Lagotto Romagnolo Info & Lagotto Romagnolo Breeders

Potential Health Issues in the Lagotto Romagnolo

Overall, the Lagotto Romagnolo is considered a very healthy breed.  There are some conditions that can be of concern, and ethical and responsible breeders will screen for these. The known conditions and other regular tests are explained below.  If you are considering a Lagotto Romagnolo you should be aware of these and talk to breeders about their breeding and testing program. Genetic testing of parents is necessary to avoid the most common diseases and often the health issues associated with the Lagotto Romagnolo (especially the neurological disorders) can be attributed to poor breeding practices.  It should be noted that NONE of these tests are compulsory, but reputable breeders will do whatever tests are available to them to ensure they are breeding healthy, quality animals. 

Hip Dysplasia (HD) -  Canine hip dysplasia stems from abnormal development of the hip joint; looseness in the joint allows excessive movement which can cause arthritis, especially in larger breeds. As a light agile breed, the Lagotto is not overly prone to joint problems, however HD can occur. It is responsible practice to hip screen breeding animals and by selecting the best scores, there should be continual improvement in the breed’s hips.   Hip dysplasia is a multi-genetic inherited trait, with environmental factors playing an important part. During the first year of life, puppies should not be over fed, over exercised or allowed to jump from anything but the smallest height as this can adversely affect their growing joints.

Lysosomal Storage Disease (LSD) - LSD is a neurodegenerative disorder which has been recently identified in the Lagotto breed. It is caused by a genetic mutation which can only only occur if both parents are affected in which case at least half of the offspring will be affected.  LSD in Lagotto's is characterized by uncoordinated movements like staggering and falling down, not being able to keep their head up, involuntary eye movement and behavioural changes, such as agression. These symptoms can start from 4 months to 4 years of age and progressively get worst which will result in the dog having to be euthanized.

Herediitary Hyperuricosuria (HUU) -  HUU is a genetic defect resulting in a urinary tract and kidney disorder in which excess acid accumulates in urine. This leads to frequent urination, difficulties in urinating, blood in the urine or urinary tract infections. General symptoms include weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, or vomiting. HUU is inherited and according to current knowledge, the dog needs to inherit the mutation from both parents in order for the disease to manifest. Carriers don’t have any symptoms.

Juvenile Epilepsy - (Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy – BFJE) - BFJE is a neurological disorder found in the Lagotto Romagnolo breed.  The affected puppies usually show evidence of seizures - body tremors, uncoordinated movement and stiffness - from 5 to 9 weeks of age up until they are four months old, after this time the seizures resolve. Testing is available and widely utilised by breeders to ensure that healthy puppies are produced.  Good responsible breeding has now limited the amount of Lagottos affected by this disease world wide.

Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) (progressive juvenile ataxia) - While considered very rare, another condition found in the Lagotto is cerebellar abiotrophy of CA.  This condition is a form epilepsy, but is not connected with the BFJE mutation. The age of onset is adulthood. The number of confirmed cases is low and research is continuing. There is currently no commercial test for this disease and more research is needed. 

For general health issues see Lagotto Romagnolo Association of the UK , Lagotto Romagnolo Club of New Zealand.