The American Pit Bull Terrier is a relatively healthy breed with few inbred problems. A few of the problems that do exist are: congenital heart disease, hip dysplasia, and hereditary cataracts.

Congenital Heart Disease-There are many symptoms of congenital heart disease. Some of them are: fainting, coughing, fast breathing, weight loss, and lack of appetite. Congenital heart disease manifests itself in numerous ways:

1) Hole in the Heart-This is characterized by an opening between the heart’s two upper chambers. It is corrected by surgery much the same way a human heart is treated.

2) Aortic Stenosis-Blood flow is impeded by a blockage in the left side of the heart.

3)Pulmonic Stenosis-A blockage between the lungs and the heart’s right side.

4)Mitral Dysplasia-A leaky mitral valve allows a backflow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium.

Canine Hip Dysplasia-Characterized by a reluctance to use stairs, reluctance to jump, decreased range of hip motion, and soreness after lying down. Pit bull puppies diagnosed at an early age can be treated with a common surgical procedure before arthritis sets in. The disease is caused by a ball and socket hip joint that does not fit tightly together. The friction that results causes pain and inflammation. This can be found in dogs less than a year old or it can take many years to develop. It is passed on genetically from parent to puppy. Diagnosis of hip dysplasia is generally done by x-ray and physical exam.

Canine Hereditary Cataracts-This is a condition defined by a loss of transparency of the lens or the lens capsule. The lens will have a white, opaque appearance. Cataracts form as a results of a water/protein imbalance that occurs in the lens. As extra water enters the lens a loss of transparency results. Cataracts are common in dogs with diabetes. Sugar concentrations in the lens lead to an increase in water contact. Cataracts can be treated by surgical removal of the lens. The procedure is very similar to the treatment for humans.