| Health Concerns of the Yorkshire Terrier |
| ***While there are many health issues that any dog can experience, here is some information on a few issues that can seriously affect yorkies. I encourage you to take the time to read this page throughly and to visit the links that are provided! We are constantly working hard, researching and breeding carefully to ensure that our yorkies and their puppies are not affected by the health issues discussed on this page!*** Each of our yorkies goes through bloodword and a complete physical examination by our veterinarian, checking their joints, eyes and heart for abnormalities. |
What is Hypogycemia?
Yorkshire Terriers and many other toy breeds, due to their small size and rapid
metabolism, are prone to a condition called, Hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia
occurs when your puppy’s blood sugar level falls below normal. Although it can
be fatal, it is avoidable when equipped with the proper knowledge.
What are the symptoms of a "Hypoglycemic Attack"?
Some symptoms are:
● Lethargy
● Loss of Appetite
● Seizures
● Vomiting
● Wobbly /Dizzy Puppy
● Disorientation
● Loss of conscientiousness
● Trembling or Shaking (mistaken as a cold/nervous puppy)
What causes hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia most readily occurs in puppies under the age of 6 months, though
it is not unheard of in older dogs. It seems to be related to the small size of a toy
breeds’ immature liver while they are not yet full grown. The threat usually
resolves as the dog matures.
Your puppy’s blood sugar level can drop for many reasons. It can be caused by
a stressful situation such as a car ride, introduction to new surroundings, a trip to
the vet, or over handling. It can also be brought on from missing a meal. Puppy
hypoglycemia can usually be overcome by feeding frequent meals of a
commercial puppy diet.
Preventing/Treating Hypoglycemia:
A nutritional supplement high in sugar, called Nutri-cal, can be used to keep your
puppy’s blood sugar level normal. It can be used before going to the vet or to
stimulate a puppy refusing to eat and may be rubbed into the puppy’s gums for a
more rapid result. About 20 minutes later your puppy’s appetite should return.
Nutri-cal can be purchased from your favorite online retailer, local pet store, or
even from your veterinarian.
Other things such as Light Karo syrup in a syringe or honey can be used in a time
of need or for severe hypoglycemia. If your puppy is experiencing severe
symptoms it is best to seek the treatment of a vet. Occasionally hospitalization is
required in order to bring blood sugar levels back to normal.
If your puppy is prone to low blood sugar offer him a bowl of sugar water (small
amount of Karo added to the water) and a bowl of regular water. Many puppies
will learn to use the sugar water when they aren't feeling well! Also remember
to feed small frequent meals of a moist food and also leave his dry food out at all
time as a puppy!
***Your Puppy Should NEVER Miss A Meal!***
Yorkshire Terriers and many other toy breeds, due to their small size and rapid
metabolism, are prone to a condition called, Hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia
occurs when your puppy’s blood sugar level falls below normal. Although it can
be fatal, it is avoidable when equipped with the proper knowledge.
What are the symptoms of a "Hypoglycemic Attack"?
Some symptoms are:
● Lethargy
● Loss of Appetite
● Seizures
● Vomiting
● Wobbly /Dizzy Puppy
● Disorientation
● Loss of conscientiousness
● Trembling or Shaking (mistaken as a cold/nervous puppy)
What causes hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia most readily occurs in puppies under the age of 6 months, though
it is not unheard of in older dogs. It seems to be related to the small size of a toy
breeds’ immature liver while they are not yet full grown. The threat usually
resolves as the dog matures.
Your puppy’s blood sugar level can drop for many reasons. It can be caused by
a stressful situation such as a car ride, introduction to new surroundings, a trip to
the vet, or over handling. It can also be brought on from missing a meal. Puppy
hypoglycemia can usually be overcome by feeding frequent meals of a
commercial puppy diet.
Preventing/Treating Hypoglycemia:
A nutritional supplement high in sugar, called Nutri-cal, can be used to keep your
puppy’s blood sugar level normal. It can be used before going to the vet or to
stimulate a puppy refusing to eat and may be rubbed into the puppy’s gums for a
more rapid result. About 20 minutes later your puppy’s appetite should return.
Nutri-cal can be purchased from your favorite online retailer, local pet store, or
even from your veterinarian.
Other things such as Light Karo syrup in a syringe or honey can be used in a time
of need or for severe hypoglycemia. If your puppy is experiencing severe
symptoms it is best to seek the treatment of a vet. Occasionally hospitalization is
required in order to bring blood sugar levels back to normal.
