Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a generally healthy breed. However, they can carry a genetic predisposition and susceptibility to certain diseases and disorders including DM, VWD1, and EIC.
DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY (DM):
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord. Cells that are responsible for sending and receiving signals from the brain will slowly deteriorate, causing the dog to slowly lose the ability to function. DM usually starts with an unsteady gait which progressively worsens until the dog is unable to walk. Starting from the back, the disease will move up the body, beginning with the back legs and eventually losing function of the front legs. DM generally occurs later in life, around the average age of 10, but some dogs may be affected earlier.
Dogs that are DM Clear possess no defective genetic copies. Dogs that are DM Free, also known as DM Carriers, have one defective genetic copy but will not be genetically affected. “At risk” dogs possess both defective genetic copies are likely to be affected, but a percentage never exhibits the symptoms.
See also:
VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE 1 (VWD1):
Von Willebrand Disease 1 (VWD1) is a bleeding disorder that often affects Pembroke Welsh Corgis. VWD1 affects the amount of von Willebrand coagulation factor, which is an essential protein needed for the blood to clot. When the dogs have a reduced amount of coagulant, they may suffer from frequent bruises and nosebleeds, and may experience prolonged bleeding from injuries or surgeries. If unknown that a dog is affected, severe bleeding could cause death. However, most dogs with VWD1 will experience a normal life with this condition.
Dogs that are VWD1 Clear possess no defective genetic copies. Dogs that are VWD1 Free, or VWD1 Carriers, have one defective genetic copy and may exhibit symptoms, but are generally not affected. Dogs that possess both defective genetic copies will be affected.
See also:
https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/157/?breed=41
EXERCISE-INDUCED COLLAPSE (EIC):
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) is a neuromuscular disorder that affects Pembroke Welsh Corgis. EIC will cause an otherwise healthy dog to be exercise intolerant. EIC is usually apparent before the corgis are two years old. Affected corgis will appear normal when involved in low to moderately strenuous activity. However, shortly after 5-20 minutes of strenuous exercise, they will begin to wobble, usually in their hind legs. EIC episodes generally last 5-10 minutes and the dog will completely recover within 15-30 minutes. In some circumstances, EIC can cause the entire body to become weak. Severe EIC episodes can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, and in the rare case, death.
Dogs that are EIC Clear possess no defective genetic copies. Dogs that are EIC Carriers, also referred to as EIC Free, have one defective genetic copy and are generally not affected. Dogs that possess both defective genetic copies are considered “at risk” and may be affected.
See also:
https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/99/?breed=41
CARE:
Even if corgis are not genetically predisposed to certain diseases and disorders does not mean that they are completely immune. Or if a corgi does carry a genetic susceptibility to a disease or disorder, it does not mean the dog will suffer. It is important to maintain a healthy diet, provide proper exercise, and visit the vet for regular checkups for a healthy corgi. Corgis especially love to eat and can easily become overweight, which causes a host of problems and exposes them to a higher susceptibility to other diseases. For more information, please contact your local vet.
See also:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pembroke-welsh-corgi/
http://wpvet.com/pdfs/dogbreedinfo/winterparkveterinaryhospitalcorgi.pdf