Puppy mills are large breeding operations that provide puppies for pet stores around the country. Puppy mills are often criticized by animal rights groups and organizations due to their breeding practices, which are considered to be unethical by many. They are often believed to raise puppies in unhygienic and overcrowded situations, and are also known for repeatedly breeding female dogs at the risk of sacrificing their health. There are various symptoms that are often associated with dogs that have resided at puppy mills.
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Eye Problems
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Dogs from puppy mills often experience eye defects. Puppy mill dogs are likely to become blind, often due to inbreeding. Puppy mill dogs frequently experience cataracts and glaucoma.
Hip Dysplasia
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Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder that many puppy mill dogs experience. This condition is characterized by abnormal cell development, which results in mobility issues of the hind legs of the dog. This condition can be treated, however, it tends to be extremely costly.
Canine Parvovirus
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Canine parvovirus is a common ailment for dogs of puppy mills. This virus leads to diseases and is one of the most prevalent killers of animals from puppy mills. Canine parvovirus usually stems from breeding many dogs at the same time in an environment that is cramped, unsanitary and overcrowded. A dog that is infected by this disease can easily die within mere days. However, symptoms might take a while to show up. Some signs of the virus include fever, diarrhea and general malaise.
Blood Disorders
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Dogs from puppy mills also might have disorders of the blood. Two common examples include Von Willebrand's disease and anemia. Von Willebrand's disease is particularly dangerous for dogs as it prevents blood from being able to properly clot, which results in any injury, no matter how small it could be, potentially leading to death of the animal.
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