There are different he alth problems that can affect a Yorkshire terrier and, just as it happens with most dogs breed, the "yorkie" has a certain predisposition to suffer from various genetic diseases Whether you have an elderly yorkshire terrier or a puppy, this article will help you learn about the diseases congenital yorkshire terrier that occur more frequently. It is essential to detect them in time.
Don't forget that if your dog suffers from any of these pathologies, under no circumstances should you allow it to reproduce, as it can cause the puppies to also suffer from them. Discover below on our site the most frequent diseases of the yorkshire terrier:
Most frequent diseases of the Yorkshire terrier breed
Below we will show you the diseases that commonly occur in the breed and that, on occasion, are also related to a irresponsible parenting:
- Retinal Dysplasia: Is an abnormal development of the retina and usually causes visual impairment or blindness. There are three forms and, unfortunately, it is not really known how form 1 affects a dog's vision. There is no treatment.
- Entropion: This eye disease causes the dog's eyelid to turn inward, irritating the eye and even causing severe visual impairment. It is surgically corrected when the dog is an adult.
- Portosystemic shunt: usually appears when the dog is still a puppy and it is a defect in the circulation of the liver, causing the blood passes into the vena cava without having been filtered and an intoxication of the dog, which can also cause neurological problems. Surgery is required for treatment.
- Tracheal collapse: consists of a narrowing of the trachea that causes a dry cough in dogs. It usually appears after physical exercise or before the intake of water or food. It is very common in dogs "cup of tea". It can be controlled with the use of medication.
- Patellar luxation: This is a displacement of the patella and may be caused by a malformation. Sometimes it can be placed back in the same place, but in others it must be repositioned by the veterinarian. In the long run, patellar luxation can cause osteoarthritis, due to joint changes. Depending on the severity of the case, the dog may require surgery.
Apart from these diseases that we have mentioned, the Yorkshire terrier is also susceptible to the following pathologies, generally with a lower incidence:
- Hydrocephaly: this pathology causes cerebrospinal fluid to accumulate in the cavities of the brain, causing abnormal movements, seizures, vision problems and obvious pain among others. Medication is usually used although a drain may be necessary.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: refers to a deterioration of the retina and although it generally appears when the dog is old, in some cases can happen earlier. There is no treatment.
- Cataracts: this disease causes opacity of the lens of the dog's eye, generating visual impairment and even blindness. It can be removed by surgery.
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca: This is poor tear production that causes a dry eye. Later, irritation, ulcers, scars and even blindness may appear. It can be controlled by keeping the eye moist.
- Alopecia: This is a specific type of alopecia in dogs that have a specific coat pattern, such as the Yorkshire. Hair grows unevenly and hair loss appears. Through regular treatment based on moisturizing rinses, the use of drugs and shampoos to control hair breakage, it can be controlled.
- Congenital hypotrichosis: this is another dog skin problem. It consists of a loss of fur due to the lack of hair follicles. Teeth or sweat glands may be affected and it is permanent.
- Cryptorchidism: Also known as "retained testicles," it occurs when the testicles do not move down from the abdomen into the scrotum. If at 6 months a male dog does not show testicles, we will find ourselves facing cryptorchidism. Castration required.
- Cushing's syndrome: also known as "hyperadrenocorticism", it consists of an endocrine disorder due to an excess of cortisol. It affects the metabolism and behavior of the dog. It can be treated surgically if there is a tumor or by using medication to control cortisol.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: appears in puppies or young dogs of small breeds and causes degeneration or necrosis of the head of the femur. The dog that suffers from it has severe pain and lameness.
- Shaker's Syndrome: Can be identified by a general tremor of the body and usually manifests in young dogs. It causes difficulty walking and can be treated with specific pharmacology.
- Patent ductus arteriosus: affects female dogs more frequently and causes blood to circulate unnecessarily through the heart, which can cause terminal heart failure. It requires prompt surgery, during the first 24 or 48 hours of the puppy's life.
- Urolithiasis: It is also known as "stones" or "calculi" that form when urine crystallizes. It usually causes a bacterial infection and may require medication and surgery.
Rare diseases of yorkie dogs
Finally we will mention two diseases less common but also present in the breed, according to the consensus between veterinarians and researchers:
- Corneal dystrophy: is an anomaly that affects the cornea, generally both, and causes chronic or recurrent ulcers. Depending on the type, the dog may need medication or surgery to treat it.
- Dermal sinus: it is caused by a malformation during the development of the embryo that causes a cleft in the back, where sebum accumulates, dead cells and hair, causing infection and pain. Surgical removal is required.
