Borzoi Health Guide
Back to Borzoi OverviewUnderstanding the health profile of the Borzoi helps owners make informed decisions about screening, insurance, and preventive care. Like many pedigree breeds, the Borzoi is prone to certain hereditary and acquired health conditions, most notably Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD). Lifespan varies considerably — from 9 to 14 years — and is strongly influenced by diet, weight management, and early veterinary screening.
Conditions Affecting Borzois
- Category: Orthopedic Typical onset: 1-2 years Est. treatment cost: £1,500-£6,000
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, causing the ball and socket to not fit together correctly. This leads to joint deterioration, pain, and arthritis over time.
Key symptoms: Difficulty rising · Reluctance to jump · Bunny-hopping gait · Loss of thigh muscle · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment - Category: Eye Typical onset: 3-8 years Est. treatment cost: £0 (management only)
PRA is a group of hereditary diseases causing progressive degeneration of the photoreceptor cells in the retina. It leads to night blindness first, followed by complete blindness. There is no treatment, but DNA tests exist for many forms.
Key symptoms: Night blindness (early sign) · Reluctance to enter dark rooms · Dilated pupils · Reduced daytime vision · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment - Category: Orthopedic Typical onset: 4-18 months Est. treatment cost: £1,800-£4,000
OCD is a developmental condition where cartilage in a joint fails to convert to bone properly, forming a flap that causes pain, joint effusion, and lameness. Commonly affects shoulder, elbow, stifle, and hock joints.
Key symptoms: Foreleg or hindleg lameness · Joint swelling · Pain on joint flexion · Reduced exercise tolerance · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment
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