Gastric torsion is a condition founded in all deep-chested breeds of dogs. The condition arises when excessive gas build up in the stomach of the hound leads to overstretching of the organ. The stomach can become twisted in the worst case; in this condition, bloat is more correctly referred to as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, gas cannot escape but may continue to accumulate leading to a fatality. In fact, the prognosis for the condition, even if treatment is received is not good. The mortality rate varies from 10 to 50 percent. The incidence of death can be reduced sharply with surgery.
Pneumonia is an illness characterized by an inflammation of the lungs. The illness has a number of possible origins including bacterial, parasitic or viral infection. Pneumonia can often result from exposure to other ailments. For example, Wolfhounds exposed to kennel cough or the distemper virus may, in some cases, develop pneumonia. These factors don't have to be present. A Wolfhound can develop pneumonia from other sources. in Wolfhounds the cause may be idiopathic, that is unknown, and studies are underway to determine how otherwise healthy animals of this breed develop this illness: a point that should be discussed with the attending veterinarian.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition of the heart characterized by an increase in myocardial mass (heart enlargement) and a reduction in ventricular wall thickness with a pronounced ventricular chamber dilation, which compromises the flow of blood in the circulatory system. Irish Wolfhounds, as with many large breeds, have a particularly high incidence of DCM. Cardiomyopathy ultimately leads to heart failure.
In Irish Wolfhounds, the onset of the disease occurs between three and six years old with a median age of about 4.5 years. The incidence of DCM in male hounds is greater than in females.