All about your Corgi

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) tops the list of common health issues. It occurs when the shock-absorbing discs between your dog's vertebrae gradually begin to harden until they are unable to cushion the vertebrae properly. This condition can cause a dog to be unable to walk and can seriously compromise their quality of life. When an intervertebral disc slips out of place (a slipped disc) it presses on the spinal cord, causes pain, nerve problems, and sometimes paralysis. Always contact your vet if your dog has symptoms of a slipped disc, it can be a very painful condition that can get a lot worse if it’s left untreated.

This serious nerve and spine condition affects the central nervous system, brain stem and spinal cord. Symptoms range from decreased muscle mass, muscular atrophy and posture issues to partial or full limb paralysis. Sadly there's no known cure for it, but there are ways to manage it to keep your Corgi comfortable.

This disorder stops blood from clotting properly, meaning your Corgi will bleed more than usual after an injury. This can lead to anaemia and dangerous levels of blood loss. Symptoms to look out for are random bleeding from the nose, genitals and gums. You may also see blood in their pee and poo, and they may bruise easily. This isn't usually a serious condition, and in most cases only requires mild treatment. Von Willebrand's disease is hereditary, so ask the breeder if the parents have been screened for it.

Cataracts are pretty widespread in the Corgi breed, more so as your Corgi ages. If you see a cloudy haze forming on your Corgi’s eyes, it might be cataracts. When a dog gets cataracts the lens clouds stopping light from reaching the back of the eye which impairs vision and is what can lead to blindness. Don’t let a cataract go without being managed, assessed, and treated by your vet.

Corgis are more likely to develop this painful condition, where clusters of minerals form in the bladder or kidneys. You might notice blood in their pee, as well as signs that they're having trouble urinating – for example straining when it's time to go, or if they simply can't. You might also notice that they lose their appetite, become lethargic and have a fever. Abdominal pain and vomiting are also common. Kidney and bladder stones are considered a medical emergency, so make sure you have pet insurance in place and call your vet right away.

The content on this page aims to offer an informative introduction to pet breeds, but does not constitute expert veterinary advice. If your dog or cat falls ill or has an injury, contact your vet immediately. Tesco Pet Insurance has a partnership with vetfone™ which means that as a customer, you can benefit from their advice as part of your policy.

Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. The vetfone™ service is provided by VetsDirect Ltd.

All facts and figures were correct at date of publication and were compiled using a range of sources.

Vetfone™ is a 24/7 unlimited, free telephone or video call service that provides expert advice from vets or vet nurses qualified with the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons). If your pet has a medical emergency, or you need advice on health, grooming, feeding or behaviour vetfone™ is there to help.

As a Tesco Pet Insurance customer, you can access friendly, expert advice from qualified Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a standard benefit with your policy, and the service is provided at no additional cost. A quick telephone call or video call could answer any questions you have about your pet, give you peace of mind and could even save you a trip to the vet.

Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. The vetfone™ service is provided by VetsDirect Ltd.