28/08/2022
Shih Tzu health
The Shih Tzu is a generally healthy dog, although it is prone to certain disorders and diseases:
Allergies Shih Tzu can suffer food allergies, contact (by reaction to a topical substance) or inhalation of allergens such as pollen, dust or mold.
Hip dysplasia. Abnormal formation of the hip socket, which can cause pain and lameness.
Patellar luxation. The knee joint, usually a hind leg, slips out of place, causing pain and can become paralyzing.
Juvenile renal dysplasia (DJR). Genetic kidney defect, observed in young dogs. The dog is very thirsty and urinates frequently. You lose weight, vomit, and lack energy.
Stones and bladder infections. Most are crystals of struvite (ammonium magnesium phosphate). They usually originate after a bladder infection, of bacterial or viral origin. They can be caused by many factors, such as excess protein, magnesium, or phosphorus in your diet, or spending a long time between urination.
Eye problems Dogs with protruding eyes, such as the Shih Tzu, suffer from many eye problems, such as keratitis (inflammation of the cornea with loss of transparency), proptosis (displacement of the eyeball), distichiasis (double row of eyelashes, which are directed inward, brushing the surface of the eye), dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (insufficient production of tears, with consequent dryness of the cornea) or progressive retinal atrophy (hereditary disease that causes deterioration of the retina, producing night blindness that progresses to reach complete blindness).
Ear infections The shape of your ears creates a dark and warm ear canal, ideal for infections. To prevent them, you must keep their ears clean and dry.
Dental problems.Normally, baby teeth are resorbed when they are replaced by permanent ones, but in the case of dwarf breeds, such as the Shih Tzu, they can be retained, presenting a double row of teeth that can cause malocclusion. If this happens, they must be removed by the vet.
