|
This page contains some information
on common health issues seen in the Pomeranian breed and some links
to details about those issues. This is for your information
only, our club is in no way offering medical advice of any kind,
please see your Vet for that. Some of our hyperlinks have been
abbreviated for space, but they are linked in their entirety (please
notify me if the link does not work).
Hypoglycemia:
Commonly referred to as low blood
sugar. Toy breed dogs have a very small fat reserve that in times
of excitement and stress is used up very rapidly. Signs of
hypoglycemia include confusion, disorientation, unusual drowsiness,
shivers and/or staggering. In an advanced stage the dog can
collapse and go into seizures. Immediate sugar and protein
ingestion is necessary. The best product to keep on hand is
Nutrical, available from your veterinarian. In an emergency, sugar
water or syrup or even honey will work. If the condition persists
after a few minutes contact your veterinarian.
http://www.pcoc.net/hypoglycemia.htm
http://www.vet.utk.edu/features/hypoglycemia.htm
Collapsed Trachea:
Small breed dogs are particularly
susceptible this condition. The tracheal rings, which are made of
cartilage, become weak and fail to keep the trachea open during
breathing. When the trachea collapses, air is no longer able to move
freely through the respiratory tract. Depending upon the stage of
respiration in which the collapse occurs, air may become trapped
within the lungs or blocked from entering them. Excitement,
exercise, obesity, injury and allergies are all factors that may
trigger and irritate a tracheal collapse.
http://www.petsdoc.com/.../collapsedtrachea.html
http://www.vetcentric.com/...
http://azlink.com/~mkk/trachea.html
http://maltesemagic.homestead.com/C2.html
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_tracheal_collapse.html
Luxating Patella
(Slipping Kneecaps): A
dislocation of the kneecap. This condition can either be congenital
(present at birth) or acquired (trauma induced). In most cases
surgery is not indicated, but a severe grade of patellar luxation
may dictate the need for surgery to improve the function of the
leg. Arthritis will normally develop, whether or not surgery is
performed. Be sure that both parents are certified "clear" of this
condition, and that care is taken with the puppy to avoid damaging
its knees.
http://www.offa.org/patluxinfo.html
http://www.k9haven.org/health.html
http://www.workingdogs.com/vcpatlux.htm
http://www.barkbytes.com/medical/med0023.htm
Hypothyrodism:
A simple blood test will determine
the existence of the condition. The symptoms can include skin and
coat problems, sudden onset of aggressive behavior, itching,
lethargy, musky odor, and many more. This condition is treatable
with ongoing prescription therapy.
http://www.cah.com/library/hypothyroiddogs.html
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/catsdogspets/a/hypothyroiddogs.htm
http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/hypot.html
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/thyroid.html
Keratoconjunctivitus Sicca (Dry Eye):
While
normal dog eyes are lustrous, a dog with dry eye will have eyes
lacking in luster and that appear to be textured. This condition is
caused by the lack of tear production. This can be due to lack of
nerve stimulation of the tear glands, failure of the tear glands or
blockage of the ducts that carry the tears to the eyes. Full
diagnosis can only be performed by a Veterinarian to determine the
cause. Treatment will be dependant upon the cause and severity of
the condition.
http://www.upei.ca/.../keratoconjunctivitis....htm
|
