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severe hip dysplasia in dogs :: Article Creator

Pet Vet: Hip Dysplasia In Dogs

If you want to contact Dr. Visser, you can reach him at the Center for Animal Health by calling 888-PETS-VETS.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Hip dysphasia is a common condition in a lot of dogs, but one many dog owners may not know much about.

We sat down with our Pet Vet Dr. David Visser on 16 News Now Saturday Morning to discuss the condition, and ways dog owners can notice the signs early.

If you want to contact Dr. Visser, you can reach him at the Center for Animal Health by calling 888-PETS-VETS or you can send him an email at michianapetvet@comcast.Net.

Shih Tzu Common Health Issues

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Instantly recognizable for their short, long bodies, small, squished faces and big brown eyes, the Shih Tzu is believed to have originated in Tibet, where the shaggy little dogs were purportedly kept for companionship and as watchdogs to help alert the larger guard dogs.

Known as a friendly, affectionate dog, the Shih Tzu is perfectly content sitting on your lap and doesn't require a lot of space, making it the perfect apartment-dwelling dog.

While Shih Tzus are generally healthy dogs, their breed characteristics do come with certain health issues that owners should be aware of when bringing the lovable breed into their homes.

Find The Best Pet Insurance Companies Of 2023 Common Health Issues for Shih Tzu

For the most part, Shih Tzus are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders do screen their dogs for the more common health conditions, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (slipped kneecap), and eye anomalies, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The modern day Shih Tzu is believed to be a cross between the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingnese, which resulted in the adorable, sweet face that is loved by so many dog owners—but these cute features are also the most common cause of health issues.

Breathing Problems

The Shih Tzu is a member of the brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, says Dr. Megan Conrad, D.V.M., a veterinary advisor at Hello Ralphie, a telehealth site for pets.

"(Shih Tzus) can be prone to a condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome," Conrad wrote in an email to Forbes Advisor. "This involves having overly narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate and everted laryngeal saccules (tissue that's sucked into the airway when the dog breathes)."

These airway abnormalities can make breathing more difficult and can be potentially deadly, she adds. Symptoms of these breathing issues include snoring, noisy breathing, exercise intolerance and heat intolerance.

According to VCA Hospitals, other signs of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome include coughing, gagging, retching and vomiting. Symptoms are often worse in hot or humid weather.

In addition to ensuring your dog is a healthy and proper weight, mild cases can often be managed by monitoring exercise, avoiding hot and humid conditions, and avoiding stress.

More severe cases do require surgery, including removing tissue from the nostrils, surgically shortening an elongated palate, or removing everted laryngeal saccules, according to the VCA.

Hip Dysplasia

While more common in large breed dogs, hip dysplasia can also occur in small breed dogs, including the Shih Tzu.

The condition is genetic but other factors, including an excessive growth rate, certain types of exercise, improper weight, and an unbalanced diet can also contribute to the onset of hip dysplasia, according to the AKC.

"Hip dysplasia can cause lameness and discomfort in dogs after physical activities or running for long periods of time," Dr. Paula Simons, D.V.M. And veterinary consultant at K9 of Mine, an educational website about dog training, wrote in an email to Forbes Advisor.

Other symptoms of hip dysplasia include the following:

Decreased activity

Decreased range of motion

Difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping, running, or climbing stairs

Lameness

Swaying gait

Grating in the joint during movement

Loss of thigh muscle mass

Enlargement of the shoulder muscles

Pain

Stiffness or limping

The most effective treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs is a total hip replacement, according to the AKC.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation occurs when the knee cap rides outside the femoral groove while the dog flexes its knee. It is also one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

A 2018 medical research study on patellar luxation found the Shih Tzu is among the most common breeds affected by the problem.

Owners should look out for symptoms including lameness, skipping in one or both hind legs, or their dog running on three legs, says Dr. Caroline George, D.V.M. At Aliso Beach Animal Clinic, a veterinary care center in Laguna Beach, California.

"This condition is generally mild and does not require treatment," George wrote in an email to Forbes Advisor. "In more severe cases or when the dog is in pain, surgery may be necessary."

Eye Anomalies

"The big and slightly protruding eyes of this breed make them more susceptible to some eye issues, including dry eye and proptosis (where the eye pops out of its socket) as well as eye injuries," Conrad says.

Unfortunately, their prominent eyes make them susceptible to a number of eye-related health problems, including the following:

Epiphora: This is one of the most common eye problems caused by a blocked tear duct. This is often due to the skin folding that is common in short-faced dogs and their large, protruding eyes. This condition leads to the tears overflowing onto the face, causing red-colored tear-stains.

Ocular proptosis: This is another condition common to Shih Tzus because of the size of their eyes. It occurs when weakened muscles around the eye cause the eyeball to push out of the socket.

Pigmentary keratitis: This most often shows up as inflammation or discoloration in one or both eyes. It is caused by pigment migration onto the cornea and can lead to blindness.

Progressive retinal atrophy: This condition is caused by a gradual progressive degeneration of the photoreceptor cells in the retina, which leads to gradual vision loss, and eventually, total blindness.

Cataracts: This condition most often occurs in older Shih Tzus and is genetic. It leads to a white film over the eye and can lead to blindness.

Dry eyes: This condition, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is caused by inflammation of the cornea and inadequate production of the tear film. It is believed to be a genetic disorder and commonly found in Shih Tzus.

"Any signs of eye irritation such as discharge, redness, rubbing at the eye, or appearing to have vision loss should be checked by a veterinarian," Conrad says.