If your puppy is prone to low blood sugar offer him a bowl of sugar water (small
amount of Karo added to the water) and a bowl of regular water. Many puppies
will learn to use the sugar water when they aren't feeling well! Also remember
to feed small frequent meals of a moist food and also leave his dry food out at all
time as a puppy!
***Your Puppy Should NEVER Miss A Meal!***
What is a Luxating Patella? (LP)
This is a condition that plagues many toy breeds. While there is a higher
incidence of LP in other breeds, many yorkies are still affected by this condition
whether through genetics or injury! It is important to make sure your yorkie
has a safe and easy way to get on and off of things such as furniture. We use
and highly recommend pet steps for couches and beds.
There are two types of patellar luxation medial and lateral. Medial luxation
usually occurs in younger dogs and affects both knees and may have a genetic
component. Usually this is due to incorrect conformation of the rear legs and
indicated by a "bowed" appearance.
Lateral luxation has no known genetic tendency, therefore is usually associated
with trauma or injury and often only affects one knee. Although with lateral LP
there is a risk of injuring the other knee as well, especially after one is
compromised.
It is important to know that puppy knees have the tendency to be slightly loose
and most tighten as they continue to grow! LP occurs at a higher rate among
smaller yorkies. Another reason we strive to produce yorkies that are over 4
lbs and free of LP.
There are four grades of Luxating Patellas:
Here are the classifications taken from the Orthopedic Foundation
of America (OFA), you can click their banner to visit their website.
Grade 1
Manually the patella easily luxates at full extension of the stifle joint, but returns
to the trochlea when released. No crepitation is apparent. The medial, or very
occasionally, lateral deviation of the tibial crest (with lateral luxation of the
patella) is only minimal, and there is very slight rotation of the tibia. Flexion and
extension of the stifle is in a straight line with no abduction of the hock.
Grade 2
There is frequent patellar luxation, which, in some cases, becomes more or less
permanent. The limb is sometimes carried, although weight bearing routinely
occurs with the stifle remaining slightly flexed. Especially under anesthesia it is
often possible to reduce the luxation by manually turning the tibia laterally, but
the patella reluxates with ease when manual tension of the joint is released. As
much as 30 degrees of medial tibial torsion and a slight medial deviation of the
tibial crest may exist. When the patella is resting medially the hock is slightly
abducted. If the condition is bilateral, more weight is thrown onto the forelimbs.
Many dogs with this grade live with the condition reasonably well for many
years, but the constant luxation of the patella over the medial trochlear ridge of
the trochlea causes erosion of the articulating surface of the patella and also the
proximal area of the medial lip. This results in crepitation becoming apparent
when the patella is luxated manually.
Grade 3
The patella is permanently luxated with torsion of the tibia and deviation of the
tibial crest of between 30 degrees and 50 degrees from the cranial/caudal plane.
Although the luxation is not intermittent, many animals use the limb with the
stifle held in a semi flexed position. The trochlea is very shallow or even
flattened.
Grade 4
The tibia is medially twisted and the tibial crest may show further deviation
medially with the result that it lies 50 degrees to 90 degrees from the
cranial/caudal plane. The patella is permanently luxated. The patella lies just
above the medial condyle and a space can be palpated between the patellar
ligament and the distal end of the femur. The trochlea is absent or even convex.
The limb is carried, or the animal moves in a crouched position, with the limb
flexed.
Please check out this great site about Luxating Patellas to learn more and about
your treatment options! Please always have an orthopedic consult prior to
having the corrective surgery done. There are too many cases where minimal
treatment is not tried first!
Luxating Patellas are diagnosed by palpation of the joint by a veterinarian, an
exam is all that is needed for OFA certification.
This is a condition that plagues many toy breeds. While there is a higher
incidence of LP in other breeds, many yorkies are still affected by this condition
whether through genetics or injury! It is important to make sure your yorkie
has a safe and easy way to get on and off of things such as furniture. We use
and highly recommend pet steps for couches and beds.
There are two types of patellar luxation medial and lateral. Medial luxation
usually occurs in younger dogs and affects both knees and may have a genetic
component. Usually this is due to incorrect conformation of the rear legs and
indicated by a "bowed" appearance.
Lateral luxation has no known genetic tendency, therefore is usually associated
with trauma or injury and often only affects one knee. Although with lateral LP
there is a risk of injuring the other knee as well, especially after one is
compromised.
