Health Issues
In general terms, Weimaraners are a healthy breed, but, as with all living beings, things happen, some can be avoided, others just can't. It is easy to generalise and even easier to blame. However, there are definite Health Issues which must be discussed by any breeder of Weimaraners.
BLOAT & TORSION
In common with all long-legged, deep-chested dogs - including mongrels - Weimaraners can have a tendency towards Gastric Dilitation (Bloat & Torsion). Bloat: The stomach blows up with gas/air & your dog looks like someone is blowing him up with a bicycle pump. He will be retching (unproductively), very distressed & his hindquarters may be collapsing. Torsion: The spleen, at one end of the stomach, may then twist causing the stomach to revolve inside the dog. This then cuts off the blood supply to the heart as well as the stomach. Your dog needs to see the Vet urgently regardless of the time of day or night. Now that you're really frightened, let me bring this into proportion. In 23 years, I have had 1 dog with this & he was 13 years old.

Cause: If only we knew! However, there are certain steps you can take to try to prevent it. NEVER feed a Weimaraner only once a day. NEVER feed directly before/after running exercise. NEVER allow your Weimaraner to drink large amounts of water when hot & panting. ALWAYS feed at chest level. ALWAYS feed a good quality, low-bulk diet & avoid tinned food.
HIP DYSPLASIA
Not really an issue, as more and more Weimaraners are being X-Rayed before breeding. If you are thinking of buying a Weimaraner puppy, make sure that each parent has a total score of 13.7 or lower. You, of course, have your part to play by making sure you provide a proper, non-slip, surface for your puppy, that you never over-exercise and that you provide the correct diet for his age and growth rate.
VACCINATION REACTION
Some puppies have been known to have a seriously high fever and associated swollen painful joints (Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy) following the multi-vaccine. Unfortunately, you don't know which puppy might have this response until the vaccine has been given. Until very recently, it has been possible to have the Distemper vaccine separated from the Parvovirus. An article has been published in The Veterinary Record of July 1999 and your vet should, therefore, be already informed. To my knowledge, only the Weimaraner Club of America is actively investigating this in an attempt to recognise whether or not there is a genetic influence. No UK breed club has acknowledged it's existence in the breed nor have they participated in a breed survey. For further information, contact Dr. John Angles john.angles@ucd.ie
EYES & EYELIDS
To date, there have been no eyesight problems in the breed. However, there has been Entropion (turning in of the eyelid) - now thankfully more or less a thing of the past. Distichiasis (extra eyelashes) is proving to be more difficult to breed out. Clear parents can produce puppies with them. The lashes are an irritation to the puppy and should be dealt with by the Vet.
INTERSEX-two sexes in the same puppy
Very rare in the greater scheme of things. It happens in many breeds as well as in Humans so it's certainly not confined to Weimaraners. Nevertheless, such a pity that the UK Breed Clubs did not take the opportunity to investigate it some 15 years ago when they had the chance. As a result, there is no scientific proof as to how it happens or why it happens. Rumours abound, but with no specific evidence available, that's all they are - RUMOURS.
HERNIAS - Umbilical
These can be quite common in the breed and should be repaired by the Vet. A dog having had this operation cannot be shown under Kennel Club Regulations as it is genetic in nature. For that reason, the dog should not be bred from in the future.