Does Pet Insurance Cover These Common Health Issues for Shih Tzus?

Whether breed-specific and hereditary conditions are covered by your pet health insurance will depend entirely on your coverage.

"Brachycephalic airway syndrome and luxating patellas are considered genetic and unlikely to be covered by most pet insurance," George says.

It's always a good idea to check your policy coverage and do your homework to see what exactly your pet insurance will cover before you choose a plan.

Just like health insurance for people, pet insurance varies depending on the coverage you've chosen. Here's what's commonly covered by pet insurance plans:

Accidents and injuries

Chronic illnesses

Common illnesses

Serious illnesses

Hereditary conditions

Testing and diagnostics

Procedures

Holistic and alternative procedures

Wellness procedures

Behavioral therapy

Accidents and injuries

Dog owners should keep in mind that pet insurance will typically not cover certain things, including:

Pre-existing conditions

Experimental treatments

Grooming

Food, dietary and nutritional supplements

Non-veterinary expenses

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$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited

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70% or 80% (in most states)

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Maximum annual coverage

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Are Shih Tzus Right for Me?

Shih Tzus often make great additions to a family, especially since they are small, friendly bundles of cuteness.

They are great companions for someone who lives in an apartment and is moderately active, Conrad says.

Anyone thinking about adding a Shih Tzu to the family should consider the following about the breed:

They don't require a lot of exercise, but do need regular daily walks

Shih Tzus have a heavy coat that requires daily brushing to avoid tangles, and regular grooming

Their large eyes need to be gently cleaned with a damp cloth

Keep their top hair trimmed short or tied up to avoid eye irritation

Trim their nails on a regular basis

They do well with children and make a great family pet

With proper training and socialization, Shih Tzus do well with other dogs

Shih Tzus are excellent lap dogs

This breed requires regular wellness and preventive visits to the vet

Shih Tzu Health Concerns FAQ Do Shih Tzu have a lot of health issues?

The Shih Tzu belongs to the brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, which means they are prone to several eye and respiratory issues, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

What is the average life expectancy of a Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu has a life expectancy of 10 to 18 years, with an average of 13 or 14 years.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Shih Tzu?

Pet insurance for dogs ranges from $20 to $44 a month, with an average of $35 a month for $5,000 in coverage. Multiple factors can affect the cost of pet insurance for your dog, including the animal's age, where you live, pre-existing conditions and the types of coverage you want.

Considering Pet Insurance? These Dog Breeds Could Benefit

Owners of Newfoundlands may find pet insurance particularly helpful to have. Mathias Ahrens

In today's economic climate known for inflation and a looming recession, consumers need to be particularly careful with how they spend their money. All financial products and services should be carefully analyzed on a cost-benefit analysis.

This is especially true for insurance products like life, auto and pet. To get the most out of these insurance types, consumers will have to do their research and understand the benefits and any potential pitfalls.

Pet insurance, in particular, can be advantageous for a wide group of pet owners. In exchange for a moderate fee to a provider each month, owners can secure coverage for medical issues, treatments and veterinarian visits. While this unique insurance type can be helpful for millions of cat and dog owners, it may be particularly beneficial for owners of select dog breeds.

Owners of these breeds are likely to encounter more health issues more often (at a higher price point). In these instances, pet insurance can be a helpful, if not vital, way to pay for rising expenses.

If you're considering pet insurance then start by getting a free price quote.

Dog breeds that could benefit from pet insurance

Here are five dog breeds that could benefit from having pet insurance.

Newfoundlands

This large dog, which can weigh upward of 150 pounds, is known for its friendly demeanor. But it is also known for developing multiple hereditary health issues with age. Kidney stones, narrowing of the heart valve and hip and elbow dysplasia are all possible. In these instances, a pet insurance policy may be worth having to offset the inevitable medical costs that will arise as your pet grows.

Get a free pet insurance quote here now to learn more.

Dogue de Bordeaux

This dog breed is also in the 140 to 150-pound weight range and has its own inherent health issues. This can range from aortic stenosis (a type of heart disease) to bloat to its own battles with hip dysplasia. Like Newfoundlands, pet insurance for this dog breed may be on the more expensive side, but it could be worth it if the costs for care and treatment are exorbitant.

Jack Russell Terriers

This lively and rambunctious dog breed may not be one of the first ones that come to mind when considering a pet insurance plan, but they may benefit from having one nonetheless. This dog breed may suffer from congenital myasthenic syndrome, an inherited neuromuscular disease. They're more likely to also suffer from mast cell tumors, which generally require immediate removal.

English Bulldogs

English bulldogs and their Frenchie counterparts may be some of the most popular dogs out there currently, but their popular facial features come with a multitude of breathing issues. In particular, they can have issues with Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS), which makes breathing difficult. English bulldogs are also notorious for skin and ear issues and may need treatments for their eyes, all of which a pet insurance policy can help with.

Check pet insurance prices here now to learn more.

German Shepherds

Like Newfoundland and Dogue de Bordeaux breeds, German Shepherds may also encounter health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia. They could also suffer from bloating and may run into issues with their eyes as they age. While pet insurance won't pay for all of these items in full, it could be advantageous to help offset the eventual high costs of care and treatment.

The bottom line

This list is not exhaustive. Dozens of dog (and cat) breeds can benefit from a robust pet insurance plan. But if you have one of the five dog breeds above, or are planning to buy or adopt one of these dogs soon, a pet insurance policy may be especially advantageous. Just be sure to shop around to find a plan with the best rates and terms. Use the table below to get started.

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