If you buy by hyperlinks on our website, we could earn a fee. Right here’s the way it works.
The Shih Tzu, a beloved toy breed identified for his or her charming persona and opulent coat, is usually a long-lived breed however will be liable to many well being points.
Understanding these widespread well being issues, starting from respiratory difficulties to eye and joint situations, may also help you present higher care and catch warning indicators early.
10 Widespread Shih Tzu Well being Issues
The Shih Tzu has been among the many prime 20 hottest breeds within the U.S. for a few years. Nonetheless, it’s essential to know that Shih Tzus endure from many well being issues as a result of breeding requirements and practices.
I spoke with Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed, BSAVA, PGCertSAM, MRCVS, to achieve insights from a practising veterinarian concerning well being issues in Shih Tzus. Dr. MacMillan is a veterinarian and surgeon at a small animal clinic within the U.Ok.
Drawing from Dr. MacMillan’s experience and my analysis, I’ve compiled a listing of the highest 10 prevalent well being points affecting Shih Tzus. It’s essential to pay attention to the signs related to every situation so as to attain out to your veterinarian promptly for those who observe any indicators.
1. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Do Shih Tzus have respiration issues? Sure, many can. Dr. MacMillan explains, “The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic breed which means it has a flattened face. This causes a number of points for these little canine.” All flat-faced breeds like Shih Tzus, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and so on., have some type of genetically inherited brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
BOAS causes a number of anatomical deformities that have an effect on their respiration, together with slim slit-like nostrils, an overlong taste bud, and a slim windpipe. Nonetheless, these abnormalities differ of their severity.
“This may additionally have an effect on their means to train freely, Dr. MacMillan shares. “Affected animals could snore or should sleep in sure positions to assist the air circulation extra easily into their lungs.”
BOAS Signs
Canines with BOAS can exhibit the next signs, starting from gentle to debilitating.
Noisy respiration
Snuffling
Loud night breathing when sleeping or relaxed
Coughing and raspiness
Reverse sneezing
Train intolerance (snorting with train)
Warmth intolerance
Gagging and retching
Prognosis & Remedy
It’s important to have your vet test your Shih Tzu each one or two years for vital indicators of BOAS, as this situation can progress throughout their lifetime.
Remedy depends upon the severity.
Milder circumstances: managed with weight management, restricted train, and avoiding sizzling temperatures and stress.
Average to extreme circumstances: surgical procedure may also help enhance airflow.
2. Pores and skin Issues
Shih Tzus have deep facial and tail folds, creating supreme environments for rising moisture, micro organism, and yeast. These situations result in frequent bouts of pores and skin fold dermatitis and different pores and skin infections.
Cleansing your pup’s pores and skin folds recurrently may also help stop infections from growing. I like to recommend utilizing Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Wipes.
Different pores and skin issues many Shih Tzus face are as a result of allergy symptoms or intolerances to one thing of their atmosphere or meals elements.
In reality, this breed is genetically predisposed to atopic dermatitis, which is brought on by inhaling or having direct pores and skin contact with environmental allergens (pollen, mud mites, grass, mould spores, and so on.).
Allergy Signs
In contrast to people, canine allergy signs sometimes current as pores and skin issues.
Extreme scratching, licking, or chewing
Pink and infected pores and skin
Papules or pustules (pus-filled lesions on the pores and skin that resemble human pimples)
Dry or flaky patches of pores and skin
Patchy fur loss
Itchy ears
Swollen face and paws
Allergy Prognosis & Remedy
It’s typically tough to find out what’s inflicting your pup’s allergy symptoms, so the perfect plan of action is to seek the advice of your veterinarian.
Your vet may also help decide potential causes by a scientific means of elimination and should even wish to conduct allergy assessments.
Remedy choices fluctuate based mostly on the trigger, however testing and potential lifelong therapy, together with allergy medicines or prescription pet food, can get fairly costly.
Take into account An At-Dwelling Canine Allergy Take a look at
If you’re not sure what’s triggering your pup’s allergy symptoms, it’s possible you’ll wish to take into account an at-home allergy check. These assessments could assist determine meals elements and environmental components that could be an issue.
You may share your outcomes together with your veterinarian to presumably slim down your canine’s offending allergens and decide a therapy plan.
3. Ear Infections
Shih Tzus are liable to recurring ear infections as a result of genetics, allergy symptoms, and their floppy, bushy ears that entice moisture.
This creates an excellent atmosphere for micro organism, yeast, and mites. If untreated, ear infections may cause vital ache and result in critical ear harm.
