Yorkies are not healthy enough. They often get sick. Many of the ailments are the result of their small size.
For example, this is the trauma of representatives. An animal is usually injured by human negligence. It is because of this that Yorkies are not suitable for all children. Also, these dogs often suffer from allergies and colds.
Middle ear inflammation and ear mite
So, let's look at the diseases of York dogs. Let's start with ear diseases. A very common ailment is inflammation of the middle ear. After walking in a draft, such a disease often occurs. How to be? How to avoid it? Dress your dog warmly for a walk. But do not keep it in greenhouse conditions. Therefore, teach your pet to walk in any weather. If the animal suddenly began to scratch its ears, then be sure to show it to the doctor. The doctor will be able to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.
Ear mite is another common York ear disease. It manifests itself as an unpleasant smell from the shells, severe itching. Such small dogs carry this ailment harder than large dogs.
Eye afflictions to which Yorkies are predisposed
What diseases do yorkies get? Representatives of this breed have a predisposition to certain pathologies of the retina. Usually these are hereditary diseases. Such ailments include:
- Dysplasia. That is, when the retina develops abnormally.
- Spontaneous exfoliation.
- Degeneration. That is, when the cells simply die.
These york diseases are very serious. Such ailments can lead to partial or complete loss of vision in the animal. What to do in this situation? If the pet began to see worse in the dark, in the light of its pupils narrow, then immediately go to the doctor, since such symptoms indicate that the animal has some kind of eye disease.
Dog dry eye syndrome
Another problem of representatives of this breed is dry eye. Due to a violation of the lacrimal system, in which there is obstruction or narrowing of the lacrimal canals, a lack of fluid is observed. The lacrimal gland becomes inflamed due to delayed outflow. On the conjunctiva or the cornea, insufficient moisture may be reflected.
Cataract and Glaucoma
If the spot on the eye is white, then this is a cataract. Green clouding speaks of glaucoma. By the way, her dogs get again because of the carelessness of the owners. For example, due to the fact that shampoo or a comb got into the pet’s eye. To avoid such diseases of York, you need to carefully care for the muzzle, the dog’s head. If you notice any problems with the eyes, then do not hesitate, immediately to the doctor.
Tooth disease
Another feature of the breed is problem teeth. Even in puppyhood, there may already be some questions with them. Also, Yorkers lose their milk teeth with a delay. This ailment is called false polyidentia. How is the disease manifested? Even when permanent teeth have already appeared, milk often remain, as a result of which the teeth grow in two rows. A similar situation leads to:
- violation of the integrity of the gums;
- development of tartar;
- malocclusion.
Also, if there is a false polyidentia, then it is not worth dreaming about even teeth after an ailment. This disease refers to genetic diseases of York. You can recognize the ailment after eight months. There is only one treatment method - surgical. This method removes milk teeth. Surgery is, of course, performed under general anesthesia.
Even in young representatives of the breed, a plaque appears, which later develops into tartar. This is due to the increased content of mucin in saliva.
Also, experts note that Yorks have an anatomical predisposition to caries. Although there is no 100% confirmation of this. But the fact that problems (gingivitis, periodontitis, etc.) arise with teeth is true. Due to periodontal disease, as early as two years, the dog may lose teeth. What to do? How to avoid tooth problems? It is necessary to give the pet special bones that are sold in pet stores. It is also necessary to add solid vegetables to the diet, such as, for example, carrots. You can transfer your pet to dry food. You can also periodically brush your teeth with a paste.
Common diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Representatives of this breed have a fragile skeleton. It is prone to several diseases. If there is a congenital displacement of abnormally forming joints, then both limbs and one can be affected. This violation is considered one of the most common today.
Another congenital disease of York is a dislocation of the patella. This is a sprain or inversion of the joint, that is, a violation of its position. Often accompanied by rupture of ligaments. This disease can develop into osteoarthritis. Despite the fact that the disease is hereditary, it is still worth protecting the pet from jumping, since representatives of this breed have very weak ligaments.
