Chihuahuas are one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the world. These tiny dogs are energetic and loving companions who tend to be a long-lived and healthy. The Chihuahua breed does suffer from a few breed-specific problems, however.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation, or kneecap dislocation, is a common congenital health problem in the Chihuahua breed. The severity of patellar luxation ranges from occasional mild lameness to a continuous, crippling case. Immediate treatment is recommended because waiting to fix this condition can result in deformity and degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis. Researchers aren’t sure what causes patellar luxation, but possible factors include muscle deviation and hip dysplasia. Mild cases of patellar luxation can be treated with glucosamine-chondroitin supplements sold at pet stores.
Cystinuria
The Chihuahua breed is genetically inclined to develop cystinuria, or the formation of cystine crystals in the urine. These crystals form out of amino acid that may eventually result in stone formations in the bladder and the kidneys. Cystinuria symptoms typically include bloody urine, trouble urinating and frequently urinating only a small amount. Treatment typically includes putting the Chihuahua on a special diet, increasing water intake and following a medication treatment plan.
Hypoglycemia
Tiny Chihuahuas are prone to developing hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, because they can easily burn off more calories than they consume. Hypoglycemia involves a sudden fall in blood glucose, which is the main energy source of the body. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shivering, listlessness, muscle weakness, fatigue, tremors and collapse. Hypoglycemia can usually be controlled by feeding the Chihuahua several times a day.
Dogs in the Chihuahua breed have large eyes and live down near the floor, which makes them more prone to eye injuries than other dog breeds. Mild injuries can often be treated by putting a few drops of saline solution in the dog’s eyes, but more severe injuries should be treated by the vet.
Undescended Testicles
Many male Chihuahua dogs have a condition called cryptorchidism, which is simply undescended testicles. Testicles develop in the abdomen and eventually descend into the scrotum. If the testicles don’t descend by adulthood, the Chihuahua is considered either a bilateral cryptorchid, which means neither testicle has descended, or a unilateral cryptorchid, when one testicle has descended. Testicles that remain in the abdomen are not functional and have a high risk of being twisted or injured.
Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse is commonly seen in dogs of the Chihuahua breed because the small cartilage rings holding open the airways are very fragile. Symptoms of a tracheal collapse include exhaustion, coughing and being constantly short of breath. A dog with this health problem will tire very easily with any type of physical exertion. As bad as it sounds, dogs with this condition can still breathe and a veterinarian can treat tracheal collapse with medicine.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a serious health condition characterized by excess fluids collecting on the brain. This serious health problem is caused by a malfunctioning drainage system in the brain. Hydrocephalus might be congenital, or present at birth, or it might stem from a head injury, parasitic infection or brain tumor. Symptoms of Hydrocephalus include swollen head, depression, crossed eyes, uncoordination and seizures. Dogs with this condition should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Resources
http://www.akc.org/breeds/chihuahua/index.cfm
