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Common Health Problems Facing The Yorkshire Terrier

2016/5/3 17:05:56
by Susan Bailey

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.

Many Yorkshire Terriers are affected by a common condition known as portosystemic shunts. With this condition the blood flows around the liver rather than to the liver, which leads to serious problems since a dog cannot remove the toxins from their body. The condition can be acquired or congenital, meaning that the condition can be present at birth or it can develop later in life. Typically dogs with this condition are small for their age or breed. Some other signs of this condition are 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.

Although the condition typically mimics nearly every other health condition since the signs are very vague. The condition is typically found in middle-aged to older Yorkshire Terriers. Excessive drinking or urination, weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting or general signs that your pet isn’t feeling well are some signs to watch out for. If diagnosed soon enough the progression of the disease can be slowed by dietary means.

If chronic renal failure is diagnosed soon enough then the progression of the disease can be slowed by dietary means. Your veterinarian will help you feed your pet a diet that has reduced protein, phosphorous and salt.

About the Author: Susan Bailey is an avid lover of the Yorkshire Terrier and has a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Yorkshire Terrier. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems plus a whole lot more.