You Make The Diagnosis: Common Shih Tzu Health Problems
Pictured below is a lovely little Shih Tzu named Suki. As a veterinarian, I think of this breed as a love sponge, wanting to soak up every bit of attention they can from their family. Unfortuantely, Shih Tzu's are also prone to a host of health problems. Name the common health problems found in this breed.
Diagnosis:
1. Luxating patella's - a condition common in toy breeds where the knee cap pops out of joint.
2. Hereditary renal dysplasia.
3. Dental abnormalities including missing teeth, unerrupted teeth that sometimes form dentigerous cysts, malpositioned teeth leading to interference and retained deciduous teeth.
4. Allergies.
5. Ear diasease.
6. Epiphora-a condition where tears spill from the inner aspect of the lower eyelid causing a dark stain on their fur.
Diagnosis:
1. Luxating patella's - a condition common in toy breeds where the knee cap pops out of joint.
2. Hereditary renal dysplasia.
3. Dental abnormalities including missing teeth, unerrupted teeth that sometimes form dentigerous cysts, malpositioned teeth leading to interference and retained deciduous teeth.
4. Allergies.
5. Ear diasease.
6. Epiphora-a condition where tears spill from the inner aspect of the lower eyelid causing a dark stain on their fur.
Posted by Dr Kris Nelson at 3/30/2011 7:43 PM 
Categories: You Make The Diagnosis
Tags: Common Shih Tzu Health Problems
Categories: You Make The Diagnosis
Tags: Common Shih Tzu Health Problems
But wait, there's more! I'm the proud mama of a Shihtzu/Peke mix and both breeds suffer from skin allergies and dermatitis. They can get very oily, flaky skin, which requires a special medicated shampoo. My pup routinely breaks out in rashes in the summer from grass allergies.
They are also prone to dry eye so it's good to keep a bottle of saline solution for sensitive eyes on hand and rinse their eyes at least once a week.
But happily, Midgie hasn't suffered from most of the issues you listed. Except the ear problems. They're prone to ear fungus, which we battle in the summer especially.
She's 16 now and still active and happy..but she's got a little arthritis in her right hip, she's a little hard of hearing, and her eye sight isn't what it used to be...but all in all, she's doing great.
People who see my dog always say they want one because they're so cute and fluffy and affectionate. But I always tell them, these dogs are high maintenance and if you're not willing to put in the time and effort to keep them healthy, they're not for you. In addition to constant monitoring of their overall health, they mat easily and must be brushed daily and groomed/bathed regularly.
They're the ideal dog for someone who wants a small dog to baby and fuss over. ...like me. :) They are not for a family with a busy lifestyle and little time to devote to their regular care.
Aside from all of that, they are extremely intelligent and can be "opinionated" which makes them hard to housebreak. So, they need to be on a strict potty schedule as puppies.
If you're willing to put in the time and effort, they are the best dogs ever and will give you years of love and devotion.
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Mary Jo Kneiser, do I know you? Tonya Rogers
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