Unfortunately, many Yorkies are diagnosed with congenital median dislocation of the prominent lobes of the joints. In addition, displacements are frequent, the absence of protruding parts of the joints.
Also, separation of the femoral head is often found in such dogs. Lameness is the main symptom of this ailment. Moreover, it is very strong that even a dog may not step on its paw. Another sign - the animal has a sick paw at an acute angle to a healthy limb.
Perthes disease
Perthes disease in York is also sometimes diagnosed. Dogs of this breed are exposed to her for up to a year. Clinical symptoms appear in three to five months. This ailment is hereditary. With this disease, blood supply to the bone tissue is disturbed. As a result of this, it dies and resolves. That is, the neck of the femur and the head bone are destroyed without an inflammatory process.
Signs of the disease: lameness, pain when the thigh is moved to the side, muscle atrophy. An x-ray of the hip joints is first assigned to the caudate patient , followed by surgical treatment.
Fractures and vertebral problems
Yorkers have a tendency to fracture. They may be injured from a jump or from a slight fall.
Atlanto-axial instability is pathological mobility between the first and second cervical vertebrae. Usually the ailment occurs due to an underdeveloped 2nd vertebra. The disease can be diagnosed by having an x-ray of the cervical spine.
Tracheal collapse
Unfortunately, representatives of the breed are also subject to this disease. This is a sharp spasm of the throat. The result is difficulty breathing and suffocation. Yorkies are susceptible to this ailment due to poorly developed cartilaginous half rings of the pharynx. Therefore, you should protect your pet from damage, since it already has weak cartilage.
Diseases of the internal organs
In York, organs such as the stomach, liver, and pancreas are vulnerable.
A common congenital pathology in such dogs is hydrocephalus. This is an excess of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain. As a result, the nerve tissue of the brain is compressed. The dog's head rolls to one side, and vision is reduced. With such an ailment, the shape of the skull can even change. Signs appear suddenly at any age.
Portosystemic extrahepatic shunts are another congenital disease. This is a vascular pathology that forms during fetal development.
Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis also occurs in Yorks. With such an ailment, pancreatic tissue is destroyed by the action of enzymes of its own cells. Enhanced secretion of enzymes, excess weight, fatty foods in the dog's menu can lead to the onset of the disease.
Symptoms of the disease:
- curved back;
- refusal of food;
- severe pain in the abdomen;
- flatulence;
- diarrhea;
- vomiting
To make an accurate diagnosis, an ultrasound scan, a blood test and feces are done. The dog is prescribed therapy to reduce enzyme activity, a special diet, antibacterial, antiemetic, pain medication, and more.
Hypoglycemia
These dogs have a predisposition to hypoglycemia, that is, to low blood glucose. Manifestations of the disease - shaky gait, weakness and fainting. There is a disease due to a violation of the diet. The main signs of it:
- frequent urination
- intense thirst.
Also, vomiting, eczema sometimes occurs. The animal's appetite disappears, and skin elasticity decreases. To prevent the disease, you need proper nutrition.
Urolithiasis disease
It is believed that this ailment is feline. Indeed, it is most often found in cats. But, unfortunately, in recent years, urolithiasis in York has been diagnosed. Also, other small breeds, such as pugs, dachshunds, French bulldogs and others, are predisposed to the disease. The main symptoms of the disease are the appearance of blood in the urine, frequent urination, difficulty urinating. When these signs appear, you should immediately go to the veterinarian so that he accurately determines the ailment and prescribes the necessary treatment.
For prevention, it is worthwhile to follow a diet with an optimal content of proteins, minerals. This is necessary so that there is no overabundance of elements. It is also necessary to ensure that the pet always has clean, fresh water. Lack of fluid leads to this ailment.
Conclusion
Now you know the York disease and its symptoms. We tried in the article to consider the most common ailments of such dogs. As you can see, these dogs are very susceptible to various ailments. Therefore, take care of your pet: feed it correctly, protect it from drafts, wear it in cold weather, do not let it jump from a height, periodically show it to a veterinarian so that you can determine the disease even at the initial stage.