Sick Yorkie dog
Yorkie Health Issue
Every dog breed has one or two health challenges associated with it. The same applies to Yorkie Terriers too. You might have heard people talking about Yorkshire terrier's health problems. Yes, it's true! They are susceptible to some health problems.
A significant health issue of the Yorkie is tooth disease, usually inherited from the parent but sometimes acquired. This article aims to give you substantial information about the health issue of Yorkie. We want to help you make the right decision when you decide to get one for yourself.
Don't stop reading now. You are about to gain important information about Yorkshire Terriers.
Health Issues & Challenges Of Yorkie
Although Yorkie is a sound dog with good health records, it faces certain health issues related to small breeds generally.In case you don't know, Yorkies may live for as long as 16 years, making it one of the breeds with a longer lifespan.
However, their health status during their life depends on your understanding of health issues that may arise. We advise that every prospective dog owner should get their Yorkie from a reputable breeder.
This is how you can get to know the historical details of your proposed Yorkie. Below are the possible Yorkie health issue you need to know;
- Dental Issues–Yorkie's teeth structure is the type that stores food remnants, which usually lead to tartar formation. If this doesn't get enough attention before it becomes excessive, it may cause gum disease for your Yorkshire terrier.
The overcrowding nature of their teeth isn't helping matters. It aids in building up of plague causing periodontal disease or premature falling off of the teeth. If the bacteria gets the opportunity to spread across the body, it could bring about kidney disease.
- Hypoglycemia –This is a disease for every small dog breed with no exemption for the Yorkie. It experiences this issue during the early stage of its life, usually less than a year.
If you own a Yorkie, you need to devote much attention to this health problem, especially if you just acquired one. Hypoglycemia is a rapid drop in blood sugar levels due to the inability of Yorkie to eat well.
This health issue has caused many small dog breed deaths because other problems may occur as a result. Low body temperature, drowsiness, tremors are a few of the signs that your Yorkie might be afflicted with Hypoglycemia.
- Luxating Patella - This kneecap related issue is common among small dog breed, including Yorkie. It occurs when the kneecap gets displaced from its actual position. It may continue to go on and off if left unattended and might be the reason why a Yorkie becomes lame.
A common symptom of patellar luxation is the loud noise you hear from your canine friend when the kneecap slips out while on motion. This may cause your Yorkie to be limping or not wanting to bend the hind leg during that period.
- Legg-Perthes Disease–This is a hip joint challenge faced by the Yorkshire terrier. This has to do with the hip joint, which sees a reduction in blood flow. It implies that the circulatory system is not supplying adequate blood to the hip joint.
What happens when this occurs is the dog's femur's weakness, which may eventually cause it to collapse. Deformation of the cartilage near the femur is likely to emerge as a result of cracks.
Young Yorkie is prone to this health issue, especially when it is below eight months. You need to take note of your puppy movement. If you notice any sign of limping, you should visit a vet doctor for a proper examination.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy–This is a hereditary disease that young puppies inherit from their parent. You can spot this issue as early as when a Yorkie is two months old with a veterinary doctor's expertise.
However, you should be aware that there is no lasting solution to progressive retinal atrophy disease, but it is manageable.The retinal develops abnormally, and if it becomes worse, the Yorkie may go blind.
This genetic condition does not only cause blindness, but it could also lead to retinal degeneration. It doesn't show physical symptoms. It requires the help of a vet doctor.
- Collapsed Trachea–This is an abnormal growth of the trachea to look thin. Trachea collapse is another common disease in Yorkie and other small breeds. It is a life-threatening disease that affects Yorkie in middle age.
According to researchers, it's a hereditary problem that originates from the weakness of the rings holding the windpipe.The collar could also contribute to the blockage of the Yorkie respiratory system.
That is why some Yorkie finds it difficult to breathe and sometimes make a lot of noise. An indicator of trachea collapse in dogs is persistent coughing and muzzling sound.
- Cataracts –This is a vision-related problem that changes the vision of Yorkie. A major cause of cataracts is a change in the protein structure of the lens of the eye. It could also be a result of environmental factors or genetic.
Cataracts usually obstruct the vision of the Yorkie. It may develop slowly or rapidly. With the right surgical operation, you can correct some cataracts in Yorkie. Keep close contact with your canine friend to enable you to discover any irregularities.
Your Yorkie requires regular checkups to avoid losing its sight to this health issue.
Other Yorkie health issues include;
- Liver Shunt
- Jaw Issues
- Pancreatitis
- Hypoplasia of dens
Dealing With Health Challenges Of Yorkie (Prevention)
- REGULAR CHECKUP WITH A VET DOCTOR
This is very important throughout the lifetime of a Yorkie. Most of the health issues of this dog breed are not detectable easily. Some cases require X-ray examination, while others specific diagnoses from the vet doctor.
Regardless of the situation, a veterinary doctor understands what it takes to care for your little canine friend. A regular checkup will be helpful to prevent health issues from occurring.
- SEARCH FOR REPUTABLE BREEDER
Purchasing your Yorkie from a reputable breeder reduces the risk of nursing health issues. You will have access to detailed information about your potential puppy. Trustworthy breeders present the genetic history of the dog to prevent running into problems in the future.
You need to be aware if there is a transfer of genetically related issues from parent to offsprings.
- ALWAYS PURCHASE HEALTHY FOOD
The type of foods you feed your Yorkie plays an integral part in their health. Sometimes, illness generates from unhealthy meals that it consumes. You should always keep an eye on quality nutrient-rich foods regardless of the price.
Seek advice from your vet doctor to know the best food to get for your Yorkie. Switching of food can also make your Yorkie fall sick. To prevent this, you must not change its food rapidly. Take it slowly until your puppy becomes used to it.
- REGULAR EXERCISE
Exercising can go a long way in keeping your Yorkie healthy. One of the favorite activities that dogs like is walking. As you take your Yorkie for a walk, you train its body and mind to be healthy. As a result, its health becomes better.
It is also an ideal way to check their weight. You don't want your Yorkie to grow excessively fat and overweight.
Conclusion
Yorkie's wellbeing largely depends on your effort to offer it preventive care. Their health requires attention because some issues are not noticeable until they become uncontrollable.Every Yorkie owner shoulddevote time to monitoring their Yorkie's growth to avoid chronic problems that may cost ithis life.
References
https://yorkiepage.com/health-and-care/yorkie-health-problems/
https://www.dummies.com/pets/dogs/recognizing-common-health-issues-in-yorkshire-terriers/
https://www.yorkieclothing.com/six-common-yorkie-health-problems-watch/
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