Common Chihuahua Health Problems

Problems Common To Chihuahuas

While Chihuahuas tend to be healthy there are several Chihuahua specific health issues that you should know about before committing to one.  Some of the common genetic problems include Patellar Luxuation, eye problems, hypoglycaemia, heart disease and tooth and gum ailments.  Chihuahua health is a concern for all Chihuahua owners.

Luxation of the patella, is medical speak for dislocation of the kneecap.  It is a common hereditary health problem with Chihuahua that is also shared with other small breeds. Patellar luxation can occur in varying degrees – it can be minimal or debilitating. Young dogs are often able to compensate for this deformity, and you may not notice your dog has knee cap problems.  However,  the condition gets worse over time and will become obvious as the dog ages.

Checking your Chihuahua for Luxation of the Patella – The dislocation usually occurs on the inner side of the patella (knee cap). The ligaments stretch over time until the patella is not where it is supposed to be.  It then can “pop” in and out of place very easily.   Treating your puppy as soon as the problem occurs can save your older Chihuahua from being crippled.  Because Patellar luxation is an inherited trait dogs with the condition should not be bread.

Another common Chihuahua health is the “Reverse Sneeze.” If your Chihuahua sneezes, snorts, honks and wheezes it may well be afflicted by this deformity.  The condition is caused by an elongated soft palate that becomes temporarily misaligned. This deformity is especially common in toy breeds.  A reverse sneeze can occur in instances such as pulling hard on a leash, drinking too fast or getting overly excited.

Chihuahuas can also be prone to Hypoglycaemia.  Hypoglycaemia is where the Chihuahua’s blood sugar level drops to an extremely low level causing “sugar shock.” When levels of glucose drop quickly, the dog’s body and brain are deprived of essential nutrients. The symptoms of Hypoglycaemia are weakness, seizures, coma, and in severe cases, death.

Chihuahuas are prone to Hypoglycaemia because they are so small. Puppies are especially prone to Hypoglycaemia. Triggers for attacks include stress, illness, lack of food, or by using up stored energy without it being replenished.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is another ailment Chihuahua are prone to.  This is a collective term comprising a group of hereditary degenerative lesions of the retina. PRA is commonly characterized by night blindness. When both eyes are affected dogs eventually become totally blind.  Central PRA (also called RPE dystrophy) is characterized by accumulations of pigment in the layer of pigmented lining of the retina which eventually results in total blindness.

Chihuahua are also genetically predisposed to Cystinuria (crystals formed out of amino acid called cystine).  Traces can be found in the urine and eventually a build up will lead to stone formations in kidneys and bladder. The stones can result in irritation and infection.

Signs your Chihuahua has Cystinuria include blood in the urine, difficulty and pain in urinating, and small frequent amounts of urine. If a stone completely obstructs the urethra it prevents the passing of urine.  This is more common in male dogs than female, and may cause kidney failure, vomiting, depression, or loss of appetite.

If you are looking to purchase a Chihuahua you can have a vet check for signs of many of these health problems which will save you a lot of money and heart ache down the road.

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Canine Kidney Disease - Why Do Dogs Get Kidney Problems?

By Kate Rieger

Canine kidney disease is a very grave illness that affects many dogs. It can become life threatening very quickly and there are a number of things that cause the problem. Below you will find out what some of the usual causes of canine kidney disease are.

Bacteria is a major cause of kidney disease in dogs. It is pretty common for a dog to suffer from urinary tract infections. Infections like this are caused by bacteria that get in through the urethra and make it to the bladder. When these infections go untreated, then the bacteria can get into the kidneys. There, it will cause damage and loss of function which is irreversible.

Trauma is another common cause of kidney failure in dogs. If your dog is hit by a car or kicked hard enough it could cause kidney failure. Fungal infections can also cause trauma to the tissues of the kidney. There are two main fungal infections that often cause kidney damage, and these are blastomycosis and canine valley fever.

Blockages in the bladder or urinary tract can also damage the kidney of your dog. These obstructions are most commonly caused by bladder or kidney crystals. Stones like this are prone to becoming contaminated with bacteria, which then increases the infection risk. When an obstruction blocks the ability for urine to flow freely, then it can become life threatening in only a day or two.

If your dog ingests toxins, this can also cause kidney disease. It is the job of kidneys to filter toxins but when a toxin is too strong, it can cause them to shut down. The most common toxin ingested by dogs is antifreeze, because it has a sweet taste that dogs like. Other things that can cause renal failure if ingested are heavy metals, rat poison, some types of plants and turpentine. Keep all of these things out of reach of your dog.

Some types of medications that your dog must take can cause damage to the kidneys over time. You can avoid this by only giving your dog all natural medications for whatever medical problem they are having.

As you can see, canine kidney disease has a variety of sources. Some of these can be prevented, and others cannot. The most common cause of kidney failure in dogs is old age, and this cannot be treated. However, as long as you take care of your dog well, they shouldn’t have to get kidney disease for any other reason. – 29066

About the Author:

To maintain a good life for your dog keep your eyes and mind open to changes in his activity and behavior. When he is sick he needs your emotional support and strength to help him through the rough times of canine kidney disease. Consider boosting his diet with healing herbs from http://Pet-Natural-Remedies.Com.

Kidney Problems In Dogs |

Dogs puke just like humans do if they’re overcome with nausea and acute indigestion.

If your dog swallows a solid object, it often vomits it back up. If the object is small enough it may pass through the dog’s intestinal system and be released in its feces. If the object is too large or it has sharp edges, you should plan on an emergency visit to the vet for x-rays.

