BCD Chihuahua's
AKC Short Hair Chihuahua's
Chihuahua Health
Luxation of the Patella
The dislocation is most commonly found on the inner side of the patella. The attached ligaments become stretched over time until the patella is rarely where it is supposed to be, and may "pop" in and out of place very easily.
Recent studies have shown that immediate treatment is recommended, rather then waiting until the dislocation has crippled the dog. The reasoning is that, while the knee is dislocated, the entire body of the dog is compensating for it, causing deformations of many other skeletal areas.
Research has definitively shown that patellar luxation is an inherited trait, and dogs with this genetic problem should not be used in breeding programs. Your vet will be able to check this by applying pressure to the knee caps.
"Reverse Sneeze"
Occasional bouts of sneezing, snorting, honking and wheezing are not unusual in chihuahuas, and is sometimes called a "reverse sneeze". This is usually caused by a elongated soft palate that is thought to become temporarily misaligned. It is a common trait in toy breeds. Pulling hard on a leash, drinking too fast or getting overly excited can lead to an episode of reverse sneezing. Reverse sneezing SHOULD NOT be confused with a different condition called "collapsed trachea".
Although reverse sneezing may appear to be scary, it only lasts a short time and can be ended by massaging the dog's neck and throat and encouraging the dog to swallow or lick. Another way to slow the reverse sneeze is to clap your hands to distract the dog, or pinch closed the dog's nostrils with your fingers, forcing it to breathe through its mouths and to swallow.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the chihuahua's blood sugar level drops to an extremely low level, causing "sugar shock." When levels of glucose in the blood drop rapidly, the dog's body and brain are deprived of essential nutrients. The results of hypoglycemia can be weakness, seizures, coma, and in severe cases, death. Because chihuahuas are so small, they can be prone to hypoglycemia, especially when they are very young. Hypoglycemia is usually caused by stress, illness, lack of food, or by using up stored energy without it being replenished. It is important to make sure that young puppies and very tiny chihuahuas eat regularly throughout the day. Another preventative for hypoglycemia is regular feeding of a high-calorie supplement called Nutrical, available from your veterinarian or your local pet store. If you suspect that your chihuahua is hypoglycemic, call your vet AT ONCE as this condition can be quickly fatal. |
Signs to look for.......
Lack of energy/sleepiness
Shivering
Lack of muscular coordination
Disorientation
Convulsions /seizures
Staggering, Sad look on face
While hypoglycemia could be a potential problem to any puppy, given the proper circumstances, it can be easily managed. Sugar in the drinking water, pancake syrup, nutri-cal vitamin paste, nutristat, (generic nutri-cal and less expensive), kids sugarcoated breakfast foods will help restore lost blood sugar. In severe cases a veterinarian may have to inject a glucose solution into the dog’s bloodstream. This occurs usually in cases where the dog is unconscious and unable to swallow. The injection is usually made into a major blood vein such as the jugular vein in the throat. Owners to watch your puppy carefully until he is at least 16 weeks of age.
Open Fontanel
Many chihuahuas, especially the larger apple-head types will have an open fontenal (AKA Molera), which is on the top of their scull. Most will close to a very small size by adulthood, and some will close completely. However, while your dog is young it is very important to know that any sudden hit to their head can cause sudden death. This is why it's important not to leave your puppy unattended around children, larger dogs, or on top of furniture that is more then a few inches off the ground. Your chi can also break it's legs very easily if left on high objects. They don't realize how far down it is, and will try to jump if you don't keep your hands on them. The molera should not be considered a flaw, as stated in the AKC standard. It is more common then not, in show type chihuahuas.
