Clinical decision support tool. Does not replace professional veterinary judgment. Always verify recommendations with current references.
Poodle (Standard)
DOG· LARGE· Lifespan: 10-18 years
Thinking about this breed for your home? Read the owner suitability guide
📋 Breed Predispositions
| Condition | Prevalence | Onset | Severity | Screening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s Disease) | One of the highest-risk breeds | 2-7 years | LIFE THREATENING | Baseline cortisol as a rule-out, ACTH stimulation to confirm. Trigger on vague waxing-waning GI signs, collapse, or a sodium:potassium ratio under 27. |
| Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) | High — deep-chested conformation | 2-10 years | LIFE THREATENING | Discuss prophylactic gastropexy at the time of spay/neuter. |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd) | Genetic test available | 3-7 years | SEVERE | prcd-PRA genetic test plus annual CAER exam. |
| Idiopathic Epilepsy | Elevated | 1-5 years | SEVERE | Minimum database plus bile acids to exclude metabolic causes; owner seizure diary. |
| Sebaceous Adenitis | Breed-classic; significant carrier burden | 1-5 years | MODERATE RISK | Punch biopsy for diagnosis; breeding stock is screened by biopsy rather than by appearance, since subclinical dogs still transmit. |
| Hip Dysplasia | Elevated | 1-2 years | MODERATE RISK | OFA or PennHIP evaluation by age 2. |
🏥 Anesthesia Considerations
⚠ Hypoadrenocorticism — Absent Stress Response
One of the highest-risk breeds for Addison’s, which is frequently undiagnosed at the time of surgery. Check electrolytes pre-operatively and treat a sodium:potassium ratio under 27 as hypoadrenocorticism until excluded. A diagnosed dog cannot mount a cortisol stress response: give supplemental glucocorticoid cover perioperatively, support blood pressure aggressively, and monitor for refractory hypotension and hypoglycemia. Deep-chested — consider concurrent prophylactic gastropexy at elective abdominal surgery.