If your dog has eaten leaves or berries from a bush you’re unfamiliar with, it’s important you know whether the plant is poisonous or not. The easiest way to check for poisonous plants is to call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

If a dog eats table scraps that are high in fat content it can easily end up having intestinal distress. A dog’s digestive system was not designed to digest rich, fatty foods like humans eat. These types of food are often not healthy for us, let alone for our dogs. If your dog begins vomiting soon after scarfing down something from your table, it’s a clear indication that you need to avoid giving it any type of food you normally eat.

A dog may also puke because it’s allergic to certain foods. If you recently started your dog on a new diet and the vomiting began shortly thereafter, you might try mixing half of its old food with half of the new food and watch closely for changes in behavior or lingering illness. It’s possible that an intolerance or aversion to ingredients in the new food may be causing the vomiting. If you suspect this may be the cause, you can continue changing the ratio of old food to the new food to see if the vomiting goes away.

If your dog sometimes pukes due to any of the following, it will require a visit to the vet for diagnosis and treatment:
(1) Infection with parasites, viruses or bacteria can cause gastrointestinal infections also known as viral gastroenteritis. Diarrhea and vomiting are the most obvious symptoms. Many different types of bacteria and parasites can also cause GI infections and diarrhea but most of these are not serious and will go away on their own after a few days; however, others can be serious.

(2) Ulcers can be caused by anti-inflammatory medications prescribed for skin conditions, arthritis, or other chronic health problems. Pain relief medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen inhibit a hormone-like substance that acts as a protection for a dog’s stomach lining. Prolonged use of these medications can cause severe stomach ulcers in dogs. Another less common cause of canine stomach ulcers is a mast cell cancer in the dog’s skin. Mast cell cancers release histamine which leads to stomach ulcers.

(3) Kidney Failure early signs are increased water consumption and increased urine output. Signs of more advanced kidney failure include loss of appetite, depression, vomiting and diarrhea.

(4) Cancers signs that warrant a visit to your veterinarian include any new lump or bump; a change in size, shape, or consistency of an existing lump; a runny nose, especially if bloody; difficulty urinating or bloody urine; limping or a change in gait; foul breath and lethargy.

(5) Inflammatory bowel disease causes are unknown. Genetics, nutrition, infectious agents, and abnormalities of the immune system may all play a role. The most common signs of inflammatory bowel disease in dogs are vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Vomiting is more common when the stomach or upper portion of the small intestine are affected and diarrhea is more common when the colon is involved. There is an increase in the frequency of defecation, but less stool is produced each time. There is often increased mucous or some blood in the stool. Sometimes stools become loose. Many times the diarrhea and vomiting may be irregular.

(6) Liver disease early signs include chronic intermittent vomiting and diarrhea. Vomiting is more common than diarrhea, loss of appetite, or weight loss. Drinking and urinating more often than normal may be the first signs, and a key reason for visiting the vet.

If your dog pukes repeatedly and the cause is not readily apparent, you should schedule an exam with your vet. Your pet’s health and life may depend upon it.

Diseases that affect older dogs can be more serious simply because the dog is older.

Our pet dogs are susceptible to many of the same diseases that we as humans have to deal with. Here is a list of the most common diseases that can affect your pet and the symptoms or warning signs to guide you in knowing when to contact your vet. Some are serious and require immediate attention while others may have slow onsets and can be more difficult to diagnose. Many of these diseases affect older dogs more than younger ones, but a dog’s age does not render it immune to any of these debilitating diseases. When deciding whether any of these symptoms affecting your dog are serious enough to warrant a visit to the vet, you should always err on the side of caution and contact your vet when any of these symptoms persist in your pet.

Cancer – Signs and Symptoms

Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
Sores that do not heal
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Bleeding or discharge from any opening in the body
Unusually strong stinky odor
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Hesitant to exercise or suffers from a loss of stamina
Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Dental disease – Signs and Symptoms

Bad breath
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Weight loss

Arthritis – Signs and Symptoms

Difficulty getting up from prone position
Difficulty climbing steps and/or jumping
Behavior changes – irritable, reclusive
Urinating or defecating inside the house
Loss of muscle

Kidney disease/failure – Signs and Symptoms

Increased urination and thirst
Weight loss
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Weakness
Pale gums
Diarrhea
Blood in vomit or black, tarry stool
Bad breath and oral ulcers
Behavior change

Prostate disease – Signs and Symptoms

Urinating or defecating inside the house
Dribbling urine
Blood in urine

Cataracts – Signs and Symptoms

Cloudy appearance to the eyes
Bumping into objects large enough to be avoided
Not retrieving objects when thrown

Hypothyroidism – Signs and Symptoms

Weight gain
Dry, thin coat
Lethargy and/or depression

Cushing’s disease – Signs and Symptoms

Thin coat and thin skin
Increased thirst and urination
Pot-bellied appearance
Abnormally increased appetite

Urinary incontinence – Signs and Symptoms

Urinating in the bed or the area where the dog was sleeping

Gastrointestinal disease – Signs and Symptoms

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Loss of weight
Blood in stool
Black and/or tarry stool

Inflammatory bowel disease – Signs and Symptoms

Diarrhea
Vomiting
Mucous or blood in stool
Increased frequency of defecation

Diabetes mellitus – Signs and Symptoms

Increased thirst and urination
Weight loss

Anemia – Signs and Symptoms

Exercise intolerance
Very light-colored gums

Liver disease – Signs and Symptoms

Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Behavior changes
Yellow or pale gums

As you can see from this list of symptoms, it would be nearly impossible to self-diagnose your pet with any of these diseases that can affect older dogs. If you notice that one or more of the above symptoms persist for any length of time, make an appointment with your vet and have your dog thoroughly checked for these serious diseases. You owe your faithful companion the best care you can afford.