Havanese dogs have some unique health issues, such as progressive retinal atrophy, which leads to blindness. This genetic disease is not painful nor curable, but it does affect their vision. Early signs include night blindness and dilated pupils. Genetic tests are available to check for this condition.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in Havaneses is a hereditary disease that can cause pain in the rear limbs. If untreated, it can result in chronic arthritis and immobility. Fortunately, there are treatments available. To determine whether your Havanese is suffering from the condition, schedule a consultation with a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia affects one of the most common joints in dogs, the hip. Normally, a healthy hip joint is tightly attached to the pelvis, but when it is abnormally loose, it causes a dog to suffer pain and immobility. A properly-managed diet and exercise routine are crucial for preventing the disease and treating its symptoms. In some cases, surgery is required to correct hip dysplasia.
Treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs can include physical therapy and x-rays. Anti-inflammatory medications and targeted supplements can be given to minimize pain and inflammation. Using a diet and exercise plan to control your dog’s weight is another good way to treat the condition. Hip replacement surgery is an option, but it may not be right for your dog.
To prevent this condition from affecting your Havanese, make sure you buy a health-certified puppy from a trusted breeder. The Havanese Club of America (HCA) requires breeders to have the hips and knees certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The certification is mandatory and must be repeated annually. The parents must also undergo the BAER test, which can help detect any hip dysplasia.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation is a problem that occurs in a Havanese’s knee joint. During walking, the patella pops out from its groove. This condition can be either mild or severe. In mild cases, the dog doesn’t feel any pain. In grade 2 and 3, the dog may be in pain. If it happens on its own, the patella may pop back into place. However, if the condition becomes more severe, the dog may develop arthritis.
Fortunately, there are treatments available for this problem. The first step is ensuring that your dog undergoes a thorough physical examination by a veterinary veterinarian. A physical examination will include auscultation, palpation, vital signs, and lameness assessment. Your veterinarian may even recommend a course of steroids.
If your dog still does not show signs of pain, the most common treatment is surgery. This procedure will correct the patellar luxation. Depending on how severe the condition is, the surgeon may use different surgical techniques. In severe cases, the surgeon may alter the position of the patella ligament or tighten the joint capsule to prevent it from slipping out.
A luxating patella is a common orthopedic condition in dogs. It can affect one or both knees. While most cases heal quickly, some dogs may require surgery again. The procedure is accompanied by bandaging for a few weeks and sutures. There is a small risk of infection, and luxating patella surgery is safe and effective for most dogs.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common problem among Havanese dogs. While they may not be a life-threatening disease, they can lead to blindness. The disease is hereditary and often does not manifest until a dog reaches about 9 years old. The severity of the cataract can also depend on where it is located. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Other conditions affecting the eyes in Havanese dogs include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative condition that can cause blindness. While the condition is rarely painful and does not require surgery, it is not curable. Early signs of PRA include night blindness and dilated pupils. Genetic tests can help determine if your Havanese dog has the disease.
Early detection of this disease is crucial, and early treatment is important. Cataracts can cause lens luxation, dissolution, or uveitis. Left untreated, they can lead to blindness and glaucoma. While not all cataracts lead to blindness, early detection can prevent blindness and other complications.
Getting a veterinarian’s checkup is important if you want your Havanese to have healthy eyes. Cataracts in Havanesies usually start showing up at around three or four years old, but can develop as late as seven years old. Cataracts in Havaneses can lead to blindness, so it is important to see a vet immediately.
Hypothyroidism
If your dog is experiencing the symptoms of hypothyroidism, a veterinarian may recommend a natural diet. The condition is not curable, but it can be successfully treated. Treatment involves an oral dose of synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) and a daily monitoring regimen. The medication will help restore normal thyroid hormone levels in your dog. Usually, this treatment is given for a month. During this period, blood samples are taken before or four to six hours after the medication is administered.
The thyroid glands are located on both sides of the neck, along the windpipe. Hypothyroidism in Havanese is a condition in which the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include dry skin, weight gain, and hair loss. Additionally, a dog suffering from this condition may exhibit irritability and aggression. Blood screening can detect hypothyroidism and diagnose the disease. If necessary, treatment usually involves taking replacement hormones in pill form.
If your Havanese is suffering from hypothyroidism, your vet will recommend a medication that will correct the thyroid problem. This medication will help your dog maintain a normal thyroid level and prevent hypothyroidism from occurring in the future. Regular testing will also reduce the chances of your dog developing hypothyroidism in offspring.
It is important to get your Havanese tested for hypothyroidism as early as possible so that you can make any necessary changes. For example, you may have to adjust the dosage of the medication every six months to ensure that your dog is getting enough hormones. The best way to ensure that your dog is getting the right dose is to keep in close contact with your veterinarian and tell them about any symptoms.
Ear infections
The floppy ears of Havanese dogs make them prone to ear infections and ear irritation. Depending on the cause, Havanese ear infections can be yeast-based or bacterial in nature. Ears are naturally moist, but many factors can throw the wax balance out of whack, causing infections and yeast growth. Proper care is essential to prevent infection and keep ears healthy and shiny.
One of the first steps in treating ear infections in Havanese is determining the source of the infection. If the infection is caused by bacteria, the vet will administer antibiotics. However, antibiotics may not work for all cases. If the infection is resistant to antibiotics, the vet may recommend other treatments.
Acute infections usually result from an underlying problem, such as parasites or insects. The inflammation in the ear can be accompanied by pain and swelling. In some cases, the infection can cause deformed pinnae. Treatment for this condition involves controlling the environment and medication.
In most cases, ear infections in Havanese can be treated with an ointment or cleanser. The cleanser should be applied to the ear canal as deep as possible. The ointment or drops should be applied once daily or less frequently, depending on the severity of the infection. Surgery can also be done if the infection is chronic and does not respond to medical treatment.
Skin problems
Havanese dogs can suffer from several skin problems. One common skin disorder is sebaceous adenitis, which causes patches of hair loss and dry skin. It usually develops during a dog’s early adulthood. The condition may be chronic, or may be treated with medication or a combination of approaches. Early detection is important to improve treatment results.
Other common Havanese skin problems include allergies to certain food substances. This can lead to itching and a rash. Another common problem is flea allergy dermatitis, which causes a dog’s skin to become inflamed and scabbed. It is normal for your Havanese to scratch itself, but excessive scratching is a sign that it is allergic to something.
Other skin issues in Havanese include allergies and parasites. These parasites usually reside in the dog’s hair, ears, and head. In addition, Havanese dogs are prone to allergies, which are caused by environmental elements, like dust, pollen, and mold. Atopic dermatitis is also common in Havanese.
Fortunately, there are several natural remedies for Havanese skin problems. Herbal tea can help soothe itchy skin. Herbal tea contains healing and antibacterial properties that can help soothe skin irritations. Another natural remedy is apple cider vinegar. Apply a diluted solution to the affected areas. Herbal tea is also effective for rashes and irritated skin.
Podobne tematy