Small Dog Breeds Health – Learn about health issues that affect small dog breeds, including signs to look out for and which breeds are more at risk.
Small dog breeds bring smiles wherever they go thanks to their adorable looks and lovable personalities. However, like other dog breeds of other sizes, these small pups face health challenges. So let’s look at some of the health problems that affect small dogs.
Small Dog Breeds Health
Some people wonder if small dog breeds are more likely to have health problems than their larger counterparts. And the answer to that question is complicated. While it is true that small dogs have specific health vulnerabilities, the overall incidence of health problems is not necessarily higher. Genetics, lifestyle, and other external factors can play a role in a dog’s overall health. The following health conditions aren’t unique to small dog breeds, but are ones that pet parents can see in their furry friends.
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The risk of dental disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is higher in small breed dogs for a number of reasons, including crowded teeth and genetics. Signs of dental problems include:
A combination of home dental care and professional exams and cleanings is the best way to prevent and control dental disease. This includes brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, ensuring safe dental chewing, a proper vet-recommended diet, and taking your dog for professional dental cleanings.
This condition involves dislocation of the knee, causing a limp or abnormal gait. It is common in small dogs, especially breeds such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians.
Signs of the condition may include occasional limping, decreased knee flexion when walking, or a “bounce” when walking. However, the signs of a high-grade dislocation are much more subtle and difficult for pet parents to spot. For many dogs, both knees are affected, and if they have a severe degree of uncorrected dislocation, the musculature and bone will change over time, resulting in a bowed leg.
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Unfortunately, patellar luxation is probably a complex genetic trait, and severe luxations warrant orthopedic surgery. However, there are things you can do to slow the progression of arthritis in the knee joint if your dog has a patellar luxation. The most important thing is to keep your puppy at a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee. Your veterinarian can recommend whether surgery is needed and suggest anti-inflammatories, supplements, or diet that can help nourish joint cartilage and slow the progression of arthritis.
Cryptorchidism, colloquially known as “undescended testicles,” is a developmental stage in which one testicle does not descend into the scrotum. The attached testicles instead remain in the urinary tract or abdomen. Although both testicles can be preserved, it is more common for only one condition to be affected – and in most cases appropriate.
Surgery to remove undescended testicles will eliminate the risk of complications, including testicular torsion—a painful medical emergency—or testicular cancer.
A gene that increases a dog’s risk of cryptorchidism. Although cryptorchidism can occur in any breed, it is more common in smaller breeds, including the Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Poodle, and Miniature Schnauzer.
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This condition is caused by the weakening of the cartilage arches that strengthen the trachea (trachea). The change in pressure with inhalation and exhalation slowly stretches the membrane connecting the arches, causing the trachea to collapse, especially during exercise or strain. Dogs with this condition can become distressed when this happens, causing rapid breathing and worsening collapse. Signs of tracheal collapse include:
To avoid mistaking the symptoms of tracheal collapse, use a harness instead of a neck brace to avoid pressure on the neck. Other situations that dogs with this condition should avoid include strenuous exercise, excessive heat or humidity, excessive exertion, and irritants such as smoke.
Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is common in small breeds (especially puppies). It can cause weakness, seizures and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness or death. Toy breeds are particularly at risk due to their high metabolism, small body size that predisposes them to the cold, and low body fat.
Hypoglycemia is a serious condition, but fortunately, there are ways to prevent episodes from happening. Among others:
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IVDD is a degenerative disease of the spinal discs. Like humans, dogs have discs between each bone in their spine that serve as joints and cushions for movement.
Interdisc disease is classified as Hansen’s type I or Hansen’s type II IVDD. Type II is primarily associated with large breed senior dogs. Type I is the most common parent and is usually associated with CDDY with the IVDD variant in small and medium-sized dog breeds, although it is found in over 90 breeds.
CDDY causes calcification or bone formation in the central portion of the disc. If this material escapes from the fibrous retaining ring on the outside of the disc, it can burst or burst into the spinal cord space, known as a herniation, causing pain and compression of the spinal cord. This situation is known as an “avalanche”. Signs of IVDD include:
Dachshunds, French bulldogs, cocker spaniels, beagles, miniature and toy poodles, Shih Tzus, Pekingese and other breeds that have been deliberately bred to have short or stubby legs are often at risk for this condition. Wisdom Panel Essential and Premium includes a health test for the CDDY risk variant.
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There is currently no cure for IVDD. Maintaining a healthy weight and muscle tone is the most popular prevention, and of course, keeping a close eye on the signs of a slipped disc so you can treat your pup as soon as possible if it does occur.
GME is a severe and progressive inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain, spinal cord and their protective membranes. It is most commonly seen in young and middle-aged dog breeds, including poodles, Yorkshire terriers, Maltese, chihuahuas and dachshunds.
The exact cause of GME is unknown. Genetics are likely a factor in its development, although an autoimmune disorder in which the dog’s immune system improperly attacks its central nervous system may also play a role. Although there is no cure for GME, treatment usually includes immunosuppressive medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
Small dog breeds are prone to various heart diseases, including mitral valve disease. Mitral valve disease occurs when the valve between the left ventricle and the heart’s left atrium becomes damaged, causing blood to back up through the valve. Over time, this can lead to left-sided heart failure. Some small dog breeds, including the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, are prone to this condition.
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Obesity affects dogs of all shapes and sizes and can lead to a host of health problems, including diabetes and joint problems. But small dogs, because of their smaller size, can easily become overweight if their diet and treats are not carefully monitored. After all, those extra calories can add up quickly for a small puppy.
Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is an endocrine disorder that occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. Cortisol is associated with the “fight or flight response” and is a steroid hormone normally produced by the adrenal glands.
Cushing’s can be caused by a pituitary tumor near the brain or by the adrenal glands themselves. The disease usually affects older dogs, and Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, Poodles and Boston Terriers are among the smaller dogs at higher risk.
Although there is no direct way to prevent Cushing’s disease, early detection and treatment with medication can control the signs and improve your dog’s quality of life. If you notice any signs of Cushing’s disease, talk to your vet about next steps to rule out or confirm the condition.
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At Wisdom Panel, we believe knowledge is power. Being aware of some of these common health issues that can affect small breed dogs can help pet parents seek timely veterinary care and improve their pet’s quality of life. As always, meeting with your veterinarian is the best way to ensure your puppy receives the best care for his specific needs.
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See our privacy statement to find out how we collect and use your data, to contact us with questions about privacy or to exercise your personal data rights. Some of the most common reasons owners take their dogs to the vet have little or nothing to do with breed.
Many people believe that purebred dogs are more prone to disease than mixed-breed dogs, but a new study by the Dog Aging Project and collaborators at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) and Dog has confirmed that. Aging project throughout the country
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