Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease ( coxa plana or LCP Disease)

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCP disease) is a bone disease of young, small breed dogs, usually those weighing less than 24 pounds, in which the growing end of a bone dies and then is gradually replaced over a period of years. The immediate cause of bone death is loss of blood supply. Both sexes are affected, but males suffer 4 times more often than females. LCP usually occurs in puppies between four and twelve months of age.

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Portosystemic Shunt (PSS)

A portosystemic shunt is an abnormal vessel that allows blood to bypass the liver. As a result the blood is not cleansed by one of the bodies filters: the liver which results in neurological diseases.

Dogs with PSS have small liver, large kidneys, and stones in bladder or kidneys.

Breeds that are affected most often include Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, Bichon Frise, Miniature Schnauzer, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Irish Wolfhound and Himalayan cat. Shunts are significantly more likely to be found in female than male dogs and cats.

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Patellar Luxation

The patellar or kneecap is usually located directly in the centre of the knee joint. Luxation, or dislocation of the patellar, occurs when the patellar slides out of its groove. Patellar luxation occurs mostly in toy and small breeds of dogs weighing 22 pounds or less such as Miniature Poodle, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu and some other breeds. Females are 1.5 times more affected than males. In most cases, luxation is a congenital condition (that appears at birth), but it may appear some time later. An affected dog can lame occasionally, or walk on three legs. Sometimes, a dog will show pain and hold his leg up. Surgery is the treatment of choice. Conservative treatments such as prednisone and/or restricted activity doesn't give much benefit and is recommended mostly for mildly affected or older dogs.

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Tracheal Collapse - Respiratory Problem

Tracheal Collapse is a narrowing of the trachea (windpipe) due to softening of the cartilage rings in the trachea in some small dog breeds, such as Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle, Maltese, Chihuahua and other toy and miniature dog breeds. Symptoms include a cough, especially after exercise, noisy breathing and gagging. Treatment consists of conservative therapy or, in severe cases, surgery.

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Retinal Dysplasia - Eye Problem

Retinal dysplasia is an abnormal development of the retina. Light microscopic examination of affected eyes will show folds and rosettes within the outer retinal layers. Heritable retinal dysplasia is the most common form and has been described in many breeds of dogs. Mild forms of retinal dysplasia rarely cause serious vision problems. However, large areas of dysplasia (geographic dysplasia) may lead to retinal detachments and dogs can become totally blind. Congenital cataracts, often accompany the retinal dysplasia.

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