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Beagle Dog — Clinical Risk Profile | VetTools | VetTools Clinical Intelligence

Beagle

DOG· MEDIUM· Lifespan: 10-15 years

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📋 Breed Predispositions

Condition	Prevalence	Onset	Severity	Screening
Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (Beagle Pain Syndrome)	Breed-defining — Beagles are the index breed	4-18 months	SEVERE	CSF analysis (neutrophilic pleocytosis) plus serum IgA in a young Beagle with cyclic fever, cervical rigidity and reluctance to lower the head. Rule out infection before starting immunosuppression.
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (ADAMTS10)	Autosomal recessive; genetic test available	IOP rises 8 months-2 years; vision loss 3-6 years	SEVERE	ADAMTS10 genetic test before breeding. Annual tonometry from age 2 in test-positive or untested dogs — the pressure rise long precedes visible change.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (Hansen Type I)	Elevated — chondrodystrophic, CDDY-carrying breed	3-7 years	SEVERE	CDDY/CFA12 genotype where available. Any acute back pain, ataxia or reluctance to jump warrants neurolocalisation the same day.
Obesity Predisposition	Very common	Any age	MODERATE RISK	Body condition score (9-point) recorded at every visit, not just weight.
Factor VII Deficiency	Autosomal recessive; carrier frequency elevated in the breed	Congenital — usually silent until surgery or trauma	MODERATE RISK	F7 genetic test. Consider a coagulation panel (PT prolonged, aPTT normal) before elective surgery in untested dogs.
Hypothyroidism	Elevated	4-8 years	MILD	Total T4 with TSH annually after age 4, or sooner if weight gain or coat change.