Miniature Chihuahua - Health Problems

Tracheal collapse

Tracheal collapse is common in Miniature Chihuahuas because the cartilage rings that hold open the airway are fragile. To protect your pet's throat and keep pressure off the airway, use a harness rather than a collar. If your pet develops a collapsing trachea, it may develop a cough.

- Use a Supplement with glucosamine to help keep the lining of the airway in a healthy, moist state-just as these supplements help keep the inside of joints healthy, moist, and smooth.

Bone and joint diseases

Bone and joint diseases such as arthritis are common even though the Chihuahua is very tiny. Arthritis occurs in the knees because many have knee caps that slip out of place (luxating patella). Between 75% and 80% of Chihuahuas that have luxating patellas have an inherited problem that causes the patella to slip medially (to the inside).

Although Chihuahuas often develop knee problems, they are not prone to developing malformation of the hip and hip dysplasia. Chihuahuas can have bone disease in the hip if the circulation is poor (Legg-Perthes disease).

- Providing a natural, holistic diet helps your Chihuahua maintain healthy weight and healthy joints.

Obesity

Chihuahuas are so adorable that we tend to over-feed them. Unfortunately, obesity shortens their lives and predisposes them to diabetes and other disease.

- Prevent obesity by encouraging your pet to exercise and feeding properly.

Heart conditions

Miniature Chihuahuas are prone to several forms of heart disease, so if your Chihuahua coughs-coughing is one sign of heart disease-visit your veterinarian.

One of the common Chihuahua cardiac problems is an inherited heart disease called PDA (patent ductus arteriosus). The gums of dogs with PDA can be bluish rather than pink because blood doesn't follow the normal route through heart and lungs, thus the blood contains more carbon dioxide than normal.

Chihuahuas can also have heart valve disease (endocardiosis). Valve disease is made worse if your pet has dental disease because bacteria in the mouth circulate through the blood and grow on the heart valves.

- It's important to brush your Chihuahua's teeth and provide good oral care.

Bladder stones

Chihuahuas, especially males, have a genetic predisposition to developing cystine bladder stones.

- Visit the veterinarian if your Miniature Chihuahua is having difficulty urinating.

Chihuahuas for Dummies

Hydrocephalus

Miniature Chihuahua, and other toy breeds, are also prone to the sometimes painful disease hydrocephalus.

It is often diagnosed by the puppy having an abnormally large head during the first several months of life, but other symptoms are more noticeable (since "a large head" is such a broad description).

Chihuahua puppies exhibiting hydrocephalus usually have patchy skull platelets rather than a solid bone, and typically are lethargic and do not grow at the same pace as their siblings.

A true case of hydrocephalus can be diagnosed by a veterinarian, though the prognosis is grim.

Moleras

Chihuahuas are also known for their moleras, a soft spot in their skulls.

Chihuahuas are the only breed of dog to be born with an incomplete skull. The molera does fill in with age, but great care needs to be taken during the first six months until the skull is fully formed.

Hypoglycemia

Chihuahuas can also be at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Left unattended, hypoglycemia can lead to coma.

Chihuahuas are also prone to eye infections due to their large, round, protruding eyes and their relatively low ground clearance.

Special care must be given to not get water into their ears as they are prone to ear infections.

Miniature Chihuahuas also have a tendency to tremble but this is not a health issue, rather it takes place when the dog is stressed or excited. One reason for this may be because small dogs have a higher metabolism than larger dogs and therefore dissipate heat faster.

Although figures often vary, as with any breed, the average lifespan for a Chihuahua is approximately 8 to 18 years of age.

The Miniature Chihuahua does not tolerate cold climates and must be protected when taken outside.