Chihuahua Health Problems
Chihuahua Health Problems
The following are some common conditions and symptoms of Chihuahua health problems. It's important to take your pup to the vet if you notice any of these conditions. The first of these is a genetic condition known as tracheal collapse. This condition is caused by an abnormality in the trachea. Symptoms of tracheal collapse include difficulty breathing, intolerance of exercise, bluish tinge in the gums, and cough. Treatment involves corrective surgery and physical therapy.
Dry eye is a common condition for Chihuahuas, known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. While this condition can cause discomfort, a veterinarian can prescribe lubricating eye drops to help alleviate the symptoms. In some cases, the slipping of the patella can lead to damage to the trachea. The trachea is a series of cartilage rings in the neck that pipe air from the nose to the lungs. The weak cartilage rings can block airflow, leading to trachea chokeoff. When this occurs, the dog can have difficulty breathing, cough, or even faint. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to prevent trachea chokeoff.
The first and most basic Chihuahua health problem is patellar luxation, or slippage of the patella. When running, a Chihuahua may pick up the leg in the back and skip several strides. This condition can be treated by feeding the dog dry food or putting it in small pieces. In severe cases, surgical correction of the kneecap is needed to avoid the pain.
The next symptom is glaucoma. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness. This condition is marked by watery eyes, redness in the whites of the eyes, and bluing of the cornea. The eyeball can also look like a bulging or icepick. If you see any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately. Your dog will need to be fed frequently to ensure proper health.
Another major cause of death in Chihuahuas is heart disease. Most heart problems in dogs are caused by weakened valves, which can leak blood back around the heart and strain it. Your pet's murmur will let you know how serious the condition is. A veterinarian will recommend treatment, if necessary. Your pet should be tested every year. Its health will improve when it's healthy, but it can also be fatal.
Herniated discs can lead to a number of different symptoms. If you see tears under your dog's eyes, it could be a sign of a problem affecting their joints. The eyelids need to tear frequently in order to maintain proper function. If they become swollen, the condition can lead to secondary infections. If the eyes become obstructed, fluid can accumulate under the eyes.
One of the most common health problems that affect Chihuahuas is a slipped patella. While your dog may not feel any pain, the patella is likely to be inflamed. If you suspect that your dog has a slipped patella, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. If the injury isn't serious, your vet can simply give a diagnosis with X-rays.
If you notice any of these symptoms, your dog's health will likely be fine. A lack of a specific disease or a misaligned palate is one of the most common cause of reverse sneezing and hoarseness. If it happens to happen, take your dog to the vet immediately. The symptoms of a misaligned palate are very common. A misaligned palate can lead to sneezing, reverse sneezing, and even choking, especially if the patient is agitated or panicked.
The eyes of a Chihuahua's eyes are typically wet, but they need to tear to maintain proper function. If your pup's eyelids become inflamed or irritated, you may need to treat them. If you have a Chihuahua with a luxating patella, it's a sign of a tracheal collapse or a displaced or enlarged trachea.
It's important to pay attention to your pup's blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia is a serious underlying medical condition that causes seizures and weakness in young dogs. While most pets outgrow this problem, it's essential to keep an eye on your dog's blood sugar levels during a puppy's formative years to prevent any damage. While it's not a life-threatening condition, it can lead to permanent vision loss in some cases.