It is important to know that puppy knees have the tendency to be slightly loose
and most tighten as they continue to grow! LP occurs at a higher rate among
smaller yorkies. Another reason we strive to produce yorkies that are over 4
lbs and free of LP.
There are four grades of Luxating Patellas:
Here are the classifications taken from the Orthopedic Foundation
of America (OFA), you can click their banner to visit their website.
Grade 1
Manually the patella easily luxates at full extension of the stifle joint, but returns
to the trochlea when released. No crepitation is apparent. The medial, or very
occasionally, lateral deviation of the tibial crest (with lateral luxation of the
patella) is only minimal, and there is very slight rotation of the tibia. Flexion and
extension of the stifle is in a straight line with no abduction of the hock.
Grade 2
There is frequent patellar luxation, which, in some cases, becomes more or less
permanent. The limb is sometimes carried, although weight bearing routinely
occurs with the stifle remaining slightly flexed. Especially under anesthesia it is
often possible to reduce the luxation by manually turning the tibia laterally, but
the patella reluxates with ease when manual tension of the joint is released. As
much as 30 degrees of medial tibial torsion and a slight medial deviation of the
tibial crest may exist. When the patella is resting medially the hock is slightly
abducted. If the condition is bilateral, more weight is thrown onto the forelimbs.
Many dogs with this grade live with the condition reasonably well for many
years, but the constant luxation of the patella over the medial trochlear ridge of
the trochlea causes erosion of the articulating surface of the patella and also the
proximal area of the medial lip. This results in crepitation becoming apparent
when the patella is luxated manually.
Grade 3
The patella is permanently luxated with torsion of the tibia and deviation of the
tibial crest of between 30 degrees and 50 degrees from the cranial/caudal plane.
Although the luxation is not intermittent, many animals use the limb with the
stifle held in a semi flexed position. The trochlea is very shallow or even
flattened.
Grade 4
The tibia is medially twisted and the tibial crest may show further deviation
medially with the result that it lies 50 degrees to 90 degrees from the
cranial/caudal plane. The patella is permanently luxated. The patella lies just
above the medial condyle and a space can be palpated between the patellar
ligament and the distal end of the femur. The trochlea is absent or even convex.
The limb is carried, or the animal moves in a crouched position, with the limb
flexed.
Please check out this great site about Luxating Patellas to learn more and about
your treatment options! Please always have an orthopedic consult prior to
having the corrective surgery done. There are too many cases where minimal
treatment is not tried first!
Luxating Patellas are diagnosed by palpation of the joint by a veterinarian, an
exam is all that is needed for OFA certification.
What is Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) Disease?
This disease is described by the spontaneous degeneration of the femoral head
in the hip causing the joint to collapse and osteoarthritis to set in. It is yet
another disease that is more commonly found in small dog breeds such as the
yorkie, although it is more common in other toy breeds.
What are the symptoms?
It usually affects dogs that are 5-8 months old, but may be diagnosed in
puppies 4-12 months old. You will begin to notice a gradual lameness in one or
both legs.
What can we do about it?
LCP is believed to be an inherited disease, although the mode of inheritance is
not known. Because it is thought there is genetic component, it is
recommended that dogs affected with LCP not be used in breeding programs.
Because the degeneration and onset is spontaneous, screening adults proves to
be difficult. There is no genetic testing currently available for LCP. Breeders
who produce a yorkie with LCP may want to refrain from repeating the same
breeding.
How Is LCP Diagnosed?
LCP is easily diagnosed with x-rays of the hip region and femoral head. The
evidence of LCP is said to be unmistakable to a radiologist.
How is LCP Treated?
Some mild cases may be treated medically for a short time or for life. More
severe cases require corrective orthopedic surgery to remove the femoral head
and neck. This procedure is called an FHO (femoral head osteotomy) and
should be performed by an experienced surgeon.
* Please notify your breeder if your puppy is diagnosed with LCP as he/she
would want to know.
This disease is described by the spontaneous degeneration of the femoral head
in the hip causing the joint to collapse and osteoarthritis to set in. It is yet
another disease that is more commonly found in small dog breeds such as the
yorkie, although it is more common in other toy breeds.
What are the symptoms?
It usually affects dogs that are 5-8 months old, but may be diagnosed in
puppies 4-12 months old. You will begin to notice a gradual lameness in one or
both legs.
What can we do about it?
