Is Your Shih Tzu At Danger? 10 Widespread Shih Tzu Well being Points You Shouldn’t Ignore

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The Shih Tzu, a beloved toy breed identified for his or her charming persona and splendid coat, is usually a long-lived breed however might be liable to many well being points.

Understanding these frequent well being issues, starting from respiratory difficulties to eye and joint situations, will help you present higher care and catch warning indicators early.

10 Widespread Shih Tzu Well being Issues

The Shih Tzu has been among the many high 20 hottest breeds within the U.S. for a few years. Nevertheless, it’s essential to know that Shih Tzus undergo from many well being issues as a result of breeding requirements and practices.

I spoke with Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed, BSAVA, PGCertSAM, MRCVS, to realize insights from a training veterinarian concerning well being considerations in Shih Tzus. Dr. MacMillan is a veterinarian and surgeon at a small animal clinic within the U.Okay.

Drawing from Dr. MacMillan’s experience and my analysis, I’ve compiled a listing of the highest 10 prevalent well being points affecting Shih Tzus. It’s essential to pay attention to the signs related to every situation so as to attain out to your veterinarian promptly if you happen to observe any indicators.

1. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

Do Shih Tzus have respiratory issues? Sure, many can. Dr. MacMillan explains, “The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic breed that means it has a flattened face. This causes a number of points for these little canine.” All flat-faced breeds like Shih Tzus, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and many others., have some type of genetically inherited brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).

BOAS causes a number of anatomical deformities that have an effect on their respiratory, together with slender slit-like nostrils, an overlong taste bud, and a slender windpipe. Nevertheless, these abnormalities differ of their severity.

“This could additionally have an effect on their means to train freely, Dr. MacMillan shares. “Affected animals might snore or should sleep in sure positions to assist the air circulate extra easily into their lungs.”

Analysis & Therapy

It’s important to have your vet verify your Shih Tzu each one or two years for important indicators of BOAS, as this situation can progress throughout their lifetime.

Therapy is determined by the severity.

• Milder circumstances: managed with weight management, restricted train, and avoiding sizzling temperatures and stress.
• Average to extreme circumstances: surgical procedure will help enhance airflow.

2. Pores and skin Issues

Shih Tzus have deep facial and tail folds, creating best environments for rising moisture, micro organism, and yeast. These situations result in frequent bouts of pores and skin fold dermatitis and different pores and skin infections.

Cleansing your pup’s pores and skin folds recurrently will help stop infections from creating. I like to recommend utilizing Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Wipes.

Different pores and skin issues many Shih Tzus face are as a result of allergy symptoms or intolerances to one thing of their surroundings or meals components.

Actually, this breed is genetically predisposed to atopic dermatitis, which is brought on by inhaling or having direct pores and skin contact with environmental allergens (pollen, mud mites, grass, mildew spores, and many others.).

Allergy Analysis & Therapy

It’s usually tough to find out what’s inflicting your pup’s allergy symptoms, so one of the best plan of action is to seek the advice of your veterinarian.

Your vet will help decide doable causes by way of a scientific strategy of elimination and will even need to conduct allergy exams.

Therapy choices range based mostly on the trigger, however testing and potential lifelong remedy, together with allergy drugs or prescription pet food, can get fairly costly.

Contemplate An At-House Canine Allergy Take a look at

In case you are not sure what’s triggering your pup’s allergy symptoms, you could need to contemplate an at-home allergy check. These exams might assist determine meals components and environmental elements that could be an issue.

You’ll be able to share your outcomes together with your veterinarian to probably slender down your canine’s offending allergens and decide a remedy plan.

3. Ear Infections

Shih Tzus are liable to recurring ear infections as a result of genetics, allergy symptoms, and their floppy, furry ears that entice moisture.

This creates an best surroundings for micro organism, yeast, and mites. If untreated, ear infections may cause important ache and result in severe ear injury.

Analysis & Therapy

Ear infections are identified by way of a vet’s inspection and testing of ear discharge.

Therapy consists of thorough cleansing and oral or topical meds like antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatories. A follow-up examination ensures the an infection is totally cleared.

4. Luxating Patella

“Like many small breeds, the Shih Tzu is liable to a joint challenge referred to as luxating patella,” says Dr. MacMillan. “On this situation the patella (kneecap) slides out of its regular place. Relying on the severity it will possibly trigger intermittent limping, ache and the early onset of arthritis.”

Analysis has proven that Shih Tzus are among the many breeds most prone to a luxating patella. Although it usually resolves quickly, it tends to recur and continuously impacts each hind legs.

Analysis & Therapy

Diagnosing a luxating patella entails a bodily examination and X-rays, with superior imaging like CT or MRI in some circumstances.

Therapy might embody weight administration, joint dietary supplements, ache drugs, and train restriction. Nevertheless, surgical procedure is normally really useful.

5. Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

Though situations that normally have an effect on bigger breeds, hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are frequent in Shih Tzus.

Each situations are brought on by the irregular improvement of the joints. They result in elevated discomfort, lowered mobility, and infrequently arthritis.

