Pumi Health Guide

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Understanding the health profile of the Pumi helps owners make informed decisions about screening, insurance, and preventive care. Like many pedigree breeds, the Pumi is prone to certain hereditary and acquired health conditions, most notably Hip Dysplasia, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), and Patellar Luxation. With attentive care, most Pumis can be expected to live 12–13 years.

Lifespan 12–13 years
Documented Conditions 3
Size Category medium
Group Herding

Conditions Affecting Pumis

  • Hip Dysplasia High Risk Hereditary
    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 more
    Full details, symptoms & treatment
  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) High Risk Hereditary
    Category: Neurological Typical onset: 8-14 years Est. treatment cost: £500-£3,000/year

    DM is a progressive, non-painful spinal cord disease caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene. It begins with hind limb weakness and ataxia, progressing to complete paralysis and eventually fore limb involvement. It is analogous to ALS in humans.

    Key symptoms: Progressive hind limb weakness · Knuckling of hind paws · Dragging hind legs · Loss of bladder and bowel control · +1 more
    Full details, symptoms & treatment
  • Patellar Luxation Moderate Risk Hereditary
    Category: Orthopedic Typical onset: 4 months - 6 years Est. treatment cost: £1,500-£3,500

    Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal groove in the femur. It can be medial (inward) or lateral (outward) and ranges from grade 1 (occasional slipping) to grade 4 (permanent dislocation).

    Key symptoms: Intermittent skipping on hind leg · Sudden leg lifting · Bunny-hopping · Hind limb lameness · +1 more
    Full details, symptoms & treatment

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