ow To Take Care Of Your Yorkie
There are many benefits to having a Yorkshire Terrier, but you still need to be on the lookout for some common Yorkshire Terrier health problems. Yorkshire Terrier health problems are typically inherited, congenital or acquired. Due to continued research and selective breeding practices many of the Yorkshire Terrier health problems have become a thing of the past. However, in order to provide your dog with a happy and healthy life it is important that you know the most common Yorkshire Terrier health problems and their signs.
One common condition suffered by the Yorkshire Terrier is portosystemic shunts. This condition causes blood to flow around the liver rather than to the liver, which prevents toxins from being removed from the body and results in serious problems. This ailment is either acquired or congenital which means that it is present at birth or develops later in life. Dogs with this condition are often small for their age and breed. Other signs of this condition include excessive drinking, frequent urination and after eating they may show signs of depression, muscular incoordination, coma and seizures.
Hypothyroidism is another of the Yorkshire Terrier health problems that you want to educate yourself about. The thyroid gland produces a hormone that helps to speed up metabolism and is found in the neck. Hypothyroidism occurs when the gland stops functioning and it is one of the most common hormonal diseases in dogs.
Many of the causes for hypothyroidism are still unknown. The only known cause is when the immune system destroys the thyroid gland. Typically the disease will affect middle-aged dogs. Hair loss is typically the first sign and tests will not link the hair loss to any other skin condition. Other symptoms that may occur include weight gain, muscle loss, lethargy and a tendency to seek heat.
Often times the signs are attributed simply to the aging process of the dog and medical care is not sought. While it is not a life threatening condition, it can severely effect the pets quality of life and reduce the their overall number of years.
The last of the most common Yorkshire Terrier health problems is renal failure. The kidneys help to clear the blood of any toxins and help conserve water if a pet isn’t drinking as much as they should. If the kidneys begin to deteriorate it leads to a condition called chronic renal failure, which can lead to serious health problems for your pet. Chronic renal failure can result from a variety of inherited or acquired disorders.
There are a variety of inherited or acquired disorders that can cause chronic renal failure. However, the signs are vague which means that the condition typically mimics nearly every other health condition. Typically middle-aged to older Yorkshire Terriers will get the condition. Signs that you should be aware of include excessive drinking or urination, weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting or general signs that your pet isn’t feeling well.
Your veterinarian will be able to help you choose a diet that has reduced protein, phosphorous and salt.
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