What does the shih tzu suffer for? This article will address some of the most common diseases affecting shih tzus. In addition to kidney and bladder stones, your dog can also suffer from liver disease, bladder infections, and bladder stones. These conditions are preventable, and you should seek medical attention if your dog seems to have any of them. Read on to find out how you can help your shih tzu.
shih tzu can develop kidney stones
If your shih tzu develops symptoms of kidney stone formation, you should take your dog to the vet for diagnosis. Your vet can perform a physical exam and collect a urine sample for analysis. In addition to a urine sample, your veterinarian may perform ultrasound and imaging to determine whether your dog has kidney stones. Your vet will then decide the best course of treatment and monitoring schedule. In some cases, your pet may not need surgery.
Several symptoms of kidney stones in dogs are similar to those in humans. Your shih tzu may experience bluing in the cornea and redness in the whites of its eyes. It may also cause your dog to skip a few strides or kicking its legs sideways to pop the kneecap back into place. Depending on the severity of the case, treatment may not be necessary. In severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the kneecap.
The first step in treatment is a urine sample. Your vet may perform a specialized diet to reduce the risk of urinary tract obstruction. This diet is specifically designed to reduce the amount of protein and phosphorus in the urine. Medications to reduce the pH levels of the urine can also help. If the stone is small, your vet may also perform urohydropropulsion. This involves inserting a urinary catheter through the urethra to flush the stone out of the body. Surgical treatment is not recommended in a shih tzu, as it is a risk of recurrence.
shih tzu can develop bladder stones
Although your shih tzu can’t feel bladder stones, a physical exam can help determine the presence of the problem. Your vet will check for pain and a palpable mass in the bladder. Urinalysis can also reveal signs of bladder stones. Your vet may perform the test in-office, or refer you to a specialized urologist. If the stones are too big or too small for your dog to pass on his own, a veterinarian can perform a procedure called cystotomy.
Diagnosing bladder stones in dogs is a challenging task, and the first step is finding out what causes them. A thorough physical exam can detect the stones and determine a treatment plan. Stones that are smaller than a quarter of an inch may be undetectable without symptoms. The vet may find them while looking for a missing diamond, and he will decide whether to perform surgery or monitor your shih tzu for bladder stones over a period of time.
Treatment for bladder stones depends on the type of stone and its severity. Certain dietary treatments can help dissolve some types of stones. Your veterinarian will likely recommend dietary therapy and a urine sensitivity test in order to rule out infection. Your dog should drink plenty of water and urinate often to prevent stone formation. However, some stones may not respond to a specific diet. In those cases, your veterinarian may recommend antibiotics, or perform other tests to confirm the exact cause of the stones.
shih tzu can develop bladder infections
There are a few signs to look for when your Shih Tzu is experiencing pain while urinating. Frequent painful urination is a clear indication of a bladder infection. Shih Tzus can also suffer from bladder stones. Urinary infections in Shih Tzus need veterinary attention as these conditions can be painful and require urgent care. Some Shih Tzus can also suffer from kidney failure or renal dysplasia. While this condition usually affects young Shih Tzus, it can also be fatal. If you notice your dog is losing weight or isn’t thriving, it’s time to consult with your veterinarian.
In December, Chang Lu, a 10-year-old Shih Tzu, presented with a urinary tract infection and increased frequency of urination. The dog produced blood-tinged urine and small droplets of blood. Chang Lu’s urine analysis revealed significant amounts of bacteria and white blood cells. X-rays showed urinary calculi. If the infection isn’t treated quickly, your Shih Tzu might have to take a prescription diet for the rest of its life.