Ear An infection Signs
Scratching the ear or areas across the ears
Redness or swelling
Ear odor
Yellow, brown, or bloody discharge
Fur loss across the ear
Scabs or crusted pores and skin close to the ear flaps
Rubbing the ear on the ground or furnishings
Prognosis & Remedy
Ear infections are recognized by a vet’s inspection and testing of ear discharge.
Remedy consists of thorough cleansing and oral or topical meds like antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatories. A follow-up examination ensures the an infection is absolutely cleared.
4. Luxating Patella
“Like many small breeds, the Shih Tzu is liable to a joint challenge known as luxating patella,” says Dr. MacMillan. “On this situation the patella (kneecap) slides out of its regular place. Relying on the severity it might trigger intermittent limping, ache and the early onset of arthritis.”
Analysis has proven that Shih Tzus are among the many breeds most inclined to a luxating patella. Although it typically resolves quickly, it tends to recur and incessantly impacts each hind legs.
Luxating Patella Signs
Limping
Hopping
Skipping
Strolling on three legs
Stiff legs and gait
Prognosis & Remedy
Diagnosing a luxating patella includes a bodily examination and X-rays, with superior imaging like CT or MRI in some circumstances.
Remedy could embrace weight administration, joint dietary supplements, ache medicines, and train restriction. Nonetheless, surgical procedure is normally really helpful.
5. Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Though situations that normally have an effect on bigger breeds, hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are widespread in Shih Tzus.
Each situations are brought on by the irregular improvement of the joints. They result in elevated discomfort, lowered mobility, and infrequently arthritis.
Hip/Elbow Dysplasia Signs
Ache or discomfort throughout train
Lameness
Stiff again or entrance legs
“Bunny hop” like run (with hip dysplasia)
Stiffness getting up or working
Struggling to stroll up the steps or take lengthy walks
Issue getting up from resting
Irregular gait
Lack of enjoyment with bodily actions that had been beforehand gratifying
Prognosis & Remedy
Your veterinarian will palpate the elbow or hip joint and take an X-ray of the bothered joint to make the prognosis.
Relying on the severity of hip dysplasia, therapy choices could embrace joint dietary supplements, bodily remedy, anti-inflammatory medication, and weight management.
Surgical procedure is usually required in additional extreme circumstances of hip dysplasia. Whole hip alternative is essentially the most profitable surgical process.
Surgical procedure is incessantly vital for the therapy of elbow dysplasia.
6. Intervertebral Disc Illness
Intervertebral disc illness (IVDD) is a genetic situation that may have an effect on Shih Tzus and different small breeds. It happens when the smooth discs between the bones within the backbone (vertebrae) slip or bulge misplaced.
This may put stress on the spinal wire and surrounding nerves, resulting in critical ache, nerve harm, and even paralysis.
IVDD is also called a “slipped disc” or “herniated disc,” and it’s typically linked to disc degeneration over time.
IVDD Signs
These indicators can happen slowly (over a number of weeks to months) or quickly (over minutes to hours). Most canine develop indicators over just a few days.
Irregular, unsteady strolling
Hunched again or neck with tense muscle mass
Crying out in ache
Lack of bladder or bowel management
Paralysis
IVDD Prognosis & Remedy
To test for IVDD, your vet will study your canine’s neck, again, reflexes, and ache response. X-rays may also help spot points, however a CT scan or MRI could also be wanted to obviously view the spinal wire.
Remedy depends upon severity:
Gentle circumstances: Ache meds, anti-inflammatories, restricted exercise, and bodily remedy.
Extreme circumstances: Surgical procedure could also be wanted to stop paralysis.
Early prognosis and correct care are key to restoration.
7. A number of Eye Problems
Because of the form of their skulls and eye sockets and genetics, Shih Tzus (and different flat-faced breeds) are at a excessive threat of ocular well being issues.
Additionally, as a result of their eyes protrude, they’re extra liable to harm, corneal ulcers, and infections.
The most typical eye problems Shih Tzues sometimes expertise are:
Cataracts
Cataracts, widespread in lots of canine (and people), happen when the lens turns into firmer and fewer clear.
Because the cataract matures, it turns into cloudy and blocks increasingly gentle from reaching the again of the attention till imaginative and prescient is misplaced. Remedy requires surgical procedure.
Cherry Eye
Cherry eye happens when the tear gland of a canine’s third eyelid prolapses and protrudes from the attention socket. It’s incessantly a recurring drawback.
You’ll discover a big, pink, or purple mass within the nook of your pup’s eye. Generally, surgical procedure is really helpful to maintain the gland in place.
