Shih Tzu Health Problems

The Shih Tzu
(Terra Nova Series)

There are basically two main joint problems with a Shih Tzu. One is a slipping kneecap and the other is hip dysplasia.

A Shih Tzu, which has a slipping kneecap, can cause discomfort to your pet. The kneecap will slip out of place and normally cause your dog to cry or yelp. You will usually notice your Shih Tzu not putting any pressure on the leg or occasionally skipping while walking. Generally, it will slip back into place on its own, but in some serious cases, corrective surgery may be required.

Hip dysplasia in a Shih Tzu is a degenerative condition. It is caused from the hip bone not fitting tight enough into its socket. As your Shih Tzu ages, it will be more noticeable and in some cases arthritis will develop.

Shih Tzu For Dummies

A Shih Tzu, like many other dogs, is prone to certain diseases. However, if you know what symptoms to look for with your Shih Tzu health problems, you can possibly catch a disease before it has caused too much damage. This is also true for eye problems in a Shih Tzu. Some common eye problems in a Shih Tzu are Dry Eye, Cherry Eye, Juvenile Cataracts, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

A Shih Tzu with dry eye, is a condition in which the tear glands do not product enough tears. You should pay attention to any irritation in the eyes, especially if there is no hair that could be causing the irritation. Dry eye can cause serious damage to the cornea and could possibly lead to blindness.

A Shih Tzu with Cherry Eye is a noticeable swollen lump on the dog's eye caused from a loose tear gland. This condition can be corrected with surgery.

Juvenile Cataracts in a Shih Tzu is a genetic condition which is normally found in young Shih Tzus. However, this condition can lead to blindness and it is best to not breed the dog.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy in a Shih Tzu is also genetic. This condition normally affects older Shih Tzus and can cause blindness.

The Shih Tzu Handbook
(Barron's Pet Handbooks)

Since a Shih Tzu does not have much space in their mouth, gum disease and tooth decay can be a problem. It is essential to brush your dog's teeth each time they are groomed. Also, it is a good idea to have your Shih Tzu's teeth checked by a vet at least once a year.