In some cases, a UTI can occur without bacteria, but bacteria can easily travel up the urethra, resulting in painful symptoms. A vet can help distinguish between these two conditions, which will determine the proper treatment for your dog. Inflammation of the bladder wall is the cause of the symptoms associated with a UTI in a dog. When bacteria travel up the urethra, they cause a bladder infection and lead to bladder stones, which can damage the kidneys.
shih tzu can develop liver disease
Although Shih Tzu do not normally suffer from any type of liver disease, it is possible. Liver disease is a problem that occurs in the liver and decreases the body’s ability to filter certain toxins. It can be caused by infections, toxins, certain drugs, and even vascular abnormalities. Among the most common types of Shih Tzu liver disease, hepatoportal microvascular dysplasia and portosystemic shunts are two of the most common conditions affecting the liver.
Liver disease can affect any type of dog, including Shih Tzu. A mild case can be easily resolved with rest, but moderate to severe cases can be devastating to your pet’s health. Liver disease in Shih Tzus can also result in a collapsing trachea. The trachea flattens because of weak cartilage. A corrective surgery can be done to widen the airway and improve a dog’s quality of life.
Acute liver failure in Shih Tzus is usually curable with prompt medical intervention. In chronic cases, treatment may involve a special diet and medications. But if the condition is caught early enough, these dogs can make great memories with their owners. Chronic liver disease in Shih Tzus, on the other hand, is a fatal disease. Fortunately, if you’ve had your dog checked for vaccines, your dog may have a fair to good prognosis.
shih tzu can develop hypothyroidism
Some Shih Tzus may develop hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to control the body’s metabolism. This condition can cause your dog to gain weight, exhibit a loss of appetite, develop lethargy, and develop blackened patches on the skin. Although it is not life-threatening, it does require lifelong medication to correct the issue.
A T4 concentration test is an initial screening test for hypothyroidism. If you suspect your dog may have the disease, your veterinarian will recommend additional tests. The good news is that this disease is treatable with thyroxine, a compound produced by the thyroid gland. If your dog has hypothyroidism, it is important to visit a vet immediately. The proper treatment will prevent it from affecting your dog’s overall health.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism vary in severity. If your dog has a mild case, you will notice a lack of signs. In more severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to correct the collapsed trachea. Sedation is not recommended for this condition, as the dog may be difficult to sedate. If you suspect your Shih Tzu has this condition, it is best to see your vet before allowing it to affect your life.
A Shih Tzu can develop hypothyroidism if they do not have a healthy thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain and other problems that can compromise your dog’s quality of life. It can also lead to epilepsy. In some cases, a dog may have difficulty breathing and will experience seizures. It is important to seek treatment for hypothyroidism for your dog.
shih tzu can develop nauseum passageways that are too narrow
A Shih Tzu can have breathing problems related to the shape of their nose and face. It may have a soft palate that is too long and narrower than normal nostrils. The cartilage rings in the nose and trachea can flatten and become weak, making the air passages too narrow. The dog may also develop a goose-like honk when excited. If the condition becomes serious, certain surgical procedures may be required.
In some cases, the dog may also develop a defect of the kneecap, known as patellar luxation. Mild cases will heal without any treatment. More severe cases require surgery to realign the kneecap. A veterinarian should be consulted to determine the cause of the problem and the treatment. Some dogs can be diagnosed with BAOS through an evaluation under anaesthesia.
Some brachycephalic breeds may struggle with breathing and temperature regulation. If your Shih Tzu has this condition, make sure to avoid overworking them. Because their nasal passages are so small, overworking them could lead to breathing problems and limited endurance. However, once trained properly, they can learn new tricks and agility. In addition, their small facial proportions make them perfect for agility training and other athletic activities.
A Shih Tzu may also experience an antral pyloric hypertrophy. This condition results in decreased outflow of stomach contents and back-up of the stomach. The condition is typically accompanied by abdominal pain. The cause is usually not clear, but x-rays and ultrasounds are required to diagnose this disease. A Shih Tzu’s back is prone to problems due to genetics. An intervertebral disc disease may result in loss of coordination in the back legs. If left untreated, the dog may be completely paralyzed.
Similar Posts: