| All dogs are vulnerable to numerous diseases and | | | | Heartworm disease is cyclic. Adult worms average |
| health concerns but some breeds are more likely to | | | | about six inches in length (but they can be much |
| be affected by one than another. Shih Tzu are no | | | | longer) and they mostly live in the heart. Microscopic |
| exception to this. This article will list and briefly | | | | baby worms live in the blood vessels throughout the |
| describe those problems. | | | | body. |
| ARTHRITIS | | | | HIP DYSPLASIA |
| Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It can be | | | | Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease of the hip |
| inherited, the result of an injury, or part of the aging | | | | joints. This condition is often inherited and it can |
| process. | | | | affect one or both hips. It usually cannot be |
| BLEEDING DISORDER | | | | diagnosed until after the age of 2 years. |
| Von Willebrand disease refers to a bleeding disorder | | | | HYPOTHYROIDISM |
| that results in a decreased amount of a glycoprotein. | | | | Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland stops |
| This glycoprotein is needed for proper clotting of the | | | | working. The thyroid gland is responsible for |
| blood. | | | | producing a hormone that is responsible for proper |
| CANCER | | | | metabolism. |
| Unfortunately cancer can strike our pets. The most | | | | INVERTEBRAL DISK DISEASE |
| common type is that of mammary or testicular | | | | Invertebral disk disease is a somewhat common back |
| cancer. It can occur at any age. | | | | problem. The discs in the spine slip causing nerve |
| CLEFT PALATE | | | | damage. It results in acute pain, a loss of movement |
| Cleft palate in dogs refers to a failure of the two | | | | and or coordination, and even paralysis. The condition |
| sides of the palate to fuse correctly. This defect | | | | usually occurs following a fall or jump. |
| usually occurs during embryonic development but it | | | | OBESITY |
| can also result from over-dosages of steroids, | | | | Smaller dogs can more easily become obese and |
| Vitamin A, and some antibiotics. | | | | obesity can result in many diseases and disorders. |
| CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE | | | | This can include heart disease, kidney disease, and |
| Congestive heart failure is a serious condition that | | | | increased pain from other ailments such as arthritis. |
| often affects older dogs of small breeds, including | | | | Obesity can cause changes in temperature, pulse and |
| Shih Tzu. This condition refers to an inability of the | | | | heartbeat. |
| heart to function normally. The result is an increased | | | | PATELLAR LUXATION (Slipped Stifles or Kneecaps) |
| retention of water and salt which leads to a fluid | | | | Patellar Luxation is usually a congenital condition that |
| buildup in the lungs. | | | | appears at birth, but it can also happen due to |
| DENTAL GUM DISEASE | | | | trauma. This condition affects females 1.5 times more |
| Just as humans, dogs need a certain amount of | | | | often than it does males. The kneecap slips out of |
| dental care to maintain their dental health. This | | | | the tendon and then slips back in. |
| includes having their teeth cleaned at least annually by | | | | RENAL CORTICAL HYPOPLASIA |
| the veterinarian. Other preventive steps include | | | | Renal Cortical Hypoplasia refers to a condition in |
| brushing the Shih Tzu teeth with specially formulated | | | | which the kidneys have developed incorrectly and are |
| dog toothpaste. Providing hard dog biscuits and | | | | smaller than normal. This condition often results in |
| bones, and chew toys can also help. | | | | infections and stone formation. |
| EAR INFECTION | | | | RENAL DYSPLASIA |
| Ear infections are common in dog breeds with floppy | | | | Renal Dysplasia can be found in almost any dog |
| ears. The ears fill up with a dark, smelly wax. If the | | | | breed but it is most commonly found in Shih Tzu and |
| condition is left untreated the infection can become | | | | Lhasa Apsos. This is a genetic defect or a |
| chronic. | | | | developmental defect of the kidneys. It is thought |
| FLEA BITE DERMATITIS | | | | that the defect is caused by an embryonic arrest in |
| Fleas often are a part of dog ownership, but certain | | | | kidney development sometime around the birth. |
| steps should be taken to avoid excessive fleas that | | | | STENOTIC NARES |
| result in flea bites to your dog. Lawns can be treated | | | | Stenotic Nares refers to a narrow or restricted |
| as well as homes to eliminate live fleas. And your Shih | | | | nostril. The opening to the nostril(s) are too small |
| Tzu can receive preventative medications from the | | | | making it difficult for the Shih Tzu to breathe through |
| veterinarian. | | | | the nose. This condition can put a strain on various |
| HARDERIAN GLAND PROLAPSE (Cherry Eye) | | | | body systems of the dog and even result in an |
| In harderian gland prolapse the gland of the third | | | | enlargement of the heart. |
| eyelid has prolapsed as a pink fleshy mass protruding | | | | TRACHEAL COLLAPSE |
| over the edge of the third eyelid, between the third | | | | Tracheal collapse is most commonly found in small |
| eyelid and the cornea. This condition usually develops | | | | breeds including the beloved Shih Tzu. This condition |
| during the first year of life. | | | | is characterized by a weakening of the cartilage rings |
| HEART MURMURS | | | | of the trachea. The condition can be either congenital |
| Heart murmurs are not necessarily indicative of a | | | | or acquired. Obesity is often a contributing factor. |
| heart disease but instead, they can be a hint that the | | | | UMBILICAL CORD HERNIA |
| dog may have something wrong. Heart murmurs are | | | | The term, Umbilical Cord Hernia, describes a small |
| abnormal sounds heard when the veterinarian listens | | | | prolapsed in the stomach wall of the dog in the spot |
| to the heartbeat of your Shih Tzu with a | | | | that the umbilical cord was attached. It is possible for |
| stethoscope. | | | | intestines to end up inside the hernia and to be |
| HEARTWORM DISEASE | | | | twisted, particularly if the hernia is large. In such case |
| Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. | | | | the puppy may die. |