health information on shih tzu

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Serious Health Issues of the Shih Tzu Dog

There is not one breed of dog that is immune to all illness and
disease. Each breed will be more susceptible to certain disease; this
is bred into the bloodline of the breed for centuries. It is important
to keep in mind that Shih Tzu serious health issues is a guideline to
what illness may find its way to this breed, not what the dog is
doomed to suffer from. The purpose of listing what the Shih Tzu may be
more likely to suffer from is a method of showing owners what to keep
an eye on. Early detection is a very important step to recovery.

IVD Disease

What is this? IVD stands for Intervertebral Disk Disease. This type of
illness is seen more in certain types of breeds; usually those with
shorter legs such as the Shih Tzu, Beagle and Basset Hound.
What happens? A disk slips in the back and presses on the spinal cord.
What is the average age when this can occur with a Shih Tzu? This can
happen as young as 2 years old.
What are the symptoms? Muscle spasms, pain, and weakness in the limbs
What can this progress to? Sadly, this can lead to complete paralysis
How is this treated? Medicine is used that will include muscle
relaxants and anti-swelling drugs. Rest in recommended. Surgery may be
performed if rest and medicine is not effective.

Patellar Luxation

What is this? The Patellar is a fancy name for a dog's kneecap. This
is more apt to happen in toy dog breeds that weigh less than 25
pounds.
What happens? This is a condition in which the dog's kneecap slips out
of place.
What is the average age when this can occur to a Shih Tzu? This can
actually be present at birth and if not, can happen at any time.
What are the symptoms? Limping, attempting to walk on just 3 legs for
reason of avoiding pressure on the hurt knee and/or raising the leg to
try and tell you that they are feeling pain.
What can this progress to? Without treatment, the affected leg may
become deformed. This condition rarely goes away without treatment.
How is the treated? A Shih Tzu with this serious medical condition
will most likely need surgery. Prognosis is very good after the dog
recovers from the operation.

Stenotic Nares

What is this? This is the medical term for a serious condition of the
Shih Tzu's nose.
What happens? The dog's nostrils are very narrow which in turn puts a
great deal of stress on the respiratory system and the body as a whole
of the Shih Tzu.
What is the average age when this can occur to a Shih Tzu? If a Shih
Tzu has this serious medical issue, they are born with it and it is
noticed fairly quickly.
What are the symptoms? The Shih Tzu will show clear and obvious
difficulty breathing.
What can this progress to? If not treated, a Shih Tzu may actually die
from this; as the dog's body simply can not continue to struggle for
enough air.
How is this treated? Surgery will fix this serious condition.
Prognosis is very good after the procedure is done to correct this.

Harderian Gland Prolapse

What is this? This refers to the eye lid of the Shih Tzu dog.
What happens? All eyelids have glands which produce tears. With this
condition, the gland becomes swollen.
What is the average age when this can happen to a Shih Tzu? Normally,
if a Shih Tzu is to have this unfortunate serious medical condition,
it will develop before the age of 2.
What are the symptoms? As the gland moves around due to a loose
connection, it can lead to swelling, excessive discharge, bloody
ulcerations and conjunctivitis.
What can this progress to? Untreated, the dog may become temporarily
blinded in the affected eye until treatment is given.
How is this treated? Although this is a serious medical condition
among the Shih Tzu breed, fortunately the fix is rather simple. Under
general anesthesia the dog's gland is gently moved back into place and
secured.

Hypothyroidism

What is this? This is referring to an irregular thyroid gland of a
dog.
What happens? The thyroid does not function properly, thus interfering
with the metabolism of the Shih Tzu.
When does this usually happen to a Shih Tzu? This can happen at any
age; however it is more common with older dogs.
What are the symptoms? They are very obvious and should tell you
quickly that something is wrong: hair loss, weakness and weight gain.
What can this progress to? In the worst possible scenario, left
untreated: coma
How is this treated? Thankfully, this serious Shih Tzu health issue
can be treated and controlled with medication.

NOTE: This is an overview of some of the health issues that a Tzu may
be prone to. For very detailed, easy-to-read, step-by-step information
to lead you through every Shih Tzu health issue possible, click here
to learn more.

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