The most common pekingese health problems are related to their anatomy and lifestyle. They are prone to breathing problems such as respiratory disease, which is caused by their wide and short nostrils. These dogs tend to overheat and undercool in extreme conditions, so it’s vital that they see a veterinarian if they experience respiratory problems. Arthritis in pekingese dogs can lead to significant pain and may require surgery to correct.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
The prevalence of intervertebral disc disease in Pekingese is high, especially in females. The disease is also more common in dogs with a black coat color. Survey radiographs show calcified discs in the thoracolumbar, cervical, and lumbar areas. To reduce the risk of IVDE, Pekingese owners should be educated about proper body condition scoring.
For mild cases of IVDD, crate rest is used. Crate rest is recommended to limit extraneous movements and prevent the affected part of the spine from being damaged by rough play. More severe cases may require surgery. Surgery is generally indicated for dogs with progressive symptoms and degenerative changes. Depending on the extent of disc herniation and the severity of your pet’s IVDD, your vet may recommend a procedure called decompression. Once complete, your pet may be discharged from the vet in three to seven days.
Treatment options for intervertebral disc disease in Pekingese may vary. Surgery for acute disc herniation is the most common treatment, but it may also be necessary to relieve pain and restore nerve function. While the surgical approach is generally through the lower neck, your dog may require multiple veterinary visits until the signs are gone. During this time, physical therapy is also beneficial.
Glaucoma
Eye problems are common among brachycephalic breeds, and the Pekingese dog is no exception. Their unusually short nose and low-set eyes lead to a wide variety of eye problems, from acute irritation to chronic discomfort. While these issues are relatively common among all dogs, they can be more severe in Pekingese. A thorough examination of the eyes is required for diagnosis, and treatments may include medical therapy or surgery.
Early detection is critical, and the right treatment may delay the progression of the disease. Symptoms of glaucoma include watery eyes, bluish-green iris, redness in the whites of the eyes, and squinting. In advanced cases, the eyeball may bulge and resemble an ice pick. As with any medical emergency, it should be treated at the earliest opportunity.
If you have ever noticed an excessive amount of tear production in a Pekingese, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Overly moist eyes can result in excessive blinking, inflammation of the conjunctiva, and even loss of vision. A dog suffering from glaucoma must see a veterinarian immediately. In some cases, surgical procedures can help, but frequent topical eye medications can be extremely distressing for the dog. A severe case can even lead to blindness.
Heart murmur
Your veterinarian may be able to diagnose your dog with a heart murmur, a ringing, murmur-like sound coming from the chambers of the heart. Murmurs can range from a low-pitched hum to an audible clacking sound, and they can be short or long, continuous, or intermittent. While the presence of a murmur is not necessarily a sign of disease, a veterinarian can perform x-rays to look for signs of heart enlargement or evaluate the vessels of the chest to rule out other causes of the dog’s heart murmur. However, the best test to diagnose the source of a murmur is an echocardiogram, a diagnostic ultrasound of the heart.
Despite the high incidence of the syndrome, the exact cause of this disorder remains unclear. The study found that nearly half of the 35 dogs with PH also had associated chronic pulmonary parenchymal disease. The severity of PH was rated on thoracic radiographs, CT scans, and clinical pathology. The study’s retrospective design allowed it to identify lower airway disease and PH in Hong Kong Pekingese dogs.
Other heart problems that may be present in the Pekingese include anus sores, which may result in painful defecation, bleeding, constipation, and smelly discharge from the rectum. Although these problems are usually not life-threatening, they do require long-term medication and prescription diets. The condition may even require surgery. A veterinary cardiologist can help identify the cause of your dog’s murmur and determine whether it’s a serious condition.
Breathing problems
There are several causes of breathing problems in Pekingese. While the incidence of this syndrome is likely higher in Hong Kong, the reason for its high prevalence is unclear. Breathing problems should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dyspnea in Pekingese. Although the cause of the problem is unknown, certain risk factors may contribute to its development. Listed below are some possible causes of this condition.
Breathing problems in Pekingese can be due to the short nose of this breed. This short nose has many knock-on effects that can make normal exercise difficult or impossible. Some dogs can’t exercise properly, while others are unable to enjoy normal life. Even mildly affected dogs can’t sleep or exercise normally. However, BAOS is progressive and affects all ages of the dog.
Other reasons for breathing problems in Pekingese may include a soft anus that causes pain and bleeding during defecation. This condition can also cause constipation, and a foul-smelling discharge from the rectum. Surgical intervention is often needed for this problem. The best solution is to consult a veterinarian for more information. If you suspect that your Pekingese has a respiratory disease, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Symptoms of breathing problems in Pekingese may vary, but it is important to consult your vet for a diagnosis. Breathing problems in Pekes can be caused by the short nose and excessive folds in their face. They are more prone to suffer from skin fold dermatitis than other breeds. Aside from respiratory problems, Pekingese may go on a hunger strike. They also tend to be difficult to housebreak, and they do not tolerate hot climates well.
Allergies
Allergies in pekingess can be painful for both dog and owner. Even more, severe allergies can be life-threatening. Regardless of the cause, knowing what foods your dog is allergic to is a good first step. Learn what foods are common allergens for Pekingese dogs. Also, remember that true allergies can be more severe than food intolerances. So, how do you tell if your pekingese has allergies?
One of the most common skin problems in pekes is flea allergy dermatitis. Flea bites produce itchy bumps on their bodies. These bumps are often accompanied by hair loss in the base of the tail and rump area. Other skin allergies are food and pollen allergies, such as pyoderma and impetigo. Both conditions can lead to serious skin infections in the affected pekingese.
Dogs of different breeds do not shed equal amounts of dander, so a dog that’s hypoallergenic to other dogs can be a dangerous allergen for humans. Allergies in Pekingese are more likely to affect people with allergies than other breeds. While Shih Tzu dogs are hypoallergenic, the coat and mane of the Pekingese aren’t.
If your pekingese develops food allergies, you can introduce one treat at a time. After two weeks, slowly reintroduce the food. This way, the body has time to adjust to the new food and owner can monitor their pet’s condition. As with any type of allergy, it’s important to be diligent. You need to introduce foods one at a time, two weeks apart.
Dry eye
There are a number of causes for dry eye in pekingese dogs, but the most common is a malfunctioning immune system. The immune system attacks the tear glands and causes them to become damaged and no longer produce enough tears. This problem can result in vision loss, as the eye does not receive the necessary moisture it needs to keep itself moist. Fortunately, dry eye in dogs is treatable.
A veterinarian can treat dry eye with prescription drugs that stimulate the tear production process. Surgical treatment may be required in severe cases. Medications can improve the condition, though the best solution is to keep the eyes well-moisturized at all times. If the disease is caught early enough, eye drops may help the dog enjoy a pain-free life. If it is diagnosed late, however, dry eye in pekingese can be a chronic condition, and the dog may never regain vision.
Surgical procedures are another option. Veterinarians can perform parotid duct transposition surgery to reroute the salivary gland into the eye. The surgery is complicated, however, and the side effects are considerable. Therefore, it is best to consider this option only after trying other treatment options first. Although this option is more invasive, it can offer long-term benefits for your dog.