LCP is believed to be an inherited disease, although the mode of inheritance is
not known. Because it is thought there is genetic component, it is
recommended that dogs affected with LCP not be used in breeding programs.
Because the degeneration and onset is spontaneous, screening adults proves to
be difficult. There is no genetic testing currently available for LCP. Breeders
who produce a yorkie with LCP may want to refrain from repeating the same
breeding.
How Is LCP Diagnosed?
LCP is easily diagnosed with x-rays of the hip region and femoral head. The
evidence of LCP is said to be unmistakable to a radiologist.
How is LCP Treated?
Some mild cases may be treated medically for a short time or for life. More
severe cases require corrective orthopedic surgery to remove the femoral head
and neck. This procedure is called an FHO (femoral head osteotomy) and
should be performed by an experienced surgeon.
* Please notify your breeder if your puppy is diagnosed with LCP as he/she
would want to know.
What is Collapsing Trachea?
Tracheal collapse is a narrowing of the inner diameter of the trachea, that
changes as the dog breathes. The cartilage rings of the trachea lose their
rigidity, and collapse when the dog breathes, causing a harsh cough. Not to be
confused with "reverse sneezing" there is a distinct difference between the two!
Most often this disorder is seen in middle-aged toy and miniature breeds.
Chronic respiratory infection, obesity, and heart disease may all contribute to
the development of the condition, although it appears that it may also be
congenital.
Your veterinarian can discuss with you ways to manage this condition in your
dog. Most cases can be treated successfully medically. Your dog should
always be walked on a halter, rather than a collar to prevent further damage to
the trachea. Although there is no conclusive evidence that it is genetic,
affected dogs should not be used for breeding.
Severe cases can be life threatening and may require surgical correction. If
your yorkie needs this surgery we urge you to get a second opinion and also to
see an experienced surgeon!
Please visit www.CollapsingTrachea.com for more information by clicking the
link below
Tracheal collapse is a narrowing of the inner diameter of the trachea, that
changes as the dog breathes. The cartilage rings of the trachea lose their
rigidity, and collapse when the dog breathes, causing a harsh cough. Not to be
confused with "reverse sneezing" there is a distinct difference between the two!
Most often this disorder is seen in middle-aged toy and miniature breeds.
Chronic respiratory infection, obesity, and heart disease may all contribute to
the development of the condition, although it appears that it may also be
congenital.
Your veterinarian can discuss with you ways to manage this condition in your
dog. Most cases can be treated successfully medically. Your dog should
always be walked on a halter, rather than a collar to prevent further damage to
the trachea. Although there is no conclusive evidence that it is genetic,
affected dogs should not be used for breeding.
Severe cases can be life threatening and may require surgical correction. If
your yorkie needs this surgery we urge you to get a second opinion and also to
see an experienced surgeon!
Please visit www.CollapsingTrachea.com for more information by clicking the
link below
| © 2003-2008. All site contents are the property of JaLa Garden Yorkies or have been used with permission by owner and may not be reproduced or copied without expressed written consent. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Luxating Patellas |
| Hypoglycemia |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease |
Collapsing Trachea
Lymphangiectasia is a genetic condtion in Yorkshire Terriers that causes the
body to be robbed of all protein. It is also referred to as Protein Wasting
Disease or Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE). Sadly this illness is more
common than once thought. If you have a yorkie that is losing weight, has
severe diarrhea and retaining fluid in his/her abdomen then I would urge you to
speak with your veterinarian about PLE.
Click on the red title above to learn more!
body to be robbed of all protein. It is also referred to as Protein Wasting
Disease or Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE). Sadly this illness is more
common than once thought. If you have a yorkie that is losing weight, has
severe diarrhea and retaining fluid in his/her abdomen then I would urge you to
speak with your veterinarian about PLE.
Click on the red title above to learn more!
| *** Update on PSVA/MVD *** |
| Thanks to the wonderful researchers who are devoted to helping unlock the mysteries of Liver Shunt and MVD there is great new information for diagnosing MVD and LS. Dr. Sharon Center from Cornell University has dedicated a lot of her time to the research of these diseases. Below are some excellent articles of PSVA and MVD and links to the most current information. Please take some time to read this through. |
| March 26, 2008 - Dr. Sharon Center Interview - PODCAST |
| February 17, 2007 - Lecture Notes from Dr. Sharon Center's Lecture on PSVA and MVD |
| Click on the link to learn more about: |