Mary Allen
#10 Chinese Beagle Syndrome (CBS)
This condition is characterized by a wide skull and skewed eyes. Otherwise, the dog grows normally. Oftentimes, dogs with CBS have heart problems and toe abnormalities.
#11 Patellar luxation
This is a common problem in small dogs. It occurs when the patella, which consists of three parts - the femur (thigh bone), the patella itself (kneecap), and the tibia (calf) - is not properly aligned. It causes lameness or an abnormal gait, like jumping or hopping.
The condition is present from birth, although the actual deformity or dislocation sometimes occurs much later. Rubbing through the patellar dislocation can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease. There are four grades of patellar dislocation, ranging from grade I, an occasional dislocation that causes temporary paralysis of the joints, to grade IV, where the rotation of the tibia is excessive and the patella cannot be straightened manually.
This gives the dog a bow-legged appearance. Pronounced degrees of patellar dislocation may require surgical repair.
#12 If you are buying a puppy, you should find a good breeder who will show you health certificates for both of the puppy’s parents.
Health certificates confirm that the dog has been tested for and does not have specific diseases. For beagles, expect to see health certificates from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a rating between fair and better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and Willebrand-Juergens syndrome; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF)" certificates that the eyes are normal. You can confirm health certificates by checking the OFA website (offa.org).