Dry Eye
Dry eye, additionally known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a power situation brought on by an absence of tear manufacturing. It causes irritation of the cornea.
Remedy sometimes is the common use of vet-prescribed tear-stimulating drops.
Entropian
Entropion is a hereditary situation involving inward rolling of the highest and/or backside eyelids.
This causes the eyelashes to rub in opposition to the cornea, leading to power irritation and corneal ulcers. Remedy requires surgical procedure.
Distichiasis
Distichiasis is one other eyelid dysfunction that happens when further eyelashes develop from the eyelid margin reasonably than the eyelid pores and skin.
These hairs rub in opposition to the attention floor, inflicting irritation and irritation. Remedy sometimes includes electrolysis and surgical removing of the hair follicles.
Eye Dysfunction Signs
Until famous above, many eye issues share comparable signs.
Eye sensitivity
Squinty eyes
Repeated blinking
Bloodshot or cloudy eyes
Yellow or inexperienced discharge
I’ve misplaced depend of the variety of eye points I’ve handled in Shih Tzus. One little canine ended up shedding an eye fixed as a result of a severely contaminated corneal ulcer. Regardless of our greatest efforts, the ulcer wasn’t responding to medical therapy, and I ended up having to carry out an enucleation to surgically take away the eyeball.
Her eye was painful and non-visual, so following the surgical procedure, the canine was a lot brighter and shortly discovered to adapt. Because of this it’s so vital to take your canine to the vet for a check-up for those who discover something uncommon about their eyes.
– Dr. Rebecca MacMillan
8. Coronary heart Illness
As Shih Tzus age, they will develop mitral valve illness (MVD). This occurs when the valve between the center’s chambers doesn’t shut correctly, inflicting blood to leak.
Over time, this may result in an enlarged coronary heart, fluid within the lungs, and, finally, congestive coronary heart failure — a number one explanation for demise in senior Shih Tzus.
MVD Signs
Persistent coughing
Respiratory problem
Weight reduction
Diarrhea
Fatigue or lethargy
Intolerance to bodily exercise
Blue or grey gums
Collapse
Prognosis & Remedy
Mitral valve illness (MVD) is recognized with an echocardiogram (coronary heart ultrasound). If coronary heart failure is suspected, chest X-rays could also be used to test for fluid within the lungs.
Remedy depends upon the illness stage:
Early stage (no coronary heart enlargement): No therapy is required but.
Coronary heart enlargement: Pimobendan may also help delay coronary heart failure.
Coronary heart failure signs: Drugs like diuretics, rhythm stabilizers, and electrolyte assist could also be required.
Surgical procedure is feasible however invasive, costly (round $50,000), and never supreme for all canine. MVD is progressive, and whereas it might’t be reversed, early care can sluggish its impression.
9. Kidney Illnesses
Shih Tzus are predisposed to 2 kinds of kidney illness.
Renal Dysplasia
Renal dysplasia is a congenital (current at beginning) situation the place one or each kidneys don’t develop correctly throughout fetal improvement.
The kidneys could also be smaller than regular, have cysts or fibrous tissue, or have malformed nephrons (the kidney’s purposeful items).
These abnormalities impair the kidney’s means to filter blood and produce urine.
Signs of average to extreme renal dysplasia sometimes seem when Shih Tzus are puppies, though gentle circumstances could not seem till later.
Glomerulonephritis
Additionally known as glomerular nephritis (GN), glomerulonephritis is a hereditary kidney illness during which the filtering items (known as glomeruli) develop into infected or broken.
This impacts the kidneys’ means to take away waste and extra fluids from the blood. It’s typically brought on by infections, immune problems, or power irritation.
Kidney Illness Signs
Elevated water consumption and urination
Lack of urge for food
Lethargy
Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Dangerous breath
Blood within the urine
Stunted progress (renal dysplasia)
Prognosis & Remedy
Veterinarians diagnose kidney issues based mostly on a mixture of medical indicators, blood assessments, urine evaluation, and imaging (like radiographs or ultrasound). A definitive prognosis typically requires a kidney biopsy.
Remedy could differ relying on the illness and severity.
Renal dysplasia: In gentle to average circumstances, therapy includes lifelong renal assist dietary supplements, a particular weight-reduction plan, and common monitoring of kidney well being. Extreme circumstances have a poor prognosis.
Glomerulonephritis: Remedy, together with medicines, a particular weight-reduction plan, and fluid remedy, can lengthen life for a number of years.
