The Chihuahua 
Health Issues
Collapsing trachea
Collapsing trachea is a common problem for Toy dogs of many breeds. The symptoms include coughing, shortness
of breath, and exhaustion. It is most common in dogs from 5 years old and up, occasionally a puppy has it from birth. To explain the condition, it does actually mean that the "pipe" that brings air to the lungs collapse and it gets hard to breath, some what like sipping soda through a flattened straw. It can be treated with medications provided by your vet. Remember that smoking can severe the condition in your dog!
Subluxation patella
In dogs, subluxation of the patella is called loose kneecaps. When it happens, the kneecap slips out of its groove, sometimes often and sometimes rarely, depending on how sever the problem is. It is parted up in grades from 1- 4. If your dog is one of the unlucky whose grade ishigher than 2 surgery may be the solution for your dogs welfare. A dog with a gentle grade can live a normal happy life. Subluxation of the patella is a relatively common problem in small breed dogs
but do accure in large ones as well.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycaemia means low blood sugar. It is a common problem in young small breed puppies, most of
them grow out of it before they go to their new homes. But for some, this lasts their whole life. Symptoms of low blood sugar can be a staggering gait, shiny eyes, sometimes even limpness. If the dog is not given immediate attention or help,
he can get seizures, faint, and if really bad, die. The treatment involves putting some glucose in the dog's mouth and then bringing him to the vet. If you learn that your dog has tendency of hypoglycaemia, you can prevent further attacks by changing his feeding schedule to small amounts several times a day and avoiding sugary treats (check the ingredients before buying dog treats). Too much sugar in his food can put the dog on a roller coaster ride of sugar highs and lows rather than keeping his blood sugar nice and even.
More coming soon |
