PUPPY HEALTH CARE INFORMATION

For the most part chihuahuas have fewer health problems than most breeds.  Here are a few.

SHAKING:  This is normal.  Chihuahuas will shake if they are happy, afraid, cold or anxious.  It is just part of being a chihuahua and there way of expressing themselves.

HEART MURMUR:  These are relatively uncommon in chihuahuas, and even those that have one usually have the functional type.

MOLERA: (fontanel) - Is considered a breed characteristic and not a defect.  About 80 - 90% have a molera (a soft spot on the top of there head, similar to a babies head).  This will usually shrink to about dime size at maturity, most will have one all there lives.

REVERSED SNEEZING:  A fit of sneezing, honking and wheezing.  This is a common trait in toy breeds, caused by an aleongated soft palate that may become temporarily misaligned.  Massaging the dogs neck encouraging him/her to swallow may help.

COLLAPSING TRACHEA: Symptoms are coughing, shortness of breath and exhaustion, expecially when excited.  This is when the cartilage of the trachea collapses making breathing difficult.  70% of the time this is treatable with medication from your vet.  however, second hand smoke can cause this to worsen.

LUXATING PATELLA:  Also known as slipped stifles, trick knee or loose knee caps.  This is when the knee cap of the rear legs slips out of its groove.  This can range from mild (a score of 1) to severe (a score of 4).  The more severe requiring surgery.  Making sure your dog does not become obese and keeping him/her from jumping down from anywhere more than a few inches high can help greatly.  Luxating Patella

COCCIDIA:  Is contagious and will affect an entire litter.  Adult dogs normally carry it and are immune, but puppies under stress can have an overgrowth and need treatment with albon.  Symptoms can be watery or bloody diarrhea and will require a stool sample to be test by your vet.

For more infomation on coccidia:  COCCIDIOSIS.htm

If you have any questions or concerns please email me or call me any time.  I will do my best to assit you.  Although I have researched and studied chihuahuas as best I could, your vet is the ultimate knowledgeable person to contact in case of an emergency.