Analysis & Therapy

Your veterinarian will palpate the elbow or hip joint and take an X-ray of the joint to make the analysis.

Relying on the severity of hip dysplasia, remedy choices might embody joint dietary supplements, bodily remedy, anti-inflammatory medicine, and weight management.

Surgical procedure is often required in additional extreme circumstances of hip dysplasia. Whole hip alternative is probably the most profitable surgical process.

Surgical procedure is continuously obligatory for the remedy of elbow dysplasia.

6. Intervertebral Disc Illness

Intervertebral disc illness (IVDD) is a genetic situation that may have an effect on Shih Tzus and different small breeds. It happens when the gentle discs between the bones within the backbone (vertebrae) slip or bulge misplaced.

This could put strain on the spinal wire and surrounding nerves, resulting in severe ache, nerve injury, and even paralysis.

IVDD is also called a “slipped disc” or “herniated disc,” and it’s usually linked to disc degeneration over time.

IVDD Analysis & Therapy

To verify for IVDD, your vet will look at your canine’s neck, again, reflexes, and ache response. X-rays will help spot points, however a CT scan or MRI could also be wanted to obviously view the spinal wire.

Therapy is determined by severity:

• Delicate circumstances: Ache meds, anti-inflammatories, restricted exercise, and bodily remedy.
• Extreme circumstances: Surgical procedure could also be wanted to forestall paralysis.

Early analysis and correct care are key to restoration.

7. A number of Eye Issues

Because of the form of their skulls and eye sockets and genetics, Shih Tzus (and different flat-faced breeds) are at a excessive danger of ocular well being issues.

Additionally, as a result of their eyes protrude, they’re extra liable to damage, corneal ulcers, and infections.

Essentially the most frequent eye issues Shih Tzues usually expertise are:

Cataracts

Cataracts, frequent in lots of canine (and people), happen when the lens turns into firmer and fewer clear.

Because the cataract matures, it turns into cloudy and blocks increasingly gentle from reaching the again of the attention till imaginative and prescient is misplaced. Therapy requires surgical procedure.

Cherry Eye

Cherry eye happens when the tear gland of a canine’s third eyelid prolapses and protrudes from the attention socket. It’s continuously a recurring drawback.

You’ll discover a big, pink, or purple mass within the nook of your pup’s eye. Usually, surgical procedure is really useful to maintain the gland in place.

Dry Eye

Dry eye, additionally referred to as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a power situation brought on by a scarcity of tear manufacturing. It causes irritation of the cornea.

Therapy usually is the common use of vet-prescribed tear-stimulating drops.

Entropian

Entropion is a hereditary situation involving inward rolling of the highest and/or backside eyelids.

This causes the eyelashes to rub towards the cornea, leading to power irritation and corneal ulcers. Therapy requires surgical procedure.

Distichiasis

Distichiasis is one other eyelid dysfunction that happens when additional eyelashes develop from the eyelid margin fairly than the eyelid pores and skin.

These hairs rub towards the attention floor, inflicting irritation and irritation. Therapy usually entails electrolysis and surgical elimination of the hair follicles.

8. Coronary heart Illness

As Shih Tzus age, they’ll develop mitral valve illness (MVD). This occurs when the valve between the center’s chambers doesn’t shut correctly, inflicting blood to leak.

Over time, this could result in an enlarged coronary heart, fluid within the lungs, and, finally, congestive coronary heart failure — a main reason for demise in senior Shih Tzus.

Analysis & Therapy

Mitral valve illness (MVD) is identified with an echocardiogram (coronary heart ultrasound). If coronary heart failure is suspected, chest X-rays could also be used to verify for fluid within the lungs.

Therapy is determined by the illness stage:

• Early stage (no coronary heart enlargement): No remedy is required but.
• Coronary heart enlargement: Pimobendan will help delay coronary heart failure.
• Coronary heart failure signs: Drugs like diuretics, rhythm stabilizers, and electrolyte help could also be required.

Surgical procedure is feasible however invasive, costly (round $50,000), and never best for all canine. MVD is progressive, and whereas it will possibly’t be reversed, early care can sluggish its influence.

9. Kidney Illnesses

Shih Tzus are predisposed to 2 kinds of kidney illness.

Renal Dysplasia

Renal dysplasia is a congenital (current at beginning) situation the place one or each kidneys don’t develop correctly throughout fetal improvement.

The kidneys could also be smaller than regular, have cysts or fibrous tissue, or have malformed nephrons (the kidney’s useful items).

These abnormalities impair the kidney’s means to filter blood and produce urine.

Signs of average to extreme renal dysplasia usually seem when Shih Tzus are puppies, though gentle circumstances might not seem till later.

Glomerulonephritis

Additionally referred to as glomerular nephritis (GN), glomerulonephritis is a hereditary kidney illness wherein the filtering items (referred to as glomeruli) turn out to be infected or broken.

This impacts the kidneys’ means to take away waste and extra fluids from the blood. It’s usually brought on by infections, immune issues, or power irritation.

Analysis & Therapy

Veterinarians diagnose kidney issues based mostly on a mixture of medical indicators, blood exams, urine evaluation, and imaging (like radiographs or ultrasound). A definitive analysis usually requires a kidney biopsy.

Therapy might differ relying on the illness and severity.

Renal dysplasia: In gentle to average circumstances, remedy entails lifelong renal help dietary supplements, a particular weight loss program, and common monitoring of kidney well being. Extreme circumstances have a poor prognosis.

Glomerulonephritis: Therapy, together with drugs, a particular weight loss program, and fluid remedy, can delay life for a number of years.

10. Dental Illness

Toy and brachycephalic breeds usually face dental issues and periodontal illness as a result of their small mouths and irregular cranium form.

“Attempting to suit the conventional variety of canine tooth right into a smaller space means their tooth are sometimes overcrowded, resulting in tartar construct up, gum irritation and tooth loss. I’ve carried out many dental procedures on these canine over time, with a number of extractions being quite common,” shares Dr. MacMillan.

Periodontal illness can result in important well being problems and doubtlessly shorten your canine’s lifespan. Moreover, it will possibly trigger discomfort and have an effect on your canine’s total well-being.

Analysis & Therapy

Your vet will look at your canine’s mouth and suggest remedy if obligatory. This will embody deep cleansing, ache reduction, and tooth elimination if there’s an infection or injury.

Prevention ideas:

Good dental care helps your canine keep wholesome and pain-free.

Different Shih Tzu Issues

Though the next considerations might not be fairly as frequent as these above, it’s important to know different well being points your Shih Tzu might face.

• Weight problems is frequent because of the Shih Tzu’s small measurement and low power ranges.
• Digestive points usually have an effect on this breed as a result of meals allergy symptoms or different causes.
• Anal sac impaction happens when anal gland fluid thickens and clogs the ducts that drain the glands.
• Umbilical hernias are protrusions of stomach contents (lining, fats, intestines, and many others.).
• Arachnoid cysts happen when the arachnoid membrane overlaying the central nervous system doesn’t develop correctly.
• Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid gland, which regulates the physique’s metabolism, doesn’t produce sufficient hormones.
• Cushing’s illness happens when the physique produces an excessive amount of cortisol.
• Tracheal collapse happens when the windpipe’s cartilage breaks down over time.
• Bladder stones, mineral calcifications that type within the bladder, usually have an effect on small breeds.
• A portosystemic (liver) shunt is a congenital situation involving an irregular blood vessel that hinders the liver’s means to filter out toxins.

Common Prices For A number of Widespread Shih Tzu Well being Points

Under are estimates from Embrace Pet Insurance coverage for a number of frequent well being points this supplier sees in insured Shih Tzus. The next common prices are based mostly on claims.

• Arachnoid cysts: $4,500-$10,000
• Patellar luxation: $1,500-$3,000
• Pores and skin fold dermatitis: $300-$2,500
• Distichiasis and ectopic cilia: $1,500-$2,000
• Entropion: $300-$1,500

As reported by Fetch Pet Insurance coverage, the vary of common prices for these frequent situations they cowl is proven right here.

• Respiratory infections: $1,400-$2,700
• Oral irritation: $1,400-$2,000
• Eye irritation: $450-$700

Ought to I Contemplate Pet Insurance coverage?

Pet insurance coverage is important due to the breed’s propensity for expensive well being points. In an surprising emergency or sickness, pet insurance coverage minimizes the necessity to decide on between your funds and offering your canine the medical consideration they require.

Nevertheless, most insurance coverage firms don’t cowl pre-existing situations, so defending your canine when he’s younger is good. For extra info, see our information to the greatest pet insurance coverage for Shih Tzus.

Continuously Requested Questions

Listed below are some questions our readers ask most frequently about Shih Tzu well being issues. In the event you don’t see yours right here, ask us within the feedback.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus can reside wherever from 10 to 18 years, with an common lifespan of 13 years. Nevertheless, a number of elements influence each pup’s lifespan, together with genetics, total well being, and life-style.

What Do Shih Tzus Often Die From?

A research of Shih Tzus in the UK discovered that coronary heart illness and enteropathy (gastrointestinal ailments inflicting indicators equivalent to diarrhea and vomiting) had been the main causes of demise.

Why Are Shih Tzus Predisposed To So Many Well being Points?

Due to their small measurement, genetic predispositions, and brachycephalic (flat-faced) construction, Shih Tzus are liable to quite a lot of well being issues.

Specifically, respiratory, ocular, and dental issues are exacerbated by their brief snouts and shallow eye sockets.

They’re additionally weak to neurological and orthopedic points due to their lengthy backs and brief legs.

What’s The Finest Weight loss plan For Shih Tzus?

Offering your Shih Tzu with probably the most nutritious weight loss program will help stop illness signs and improve their immune system, decreasing the danger of infections. Take a look at my high picks for the greatest pet food for Shih Tzus in all life levels.

Different pet food choices for well being considerations: