Normally the Dalmatian is a fairly healthy breed, but they have several unique health problems that owners should be aware of. The information presented here is based on our experience along with other Dal breeders and owners, and is meant to serve only as a guide to specific health issues associated with Dalmatians. Because there are still debates on some of these topics, links are provided for further reading.
  

Deafness

One of the significant health problems with Dalmatians is partial or total deafness. Although the vast majority of Dalmatians can hear, statistics from the Dalmatian Club of America reveal that:

~70% of Dalmatians have bilateral hearing (both ears)
~22% have unilateral hearing (one ear)
~8% are totally deaf

Deaf puppies will adapt very early and will not always be obvious to the untrained eye, so every new puppy should be checked individually for deafness by a veterinarian. Fortunately, a reliable method for assessing hearing is available, known as the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) method. Puppies can be BAER tested as early as five weeks of age, and if a Dal hears as a pup it will hear as an adult, barring injury, infection or old age. The DCA has several links to further information on Dalmatian Hearing.
  

Urinary Stones

Dalmatians have a urinary system similar to humans, and can sometimes develop urinary stones, mostly in the bladder. To help ensure that your dog doesn't, it is very important to feed a high-quality dog food which is low in purines, with as much fresh water added to the dry food as you would add milk to your cereal. Additional fresh water should always be available. Fruits and vegetables low in purines make a healthy addition to the diet, too. Dalmatians should not be forced to contain urine for long hours either, as that could contribute to stone formation. A doggie door helps in this regard and also keeps your dog happy while you are out or when you don't want to go out in cold weather.

Dalmatians should be given routine urine tests to determine urinary pH and the presence of abnormal crystals in the urine to ensure that their kidneys and bladders are performing properly. The dog's urination patterns should be periodically observed, particularly with males, to spot trouble signs such as straining, interrupted flow, and discoloration.

There is a DCA study group researching stone-forming in Dalmatians, and here are links to some of their work:

Essential Information on Stone Forming in Dalmatians
Urinary Stone-Forming in Dalmatians & Other Dogs
General Preventatives for Stone-Forming Dalmatians

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is a disorder of the hip joint which is strongly influenced by inherited and environmental factors. It is basically described as malformed joints which are loose fitting, causing an unstable gait. This causes the femur to rub unevenly against the pelvic socket. The joint cartilage is then subject to excessive "wear and tear" and the joint capsule lining becomes inflamed and painful. The result is deformity of the bones and arthritis develops. Hip dysplasia can cause spontaneous hind limb lameness in affected dogs. The condition is often bilateral, although lameness may only be seen in one leg.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals maintains a registry for dogs tested for hip dysplasia. In 2061 Dalmatians tested between 1974 and 1998,  8.1% were rated excellent and only 5.2% dysplastic. Dalmatians were 96th in breed rankings, which is very low. These figures have led many to state "Dysplasia is not present in Dalmatians". However, in a study comparing trends in dysplasia between 1974-75 and 1997-98, the OFA found that while the percentage of dysplastic Dals decreased (-27.1%), the number of Dals with excellent rankings decreased more rapidly (-40.2%).

An alternative method of testing for hip dysplasia has been developed at the University of Pennsylvania. Known as PennHIP, it is a multifaceted radiographic technology (x-ray) for hip evaluation. The technique assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity. The PennHIP method of evaluation is more accurate than the current OFA standard in its ability to predict the onset of osteoarthritis. There is an informative web site which contains details on the methodology along with actual x-rays of dysplastic dogs.
  

Seizures

Dalmatians, like many other breeds, can have epilepsy or seizure disorders. Seizure disorders are caused by muscle responses to an abnormal nerve-signal burst from the brain. They are a symptom of an underlying neurologic malfunction. Toxic substances, metabolic or electrolyte abnormalities and/or imbalances can cause an uncoordinated firing of neurons in the cerebrum of the brain, creating a seizure. Primary or idiopathic epilepsy occurs between 6 months and 5 years and may be inherited. Other types of seizures are referred to as secondary epilepsy, and may be caused by a variety of factors including: blows to the head, distemper, poisonous substances, vaccinations, and hypothyroidism.

The DCA has a study group researching Seizure Disorders, and have several interesting articles including:

 Seizure Disordors in Dalmatians
 Helpful Hints for Owners of Seizuring Dogs
 Survey on Seizure Disorders

Eye Disorders

A recently described ocular disorder has been found in Dalmatians. The abnormality appears to the observer as persistently dilated pupils. The majority of affected dogs are liver spotted, but black spotted dogs with this disorder have also been identified. Slit lamp examination of the eyes by an ophthalmologist reveals dysplasia (abnormal development) or atrophy (degeneration) of the muscles responsible for pupillary contraction. This iris sphincter dysplasia has been noted in puppies as young as 13 weeks of age as well as in adults. In most dogs examined so far, no other abnormality exists. While this disorder alone does not seriously affect the dog, he will be uncomfortable in bright sunlight. He may also be prone to development of ultraviolet light induced cataracts with age. At least two older dogs examined have also been diagnosed with early retinal degeneration. According to Dr. Bob English, board certified veterinary ophthalmologist, this is likely rod degeneration which presents initially as dim light or night blindness. It is not yet certain whether these two anomalies are linked. Dr. English speculates the retinal degeneration may be a sequel to years of excessive ultraviolet light exposure.

Dalmatian breeders have not traditionally screened for ocular disorders in breeding stock. It is likely that iris sphincter dysplasia (also known as iris hypoplasia) has been present but unrecognized in the breed for a long time. Anecdotal evidence supports this supposition. In conversations with longtime breeders, some have reported to have known dogs, usually livers, "with an odd look to the eye" who also squinted in sunlight. Untitled photos of some English Dalmatians (also livers) show the characteristic squint. However, we are far from attempting to explain the heritability of this condition, as some of the dogs examined are related while others are not.