Chihuahua Health Problems
The Chihuahua is a class of dog that falls in the category of tiny, yet amazingly active and loving ones. Every moment spent with a Chihuahua is special in a most enjoyable and joyful way, and will provide you with the amazing satisfaction that only pets can provide, whether or not you are devoid of human company.
However, you will be surprised to see the exceedingly delicate and small creatures that come under the Chihuahua banner. Chihuahuas are sweet, yet ferocious creatures, and make great pets, only if you are ready to take proper care of them and give them the necessary attention.
A very important facet of Chihuahua health is to make sure you find out from the breeder about the kind of screening that your Chihuahua has undergone in order to avoid things like weak knees, colds etc., and see that you get it all checked from your vet. Chihuahuas are fragile creatures, and have a certain tendency to suffer from a considerable number of short-term and long-term diseases. Some of these typical Chihuahua health problems are listed below:-
1. HEMOPHILIA – it is a heritably availed bleeding ailment caused by a deficiency of blood clotting factors. Symptoms typically include unprovoked bleeding from the gums and under the skin in the areas of hind legs, the knee joint, the forehead, chest, shoulder or abdomen. It also includes cough and lameness. Treatment may include intermittent blood transfusion.
2. PATELLAR LUXATION - With this condition, the kneecap or patella tends to slip out of the tendon around it and then slip back. It may cause severe disability and bow-legged ness while walking.
3. HYDROCEPHALUS - Hydrocephalus is the condition wherein the brain and skull become enlarged because of the accumulation of the cerebrospinal fluid, which tends to build up inside the skull itself. In Chihuahuas, the frontal fontanel, or molera, which is actually a soft spot that occurs at birth, and fills up during the first few months of development, is usually confused with the condition of hydrocephalus? However, a molera does not harm the dog, while hydrocephalus does more than that. The symptoms of Hydrocephalus include depression, seizures, vision abnormalities, and irregular skull enlargement. Young affected puppies often show slow growth and development as compared to their littermates.
These are but a few of the problems that Chihuahuas are prone to face, whether in their early development or during their adult life. It is hence important for you to you see that your little Chihuahua is not affected by any of these typical Chihuahua health problems, and that you protect it from them in the best way possible.
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