Some of the Chihuahua's Health Issues:
As you see, the Chihuahua is prone to medical issues that many owners don’t realize until after they’ve purchased their pets. Common Chihuahua health problems include hydrocephalus (water-on-the-brain), patella luxation (a knee problem), tracheal collapse, and seizures. While this doesn’t mean your toy dog will definitely experience some of these Chihuahua health problems, the truth is that Chihuahuas have more problems than larger breeds when it comes to the skull, nervous system, respiratory system, and joints. And on a small dog, that’s a lot to worry about. You might even liken the Chihuahua to a Yugo: it’s a small and arguably “cute” compared to its peers, but it’s also not the sturdiest thing around.
Chihuahua Health Problems:
Hydrocephalus (Water on the Brain)
Before I explain hydrocephalus, I should mention that Chihuahuas have a special characteristic: a “soft skull” hole known as a molera. Like many newborn mammals (including human babies), Chihuahuas are not born with fully developed bones in their head to protect their brains. Instead, their skulls tend to have an opening which (although it decreases in size with age) never completely disappears the way it does in other mammals. The molera itself is not listed among Chihuahua health problems – it’s just a trademark of the breed. However, an unusually large molera is a telltale sign of hydrocephalus, a condition wherein excess fluid collects on brain and results in a swelled head and eventual death. Other signs include of this painful Chihuahua health problem include crossed eyes, grogginess, loss of balance, and seizures. Hydrocephalus tends to affect most Chihuahuas before they reach 9 months of age, and an experienced vet can help distinguish between a normal molera and hydrocephalus.
Chihuahua Health Problems: Patella Luxation (Knee Problems)
Patella luxation is a fancy way of saying that the dog’s knee joint slips out of place and rubs against the leg bone instead. Ay carumba!! This is one of the Chihuahua health problems that can be traced to heredity and is not necessarily a breed-specific problem, as lots of small dogs experience it. While not as dooming as hydrocephalus, patella luxation can affect a Chihuahua’s mobility and temperament. They’re excitable, high-strung little dogs, so their frequent jumping can aggravate the painful problem. Often, a seasoned vet can detect a Chihuahua’s predisposition for patella luxation by inspecting its legs when it’s a mere pup. Because the treatment for severe luxation is often surgery, it’s a problem potential owners certainly want to avoid if possible.
Chihuahua Health Problems: Collapse of the Trachea (Breathing Problems)
Given their small size, all of the Chihuahua’s body part as small. In the case of the trachea, the little yapper’s windpipe is very narrow and especially susceptible to collapse. When the weakened cartilage collapses, even slightly, the dog has trouble breathing and will tire quickly from exercise. Because of the strange coughing sounds the dog may make when struggling to breathe normally, this is one of the more distressing and frightening Chihuahua health problems owners might encounter. The good news is that it’s somewhat treatable. Reducing air irritants (including smoke, air sprays, and other pollutants) is one way to help the Chihuahua breathe.
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Hypoglycemia This is a low blood sugar
problem more common in Chihuahuas
that are too small. It's characterized by
a sleepy, pooped out poochie. Pet stores
and the vet can give you stuff to
remedy its' effects. We have found the
best out of your cupboard remedy is
Karo Syrup about a teaspoon full will
work right away, and then take your little
one to your Vet as soon as possible. In
fact, this can be given daily while they
are energetic and playful to help keep
them from getting the low blood sugar.
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