Shih Tzus are playful, friendly and loyal to their owners. Their small stature and warm expression make this breed a favorite amongst pet owners.
If you are the proud owner of a Shih Tzu, these are the most common health concerns you should be familiar with:
Retinal dysplasia in Dogs
This inherited health condition involves an abnormality in the retina. The retina is a portion of tissue in the eye that is responsible for vision. The result is folded tissue layers in the retina as opposed to normal flat retinal tissue, which can lead to mild impairment in vision or even complete blindness.
The most apparent clinical signs observed are stumbling and bumping into objects. Diagnosis is best made by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
There is no known cure, but with mild forms of retinal dysplasia many dogs learn to compensate and are able to function normally.
Eye Problems in Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus have large eyes with shallow eye sockets, making this breed predisposed to various ocular conditions, not just retinal dysplasia.
One of them is epiphoria, which is a term used to describe an overflow of tears that often stain the white fur below the eyes.
Other common conditions include corneal ulcers, eye infections, cataracts and entropion. The latter is when one or both of the eyelids turn inward towards the eyeballs. As a result, the eyelashes continuously rub against the eyeball, causing irritation to the eye. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
If you notice your Shih Tzu experiences abnormal discharge or keeps rubbing his or her eyes, it would be recommend having your veterinarian perform a physical examination as soon as possible.
Luxating Patella in Dogs
Luxation of the patella is a common hereditary condition in Shih Tzus, which consists on abnormal movement or dislocation of the kneecap.
There are varying degrees of luxation, mostly based on the depth of the space where the patella usually resides (called the trochlear grove).
A luxating patella can occur on one of the hind legs or on both of them, and can predispose your dog to arthritis and other orthopedic conditions if left untreated.
A veterinarian can detect a luxating patella on a physical examination and can offer recommendations for surgical intervention or medical management.
Dental Disease in Dogs
Shih Tzus have very small mouths, which often predisposes them to different types of dental disease.
Malocclusion and crowding of the teeth are among the most common. As these dogs age, tartar and plaque buildup accumulates, leading to unhealthy roots and gums.
Routine dental evaluation by your veterinarian and dental cleanings are extremely important in order to keep your dog healthy.
Otitis Externa
Ear infections are commonly a result of ear mite infestation or yeast/bacterial overgrowth. Shih Tzus are often predisposed to developing ear infections, due to their floppy ears and hair-filled ear canals.
Clinical signs of ear infections include head shaking, rubbing of ears against objects or with paws, inflamed ear pinna, and bad ear odor.
Your veterinarian can perform an ear cytology, which means they will take a sample on a cotton tipped applicator from inside the ear canal and look at under the microscope to determine the type of infection present. Then, appropriate medication can be prescribed and proper routine ear cleaning can be discussed.
Breathing Problems in Shih Tzus
Their short face makes Shih Tzus predisposed to certain health conditions, and respiratory problems are among them.
As a Shih Tzu owner, you have to be particularly vigilant during very hot and humid days. These conditions make breathing much more difficult for short-faced dog breeds. As a result, during hot and humid days your Shih Tzu could eventually collapse, and even be at serious risk for heatstroke.
If you notice your dog has difficulty breathing, you should contact your veterinarian right away.
Back Problems
Back and neck problems are quite common in Shih Tzus, due to their relatively long backs. Among them, intervertebral disk disease is probably the most frequent one.
This condition takes place when the intervertebral disks that cushion the spine displace, bulge or rupture, causing severe pain and potential nerve problems.
If not treated properly, intervertebral disk disease could lead to chronical weakness and paralysis.