10. Dental Illness
Toy and brachycephalic breeds typically face dental issues and periodontal illness as a result of their small mouths and irregular cranium form.
“Making an attempt to suit the conventional variety of canine tooth right into a smaller space means their tooth are sometimes overcrowded, resulting in tartar construct up, gum irritation and tooth loss. I’ve carried out many dental procedures on these canine over time, with a number of extractions being quite common,” shares Dr. MacMillan.
Periodontal illness can result in vital well being problems and doubtlessly shorten your canine’s lifespan. Moreover, it might trigger discomfort and have an effect on your canine’s total well-being.
Dental Illness Signs
Swollen and bleeding gums
Lack of tooth
Dangerous breath
Plaque and tartar buildup
Issue consuming and chewing
Extreme drooling
Free and lacking tooth
Prognosis & Remedy
Your vet will study your canine’s mouth and advocate therapy if vital. This may increasingly embrace deep cleansing, ache aid, and tooth removing if there may be an infection or harm.
Prevention ideas:
Good dental care helps your canine keep wholesome and pain-free.
Different Shih Tzu Problems
Though the next issues will not be fairly as widespread as these above, it’s important to know different well being points your Shih Tzu may face.
Weight problems is widespread because of the Shih Tzu’s small dimension and low vitality ranges.
Digestive points typically have an effect on this breed as a result of meals allergy symptoms or different causes.
Anal sac impaction happens when anal gland fluid thickens and clogs the ducts that drain the glands.
Umbilical hernias are protrusions of stomach contents (lining, fats, intestines, and so on.).
Arachnoid cysts happen when the arachnoid membrane overlaying the central nervous system doesn’t develop correctly.
Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid gland, which regulates the physique’s metabolism, doesn’t produce sufficient hormones.
Cushing’s illness happens when the physique produces an excessive amount of cortisol.
Tracheal collapse happens when the windpipe’s cartilage breaks down over time.
Bladder stones, mineral calcifications that type within the bladder, typically have an effect on small breeds.
A portosystemic (liver) shunt is a congenital situation involving an irregular blood vessel that hinders the liver’s means to filter out toxins.
Common Prices For A number of Widespread Shih Tzu Well being Points
Under are estimates from Embrace Pet Insurance coverage for a number of widespread well being points this supplier sees in insured Shih Tzus. The next common prices are based mostly on claims.
Arachnoid cysts: $4,500-$10,000
Patellar luxation: $1,500-$3,000
Pores and skin fold dermatitis: $300-$2,500
Distichiasis and ectopic cilia: $1,500-$2,000
Entropion: $300-$1,500
As reported by Fetch Pet Insurance coverage, the vary of common prices for these widespread situations they cowl is proven right here.
Respiratory infections: $1,400-$2,700
Oral irritation: $1,400-$2,000
Eye irritation: $450-$700
Ought to I Take into account Pet Insurance coverage?
Pet insurance coverage is important due to the breed’s propensity for pricey well being points. In an sudden emergency or sickness, pet insurance coverage minimizes the necessity to decide on between your funds and offering your canine the medical consideration they require.
Nonetheless, most insurance coverage firms don’t cowl pre-existing situations, so defending your canine when he’s younger is good. For extra info, see our information to the perfect pet insurance coverage for Shih Tzus.
Incessantly Requested Questions
Listed here are some questions our readers ask most frequently about Shih Tzu well being issues. In the event you don’t see yours right here, ask us within the feedback.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus can stay wherever from 10 to 18 years, with a median lifespan of 13 years. Nonetheless, a number of components impression each pup’s lifespan, together with genetics, total well being, and life-style.
What Do Shih Tzus Normally Die From?
A examine of Shih Tzus in the UK discovered that coronary heart illness and enteropathy (gastrointestinal illnesses inflicting indicators corresponding to diarrhea and vomiting) had been the main causes of demise.
Why Are Shih Tzus Predisposed To So Many Well being Points?
Due to their small dimension, genetic predispositions, and brachycephalic (flat-faced) construction, Shih Tzus are liable to quite a lot of well being issues.
Specifically, respiratory, ocular, and dental problems are exacerbated by their quick snouts and shallow eye sockets.
They’re additionally weak to neurological and orthopedic points due to their lengthy backs and quick legs.
What’s The Finest Food plan For Shih Tzus?
Offering your Shih Tzu with essentially the most nutritious weight-reduction plan may also help stop illness signs and improve their immune system, lowering the chance of infections. Try my prime picks for the perfect pet food for Shih Tzus in all life levels.
Different pet food choices for well being issues:
