Chihuahuas are extremely popular. They are all the fun of a bigger dog rolled up into a portable package! That’s why all Chihuahua owners need to be extra careful.
When our ancestors were breeding to get these tiny canines, some problems came along for the ride. These are the most common ones, whether for short or long haired Chihuahua breeds.
Every breed has its issues. These are known as breed-associated disorders. However, Chihuahuas are no different. All Chihuahua owners know that many of their problems came along with their specific characteristics. Moreover, very few of these types of issues are exclusive to a single breed.
So, three issues are the most common for these dogs seen in my practice, both in adults and Chihuahua puppies.
Hydrocephalus
Chihuahuas have a very noticeable face and head, as you have probably noticed on every Beverly Hills Chihuahua ad. Some refer to them as “apple heads”, but what seems really cute and infantile can be a problem. Hydrocephalus, literally water on the brain, is a problem seen often in long haired Chihuahua breeds.
Hydrocephalus occurs when there is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the skull, putting pressure on the brain and associated structures. The large head can be a sign that there are abnormalities associated with the normal drainage and circulation of CSF. This allows it to build up in abnormal ways, increasing intracranial pressure.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a disease characterized by infected and loose teeth and foul breath. Eventually, the teeth become loose and fall out. You might not think that your dog cares about her smile, but most certainly she cares about how bad those teeth hurt while they loosen, erodes the jaw bone, and finally fall out.
Chihuahuas in my practice seem to usually have bad teeth and adults are often already missing some by the time I see them. If you have a puppy, ask your veterinary professional to show you how to keep the teeth healthy for life. It doesn’t matter if you have a short or long haired Chihuahua. You should make sure that you always have the preventive dentistry recommended by your veterinarian.
For Chihuahua puppies, this will include regular dental cleanings under anesthesia and a comprehensive at-home program.
Patellar Luxation
The patella is actually the “knee cap”, but a dog’s knees aren’t quite like ours. Because of the build of their legs, their knees seem to be higher on their legs than a human’s. In the photo above, the red arrow marks the area of the patella and the blue arrow shows the rotation of the dog’s leg because her patella has slipped medially (to the inside) which alters the alignment of her entire lower leg.
A patella should reside in the center of the leg and normally stays in place inside a groove on the femur. In some Chihuahua puppies, the groove seems to be more shallow and allows the patella to slip out of place.
There are probably other factors that contribute to this issue, but it is certainly a breed-associated disorder for toy breeds. Your veterinarian can examine your dog and characterize the type of luxation, as well as provide you with advice on how to manage the problem. Left untreated, patellar luxation can lead to crippling osteoarthritis.
More Info From the Vet
Beverly Hills Chihuahua is not the only breed associated with these disorders. So, the best course of action is always to have a good relationship with your veterinarian.
If you’re like us Chihuahua owners, you know that they’re fun and can be very long-lived, especially if you have a good partnership with your veterinary team because, after you, they are the experts on your specific dog.
Source: iheartdogs.com
