What Problems Do Yorkies Have?
What Problems Do Yorkies Have?
As a Yorkshire terrier, your dog may be prone to various health problems. Here is a look at some of the most common ones, how to treat them, and how to prevent them. Read on to learn more! Listed below are some of the most common ailments that affect your Yorkie. Listed below are treatments and prevention methods for these issues. Keep reading to find out how to keep your Yorkie healthy and happy!
Common health issues
There are some common health issues in Yorkies. Cataracts affect the dog's eye lens protein structure. Causes vary, but may include poor diet, eye trauma, or inherited characteristics. While many breeds of this dog can adapt to cataracts, others may require surgery to correct the condition. If you notice any changes in your dog's eyesight, consult with your veterinarian immediately. This common problem can result in vision problems and blindness in the long run.
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health problems in Yorkies. A x-ray will reveal if your Yorkie is affected by this condition. Minor cases may be treated with pain medication, while more severe cases may require surgical intervention. Surgery will remove the affected joint and replace it with an artificial one. It is a safe procedure, and puppies that undergo it usually recover fully. However, you should consider your dog's weight before recommending a surgical procedure.
Another common health problem in Yorkies is pancreatitis. This condition is the result of intense fat consumption. Inflammation of the pancreas results. It can develop slowly over several months or suddenly. If left untreated, pancreatitis can be fatal. Avoid giving your Yorkie too much food. And always remember that your Yorkie should be supervised by a professional. This way, you can monitor his health and make necessary adjustments to his or her diet.
Aside from the above mentioned issues, Yorkies are also prone to dental problems. In addition to their adventurous tastes, Yorkies can ingest a variety of potentially toxic substances. If not treated, they may develop kidney disease or experience a loss of appetite. Besides these common issues, Yorkies are susceptible to a wide range of medical problems, some of which are minor inconveniences and not life-threatening.
The trachea can collapse due to genetics and existing Yorkie diseases. It can occur at any age and is more likely to develop in overweight dogs. It can also occur when a dog pulls against a harness or collar. In any case, trachea collapse is a common health problem in Yorkies, and can cause severe anxiety in the dog. If you suspect your dog may have this condition, you should see a vet right away.
Symptoms
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common problem for Yorkie puppies. This condition is triggered by not eating regularly and can be caused by a number of causes, including a strenuous exercise regimen, an illness of the digestive system, or a trauma. The symptoms of hypoglycemia include weakness, confusion, muscle twitching, and lameness. Left untreated, it can lead to coma, brain damage, and death.
The symptoms of cognitive dysfunction may include confusion that worsens over time, loss of appetite, excessive urination, and urinary incontinence. The symptoms may also include changes in sleeping patterns and fecal and urinary accidents. These symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses. Some Yorkie owners have mistaken cognitive dysfunction for dementia. To treat this problem, visit a veterinarian as early as possible.
A few of the most common medical conditions affecting Yorkies include a slipped intervertebral disc. The disc is a jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae, and if it ruptures, it presses on the spinal cord and impairs its functioning. If the disc becomes so damaged, the dog may be unwilling to move, refuse to eat, and may even become completely paralyzed.
Regardless of the cause, gastrointestinal disease is common in Yorkies. Around 20% of them suffer from at least one type of allergy. Food, contact, and airborne allergies are some common culprits, causing a variety of symptoms in Yorkies. Fortunately, most allergies are treatable at home, but in more severe cases, it may be necessary to seek veterinary care. The best way to prevent gastrointestinal problems is to get your Yorkie to a veterinarian as soon as you notice anything unusual.
Having a collapsed trachea is one of the most common medical conditions affecting this breed. It results in a collapsed trachea due to a genetic predisposition or existing Yorkie diseases. Overweight Yorkies are at greater risk for this condition, while pulling on their collar can cause collapse. Fortunately, the symptoms of collapsed trachea can be reduced with medication or surgery.
Treatments
The symptoms of hypoglycemia in a Yorkie puppy can be lethargy, pale gums, loss of eye focus, muscle twitching, and coma. Ultimately, the condition can cause death. Fortunately, there are treatments for hypoglycemia. Here are some common problems affecting Yorkies, along with remedies. If your Yorkie is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care.
Luxating patella - A condition in which the patellar groove is too shallow, this can cause a dog's kneecap to dislocate. This disorder often occurs in young dogs, but can also be a result of trauma to the knee. A simple eye exam can confirm the presence of retinal dysplasia, and a certified eye specialist can test your Yorkie for it. While there is currently no cure for luxating patella, the condition can often be corrected on its own as the dog grows older.
Breathing disorder - Another common problem in Yorkies is hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This is a common health issue affecting small breeds, and Yorkies are especially susceptible during the first five months of life. It can also occur during pregnancy and liver disease. Symptoms of hypoglycemia in a Yorkie include itching, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, you may be able to cure the symptoms at home by using natural remedies.
Genetic issues - The Yorkshire Terrier has a high chance of developing certain health conditions, especially those associated with genetics. These can be difficult to detect but can be treated by a vet. As long as you follow your Yorkie's diet plan and get regular veterinary care, it's possible for them to live long, healthy lives. When diagnosed early, however, they can improve their lives dramatically. If you're worried about a problem, you'll need to find the best treatment available to avoid any lingering complications.
Trachea collapse - Another common problem affecting small breeds, the trachea may become thin and collapse. In severe cases, the trachea may collapse, resulting in difficulty breathing. In some cases, the disease may result in surgery. Some treatments for this condition include anti-inflammatory medication, and regular physical therapy. To prevent further damage to the trachea, Yorkies must be kept well-weight.
Prevention
There are many issues that can befall a Yorkie. Some are genetic while others are caused by the environment the dog lives in. This breed is particularly susceptible to dental disease, as its jaws are small and teeth are overcrowded. If left untreated, dental disease can lead to serious dental problems and even spread to other organs. For these reasons, routine dental care is essential. Another common problem is Legg-Perthes disease, which affects the hip joint. Although this disease typically occurs in young Yorkies up to four months old, it can affect any age of Yorkie. Luckily, veterinary treatment is available for these conditions.
Another problem that can lead to surgery is luxating patella, a condition that results from a dog's kneecap dislocating. While mild patellar luxation is usually curable, more serious cases may require surgical correction. The best treatment is to treat the problem as early as possible to prevent it from worsening. Prevention of Yorkie problems involves regular checkups by a veterinarian. They can help identify potential problems before they get out of hand.
There are some common dietary issues in Yorkies. High-fat diets can lead to liver shunts, a condition where part of the liver does not close properly. Thankfully, there are some treatment options for liver shunts, but they can be risky. For example, the surgery itself is not without risks and can even result in permanent damage. Prevention of Yorkie problems should begin at the beginning of the dog's life.
Allergies are another common issue in Yorkies. Approximately 20 percent of Yorkies have a food or contact allergy. Symptoms can range from itching to respiratory changes and can be severe. Fortunately, treatment for these conditions is available. While it's best to consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog is allergic to something, topical treatments can be helpful. So, if your Yorkie is prone to allergies, make sure to check them out.
Retinal dysplasia is another serious problem for Yorkies. It affects the retina and results in irregular eyeball functionality. Breeders avoid breeding Yorkies with retinal dysplasia to reduce the risk of passing the disease on to their offspring. Although there's no specific treatment for retinal dysplasia, you can train your pup to cope with this condition. If you have a family history of retinal dysplasia, it may be a good idea to find out if your Yorkie is at risk.
