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The Shih Tzu, a beloved toy breed identified for his or her charming character and splendid coat, is usually a long-lived breed however could be susceptible to many well being points.
Understanding these widespread well being issues, starting from respiratory difficulties to eye and joint circumstances, can assist you present higher care and catch warning indicators early.
10 Widespread Shih Tzu Well being Issues
The Shih Tzu has been among the many prime 20 hottest breeds within the U.S. for a few years. Nonetheless, it’s essential to know that Shih Tzus endure from many well being issues attributable to breeding requirements and practices.
I spoke with Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed, BSAVA, PGCertSAM, MRCVS, to achieve insights from a working towards veterinarian concerning well being issues in Shih Tzus. Dr. MacMillan is a veterinarian and surgeon at a small animal clinic within the U.Ok.
Drawing from Dr. MacMillan’s experience and my analysis, I’ve compiled an inventory of the highest 10 prevalent well being points affecting Shih Tzus. It’s essential to concentrate on the signs related to every situation in an effort to attain out to your veterinarian promptly in the event you 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. Nonetheless, these abnormalities differ of their severity.
“This will additionally have an effect on their capacity to train freely, Dr. MacMillan shares. “Affected animals might snore or should sleep in sure positions to assist the air stream extra easily into their lungs.”
BOAS Signs
Canines with BOAS can exhibit the next signs, starting from delicate to debilitating.
- Noisy respiratory
- Snuffling
- Loud night breathing when sleeping or relaxed
- Coughing and raspiness
- Reverse sneezing
- Train intolerance (snorting with train)
- Warmth intolerance
- Gagging and retching
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 depends upon the severity.
- Milder instances: managed with weight management, restricted train, and avoiding sizzling temperatures and stress.
- Reasonable to extreme instances: surgical procedure can assist enhance airflow.
2. Pores and skin Issues
Shih Tzus have deep facial and tail folds, creating ultimate environments for rising moisture, micro organism, and yeast. These circumstances result in frequent bouts of pores and skin fold dermatitis and different pores and skin infections.
Cleansing your pup’s pores and skin folds often can assist stop infections from creating. I like to recommend utilizing Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Wipes.
Different pores and skin issues many Shih Tzus face are attributable to allergic reactions or intolerances to one thing of their setting or meals elements.
In actual fact, 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 Signs
In contrast to people, canine allergy signs sometimes current as pores and skin issues.
- Extreme scratching, licking, or chewing
- Crimson and infected pores and skin
- Papules or pustules (pus-filled lesions on the pores and skin that resemble human pimples)
- Dry or flaky patches of pores and skin
- Patchy fur loss
- Itchy ears
- Swollen face and paws
Allergy Analysis & Therapy
It’s usually tough to find out what’s inflicting your pup’s allergic reactions, so the most effective plan of action is to seek the advice of your veterinarian.
Your vet can assist decide attainable causes by means of a scientific technique of elimination and should even wish to conduct allergy checks.
Therapy choices fluctuate based mostly on the trigger, however testing and potential lifelong therapy, together with allergy medicines or prescription pet food, can get fairly costly.
Take into account An At-Dwelling Canine Allergy Check
In case you are uncertain what’s triggering your pup’s allergic reactions, you might wish to think about an at-home allergy check. These checks might assist determine meals elements and environmental elements which may be an issue.
You possibly can share your outcomes along with your veterinarian to probably slender down your canine’s offending allergens and decide a therapy plan.
3. Ear Infections
Shih Tzus are susceptible to recurring ear infections attributable to genetics, allergic reactions, and their floppy, furry ears that lure moisture.
This creates an ultimate setting for micro organism, yeast, and mites. If untreated, ear infections could cause important ache and result in critical ear harm.
Ear An infection Signs
- Scratching the ear or areas across the ears
- Redness or swelling
- Ear odor
- Yellow, brown, or bloody discharge
- Fur loss across the ear
- Scabs or crusted pores and skin close to the ear flaps
- Rubbing the ear on the ground or furnishings
Analysis & Therapy
Ear infections are recognized by means of a vet’s inspection and testing of ear discharge.
Therapy contains 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 susceptible 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 may 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 steadily impacts each hind legs.
Luxating Patella Signs
- Limping
- Hopping
- Skipping
- Strolling on three legs
- Stiff legs and gait
Analysis & Therapy
Diagnosing a luxating patella includes a bodily examination and X-rays, with superior imaging like CT or MRI in some instances.
Therapy might embody weight administration, joint dietary supplements, ache medicines, and train restriction. Nonetheless, surgical procedure is normally beneficial.
5. Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Though circumstances that normally have an effect on bigger breeds, hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are widespread in Shih Tzus.
Each circumstances are brought on by the irregular growth of the joints. They result in elevated discomfort, decreased mobility, and sometimes arthritis.
Hip/Elbow Dysplasia Signs
- Ache or discomfort throughout train
- Lameness
- Stiff again or entrance legs
- “Bunny hop” like run (with hip dysplasia)
- Stiffness getting up or operating
- Struggling to stroll up the steps or take lengthy walks
- Issue getting up from resting
- Irregular gait
- Lack of enjoyment with bodily actions that have been beforehand pleasant
Analysis & Therapy
Your veterinarian will palpate the elbow or hip joint and take an X-ray of the bothered joint to make the prognosis.
Relying on the severity of hip dysplasia, therapy choices might embody joint dietary supplements, bodily remedy, anti-inflammatory medication, and weight management.
Surgical procedure is often required in additional extreme instances of hip dysplasia. Whole hip substitute is probably the most profitable surgical process.
Surgical procedure is steadily crucial for the therapy 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 comfortable discs between the bones within the backbone (vertebrae) slip or bulge misplaced.
This will put strain on the spinal wire and surrounding nerves, resulting in critical ache, nerve harm, and even paralysis.
IVDD is often known as a “slipped disc” or “herniated disc,” and it’s usually linked to disc degeneration over time.
IVDD Signs
These indicators can happen slowly (over a number of weeks to months) or quickly (over minutes to hours). Most canine develop indicators over a number of days.
- Irregular, unsteady strolling
- Hunched again or neck with tense muscle mass
- Crying out in ache
- Lack of bladder or bowel management
- Paralysis
IVDD Analysis & Therapy
To verify for IVDD, your vet will study your canine’s neck, again, reflexes, and ache response. X-rays can assist spot points, however a CT scan or MRI could also be wanted to obviously view the spinal wire.
Therapy depends upon severity:
- Delicate instances: Ache meds, anti-inflammatories, restricted exercise, and bodily remedy.
- Extreme instances: Surgical procedure could also be wanted to forestall paralysis.
Early prognosis and correct care are key to restoration.
7. A number of Eye Problems
As a result of form of their skulls and eye sockets and genetics, Shih Tzus (and different flat-faced breeds) are at a excessive threat of ocular well being issues.
Additionally, as a result of their eyes protrude, they’re extra susceptible to damage, corneal ulcers, and infections.
Probably the most widespread eye issues Shih Tzues sometimes expertise are:
Cataracts
Cataracts, widespread 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 an increasing number of 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 steadily a recurring downside.
You’ll discover a big, pink, or pink mass within the nook of your pup’s eye. Typically, surgical procedure is beneficial 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 sometimes 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 in opposition to 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 reasonably than the eyelid pores and skin.
These hairs rub in opposition to the attention floor, inflicting irritation and irritation. Therapy sometimes includes electrolysis and surgical removing of the hair follicles.
Eye Dysfunction Signs
Except famous above, many eye issues share related signs.
- Eye sensitivity
- Squinty eyes
- Repeated blinking
- Bloodshot or cloudy eyes
- Yellow or inexperienced discharge
I’ve misplaced depend of the variety of eye points I’ve handled in Shih Tzus. One little canine ended up dropping an eye fixed attributable to a severely contaminated corneal ulcer. Regardless of our greatest efforts, the ulcer wasn’t responding to medical therapy, and I ended up having to carry out an enucleation to surgically take away the eyeball.
Her eye was painful and non-visual, so following the surgical procedure, the canine was a lot brighter and shortly discovered to adapt. Because of this it’s so necessary to take your canine to the vet for a check-up in the event you discover something uncommon about their eyes.
– Dr. Rebecca MacMillan
8. Coronary heart Illness
As Shih Tzus age, they will 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 may result in an enlarged coronary heart, fluid within the lungs, and, finally, congestive coronary heart failure — a main reason behind demise in senior Shih Tzus.
MVD Signs
- Persistent coughing
- Respiratory problem
- Weight reduction
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Intolerance to bodily exercise
- Blue or grey gums
- Collapse
Analysis & Therapy
Mitral valve illness (MVD) is recognized 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 depends upon the illness stage:
- Early stage (no coronary heart enlargement): No therapy is required but.
- Coronary heart enlargement: Pimobendan can assist delay coronary heart failure.
- Coronary heart failure signs: Medicines like diuretics, rhythm stabilizers, and electrolyte assist could also be required.
Surgical procedure is feasible however invasive, costly (round $50,000), and never ultimate for all canine. MVD is progressive, and whereas it may possibly’t be reversed, early care can sluggish its influence.
9. Kidney Ailments
Shih Tzus are predisposed to 2 sorts 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 growth.
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 capacity to filter blood and produce urine.
Signs of average to extreme renal dysplasia sometimes seem when Shih Tzus are puppies, though delicate instances might not seem till later.
Glomerulonephritis
Additionally referred to as glomerular nephritis (GN), glomerulonephritis is a hereditary kidney illness through which the filtering items (referred to as glomeruli) develop into infected or broken.
This impacts the kidneys’ capacity to take away waste and extra fluids from the blood. It’s usually brought on by infections, immune issues, or power irritation.
Kidney Illness Signs
- Elevated water consumption and urination
- Lack of urge for food
- Lethargy
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Unhealthy breath
- Blood within the urine
- Stunted progress (renal dysplasia)
Analysis & Therapy
Veterinarians diagnose kidney issues based mostly on a mix of scientific indicators, blood checks, urine evaluation, and imaging (like radiographs or ultrasound). A definitive prognosis usually requires a kidney biopsy.
Therapy might differ relying on the illness and severity.
Renal dysplasia: In delicate to average instances, therapy includes lifelong renal assist dietary supplements, a particular food regimen, and common monitoring of kidney well being. Extreme instances have a poor prognosis.
Glomerulonephritis: Therapy, together with medicines, a particular food regimen, and fluid remedy, can extend life for a number of years.
10. Dental Illness
Toy and brachycephalic breeds usually face dental issues and periodontal illness attributable to their small mouths and irregular cranium form.
“Making an attempt to suit the conventional variety of canine enamel right into a smaller space means their enamel 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 issues and doubtlessly shorten your canine’s lifespan. Moreover, it may possibly trigger discomfort and have an effect on your canine’s total well-being.
Dental Illness Signs
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Lack of enamel
- Unhealthy breath
- Plaque and tartar buildup
- Issue consuming and chewing
- Extreme drooling
- Free and lacking enamel
Analysis & Therapy
Your vet will study your canine’s mouth and advocate therapy if crucial. This will embody deep cleansing, ache reduction, and tooth removing if there’s an infection or harm.
Prevention ideas:
Good dental care helps your canine keep wholesome and pain-free.
Different Shih Tzu Problems
Though the next issues is probably not fairly as widespread as these above, it’s important to know different well being points your Shih Tzu may face.
- Weight problems is widespread because of the Shih Tzu’s small measurement and low vitality ranges.
- Digestive points usually have an effect on this breed attributable to meals allergic reactions 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 protecting 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 kind 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 capacity to filter out toxins.
Common Prices For A number of Widespread Shih Tzu Well being Points
Beneath are estimates from Embrace Pet Insurance coverage for a number of widespread 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 widespread circumstances 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 Take into account Pet Insurance coverage?
Pet insurance coverage is crucial 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.
Nonetheless, most insurance coverage firms don’t cowl pre-existing circumstances, so defending your canine when he’s younger is good. For extra info, see our information to the finest pet insurance coverage for Shih Tzus.
Regularly Requested Questions
Listed here 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. Nonetheless, a number of elements influence each pup’s lifespan, together with genetics, total well being, and way of life.
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 corresponding to diarrhea and vomiting) have 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 susceptible to a wide range of well being issues.
Particularly, respiratory, ocular, and dental issues are exacerbated by their brief snouts and shallow eye sockets.
They’re additionally susceptible to neurological and orthopedic points due to their lengthy backs and brief legs.
What’s The Greatest Weight-reduction plan For Shih Tzus?
Offering your Shih Tzu with probably the most nutritious food regimen can assist stop illness signs and improve their immune system, lowering the danger of infections. Take a look at my prime picks for the finest pet food for Shih Tzus in all life phases.
Different pet food choices for well being issues: