The Shih Tzu: common health problems
Website design By BotEap.comAlthough the disease affects all different breeds of dogs, certain breeds are more prone to certain ailments than others, due to their particular anatomical makeup, genetic makeup, or other factors. In this article, we will briefly describe some of the most common ailments that affect the Shih Tzu.
Website design By BotEap.comEyes and Ears: Due to the anatomical structure of the Shih Tzu’s head, their eyes are especially vulnerable to injury. This can be due to collisions with foreign objects, encounters with other animals, rough play, etc. Eye injuries are probably the most preventable of all the ailments that affect the Shih Tzu and can be largely prevented by providing a safe environment for the dog to play, with particular care in removing potentially harmful objects. Shih Tzu should always be supervised when interacting with other animals and rough play should be discouraged. Another important preventive measure is to keep your eyes and the eye area as clean as possible. Prevent scabs or dirt from building up. When grooming, it is recommended to leave the hair that covers the eye area to a reasonable length, as it protects the eyes from dirt and debris.
Website design By BotEap.comA genetically linked disease that often affects the Shih Tzu is progressive retinal atrophy or PRA. PRA is basically the degeneration of the retina and retinal tissue over time and can lead to blindness at a young age. If a dog is suspected of having PRA, veterinary care should be provided. Since PRA is a hereditary disease, dogs with it should not be bred.
Website design By BotEap.comShih Tzu are also very susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections are generally not serious and can be easily treated by a veterinarian. Some preventive methods include keeping the inside of the ears immaculately clean and free of hair and other debris.
Website design By BotEap.comBones, Joints and Internal Organs: Another genetically linked disease that affects ShihTzu is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease that affects the function of the ball joint of the hip. This can be an extremely debilitating disease and cannot always be corrected by surgery. Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia should not be bred.
Website design By BotEap.comKidney dysplasia is an inherited disease that affects normal kidney function which, in turn, affects the overall health of the dog. Although kidney dysplasia is more common in older dogs, it can also affect young puppies and, in some cases, can be fatal. Dogs with kidney dysplasia should not be part of any breeding program.
Website design By BotEap.comOther Concerns: As in humans, some Shih Tzu suffer from abnormal thyroid function. This can be treated with medications prescribed by a veterinarian, although the dog may need the medication for its entire life.
Website design By BotEap.comShih Tzu also appear to be prone to certain types of allergies, including food allergies, flea allergies, and hypersensitivity to environmental substances. This can lead to a number of secondary ailments, such as irritated skin, hair loss, and general poor health. Allergy testing can be done by a veterinarian and can be treated with medication.