The Chilier is a designer breed that is prone to several health issues. It is crucial to know how to avoid them or treat them. You want to give your companion dog the best care in the world, so here is all you need to know about your pup’s health issues and how to care for them:
Yes, as a designer dog breed, they are also prone to various health issues. They suffer from genetic health issues that they may get from their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Chihuahua parents and general health issues that most dog breeds are prone to.
Chiliers suffer from minor health issues, such as hip dysplasia and shivering. More severe problems like glaucoma, open fontanel, and patellar luxation. These pups inherit their more severe health issues from their parent breeds.
They’re also prone to various heart problems, collapsed trachea, eye problems, and hypoglycemia.
Glaucoma is due to increased pressure in the eye. This happens when too little or too much fluid is drained, causing pressure and damaging the optic nerve and retina. It is very painful for your doggo and often leads to blindness.
Symptoms include pupils being different sizes, vessels in the white part of the eye, rubbing the eye with a paw or on the floor, a cloudy cornea, red eye, squinting, fluttering eyelids, tearing, vision problems, anti-social behaviour, and more.
The vet will perform an ophthalmologic exam to help him develop a treatment plan. The treatment will depend on the severity; they may surgically remove tumours in the eye, repair the trauma, or give your pup antibiotics to heal the infection.
Open Fontanel is genetic, but it can also be acquired. Open fontanelles are holes found in the skull; they result from incomplete closures of the soft spots in the skull.
These spots close for most dogs during the 9-12 week mark, but many small dogs keep these holes into adulthood.
Symptoms include the presence of holes or soft spots, a domed or round-shaped skull, eyes directed in odd directions, restlessness, difficulty with house training, blindness, lack of coordination, seizures, and more.
Sometimes no treatment is required; the pup needs special care and should not be around other dogs or small children. When treatment is needed, they will put the pup on some medication to reduce the inflammation in the brain.
More severe cases may need anti-seizure medication. The vet can also perform surgery and insert a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to drain the cerebrospinal fluid out of the brain.
Patellar Luxation occurs when your dog’s kneecap shifts out of place, and your pup will experience lameness. It is a developmental or congenital disorder, so it is inborn, but it could also happen due to your pup’s body structure or if they have suffered a leg injury.
Common symptoms include skipping and hopping, limping, leg stiffness, and changes in walking.
It can be treated through weight management, physical therapy, surgery, or pain relief. The treatment method will depend on the severity.
All dog owners should insure their pups. Unfortunately, bad things happen, and it is much better to be prepared for the worst than not! Vet bills are also costly, and pet insurance can ease the pressure of these.
A Chilier puppy is also at risk, so insure your doggo as soon as possible. You want to ensure that your pup gets the best care should anything go wrong! You should also get your pup from a reputable breeder as they ensure that the pup is healthy from birth.
Take note of the therapies included in the various therapy plans and the exclusions and waiting times for various procedures. This can give you a better idea of which policy suits your pup and their common health issues.
This small dog has a life span of 10 to 15 years. This is a lot more than some purebred dogs and other smaller dogs. The happier and healthier your pup is, the longer it will live!
A Chilier is a healthy breed but is still prone to various health issues. All pet owners should be aware of these issues to avoid them or know how to look out for them and treat them in time. Keeping your doggo healthy and happy is essential. Small things like feeding them the right dog food, taking them to the dog park for exercise, and giving them enough love and attention can help your pup maintain good health.
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