ear Care for Lagotto Romagnolo
Due to their pendulous ears and curly, non-shedding coat, Lagotto Romagnolos are prone to ear infections caused by moisture and debris buildup. Proper ear care is crucial:
Regular Cleaning: Use a dog-specific ear cleaner, such as Dechra TrizULTRA + Keto Flush or Zymox otic cleanser, weekly to remove dirt and wax. Follow your vet’s guidance for application.
Hair Removal: Some owners remove inner ear hairs to improve air circulation, using tweezers or Thornit powder to make hairs brittle for plucking. However, recent veterinary advice leans toward a conservative approach, suggesting minimal hair removal unless necessary. Consult your vet before starting.
Post-Bath Care: Place cotton balls in the ears during baths to prevent water entry, and dry ears thoroughly afterward.
Monitoring: Check for signs of infection, such as scratching, head shaking, bad odor, or redness. Immediate veterinary attention is needed if these occur.
Hip and Elbow Evaluations
Hip and elbow dysplasia are significant concerns for Lagotto Romagnolos. Regular veterinary check-ups, including X-rays, can detect these conditions early. For breeding dogs, certification from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is often required to ensure joint health. Owners can help by:
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.
Providing moderate, low-impact exercise, especially for puppies, to avoid joint damage.
Avoiding slippery surfaces during puppyhood to support proper joint development.
Lifespan and General Health
With proper care, Lagotto Romagnolos can live 15 to 17 years, a testament to their robust health when managed well. Their longevity depends on:
Genetics: Choosing a puppy from a breeder who conducts thorough health screenings.
Veterinary Care: Regular check-ups to catch issues early.
Lifestyle: A balanced diet and active routine to support overall well-being.
Diet and Exercise Tips
A healthy diet and regular exercise are vital for keeping your Lagotto Romagnolo in top condition.
Diet
High-Quality Food: Feed a balanced, high-quality diet formulated for small-to-medium-sized breeds with average-to-high energy levels. Meat should be the primary ingredient.
Portion Control: Monitor calorie intake, especially from treats, to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate conditions like hip dysplasia.
Hydration: Ensure fresh water is always available.
Home-Prepared Diets: If opting for homemade food, consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure nutritional completeness.
Exercise
Daily Activity: Lagottos require 1–2 hours of daily exercise, including off-leash activities like swimming, fetching, or running, to match their water dog and truffle-hunting heritage.
Mental Stimulation: Incorporate training, interactive toys, and games to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Tailored Routines: Adjust exercise based on age and energy level, with puppies needing shorter, gentler sessions and adults thriving on more vigorous activities.
Why Choose a Healthy Start?
Bringing a Lagotto Romagnolo into your home is a commitment to a loyal, affectionate companion. Starting with a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder ensures a strong foundation for a vibrant life. At Northwet Lagotto, we prioritize health screenings and raise our puppies in a loving environment to prepare them for their forever homes. Learn about our new litter born July 30, 2025 or join our waitlist for upcoming litters by emailing nwlagotto@gmail.com.
Explore our website for more articles on Lagotto Romagnolo care, including training, grooming, and breed comparisons, to help you provide the best life for your new family member.
Health Conditions Table
Condition | Description | Prevention/Management |
Hip Dysplasia | Improper hip joint development leading to arthritis and mobility issues. | Genetic testing, weight control, moderate exercise, avoid slippery surfaces for puppies. |
Elbow Dysplasia | Improper elbow joint development causing lameness and arthritis. | X-rays, weight management, and genetic screening. |
Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE) | Seizures in puppies, often resolving by 8–13 weeks. | Genetic testing to avoid breeding carriers; veterinary care for affected puppies. |
Lysosomal Storage Disease (LSD) | Severe neurodegenerative disease affecting young dogs. | Genetic testing; carriers should not be bred. |
Hyperuricosuria (HUU) | Elevated uric acid in urine, leading to bladder/kidney stones. | Genetic testing, hydration-focused diet. |
Patellar Luxation | Kneecap dislocation causing lameness. | Weight control, avoid excessive jumping, surgical correction if severe. |
Eye Issues (e.g., Cataracts) | Clouding of the lens impairing vision. | Annual eye evaluations by an ophthalmologist. |
Hypothyroidism | Underactive thyroid causing weight gain, lethargy, skin issues. | Routine blood tests, hormone replacement therapy. |
Ear Infections | Infections due to moisture/debris buildup in ears. | Weekly cleaning, hair removal if needed, keep ears dry post-bath. |
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