So I've been looking into getting a corgi and honestly, the more I dig into what people say about them, the more I realize do corgis have health issues is actually a pretty important question to ask before committing. These little guys are adorable—the Queen had over 30 of them—but there's definitely a health side to consider that doesn't get talked about enough.



First thing I found out: hip dysplasia is huge with corgis. Like, 21% of them tested have dysplastic hips according to veterinary data. It shows up as wobbling hind legs or stiffness, especially when they get up. The good news? It's manageable. Vets start with weight control and exercise, and studies show even severely dysplastic dogs can live comfortable lives if you stay on top of it. Surgery options exist too if needed—ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on what's required.

Then there's Von Willebrand's Disease, which basically means their blood doesn't clot right. You can actually test for this before problems happen—home tests run about $50-$55. Around 6% of corgis have it, 37% are carriers. Not a huge percentage, but worth knowing.

Here's where it gets more serious though. Degenerative myelopathy is a spinal cord disorder that causes progressive weakness. Over half of corgis tested showed signs of it. There's no cure, but daily physiotherapy can actually slow it down—dogs can live up to 255 days longer with proper treatment. That's significant.

Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is another big one for this breed. Their long backs put them at risk, especially if they're overweight. About 14% of corgis develop it. It can cause paralysis in the hind legs if not managed. Surgery can help but costs $3,000-$8,000.

Eye issues are common too. Cataracts show up in 18% of young corgis and 28% of older ones. Surgery has an 80-90% success rate if caught early, running $3,500-$4,600 depending on one or both eyes.

Then there's Patent Ductus Arteriosus—a heart defect present from birth. Usually shows up before age one. It's actually the most common congenital heart disease in dogs, but surgery has a 95% success rate, so that's reassuring.

Finally, epilepsy. About 14% of corgis experience seizures. There's no cure, but medication can control it. Vets typically start treatment if your dog has at least one seizure monthly.

So do corgis have health issues? Yeah, they really do. But here's the thing—most are manageable if you catch them early and stay on top of vet visits. Pet insurance might help cover costs, though some policies skip genetic conditions, so read the fine print. The breed's still amazing if you're willing to stay vigilant about their health and get them regular checkups. Just go in with eyes open.
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