Mitral Valve Disease

This term encompasses many heart diseases envolving degenerative thickening and progressive deformity of one or more heart valves - mitral valve disease, mitral valve degeneration, mitral valve insufficiency etc. Mitral valve disease is a serious heart condition caused by the abnormal function of the valve that separates the upper and lower chamber of the left side of the heart. This disease is usually associated with heart murmur that can be heard with a stethoscope. It commonly affects Miniature Schnauzers, Chihuahuas, Fox terriers, Cocker spaniels, Cairn terriers, miniature poodles, Bull terriers, Boston terriers, King Charles spaniels, Miniature pinschers, Dachshunds, Doberman Pinschers and Shetland sheepdogs. Males are 50 percent more likely than females to be affected.

The diseases may result from congenital defect of the valve, defects in the muscles and tendons that operate the valve, or inflammation of the heart. The disease usually occurs in older dogs, however it is seen in young dogs and may result in premature death. Symptoms may include exercise intolerance, weakness, syncope (passing out), coughing at night or at rest because of a build-up of fluid in the lungs, shortness of breath, and lethargy.

Mildly affected dogs can have a good quality of life for years. It all depends on when the diagnosis is made and when therapy is applied. There are many dogs with degenerative mitral disease that never progress to heart failure. While the prognosis for dogs with mitral valve disease at advanced stage is poor, some dogs may be managed with medications and low-sodium diet for a period that varies from case to case. There is no prevention for mitral valve disease. Early detection and appropriate treatment of the disease may improve the prognosis.

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is the mulfunction of drainage system of the brain responsible for evacuating the cerebrospinal fluid from the brain into the circulatory system. In hydrocephalus condition the fluid builds up in the two large interconnecting chambers, and the brain and skull become enlarged because of the accumulation of the fluid. Hydrocephalus may be an acquired or congenital (present at birth) condition and may be caused by birth defects of the brain's drainage system, head injuries, tumors, parasitic or other infections. In young dogs, the presense of a dome-shaped head and/or non-closing, or persistent fontanel (also called fontanella) may indicate the development of hydrocephalus. Fontanel is a small gap between the incompletely formed cranial bones. Several such spots are usually present at birth and in most cases close usually by 3 or 4 months of age. In Chihuahua, the frontal fontanel, or molera, remains unclosed and this does not harm the dog.

Go Pets Indonesia recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities. or contact: rizaldoarbet@gmail.com 

Patellar Luxation - Kneecap Dislocation

Patellar Luxation is a common congenital (animals are born with this disease) health condition in small dog breeds such as miniature and toy poodle, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Pekingese and other breeds of dogs and cats. Patellar Luxation affects both knees in 50% of all diagnosed cases.

The patellar or kneecap is a small bone buried in the tendon of the muscles of the thigh. The tendon is a band of tough, inelastic tissue that connects a muscle with its bony attachement. With this condition, the kneecap may slip out of the tendon and then slip back. Patellar luxation is graded 1 to 4 based on the severity of the defect, 1 being occasional mild lameness. As the disease progresses in duration and severity, this lameness becomes more frequent and eventually becomes continuous. In young puppies with severe patellar luxation, the rear legs often present a "bow-legged" appearance that worsens with growth.

Surgical correction of patellar luxation grades 1, 2, or 3 results generally in a successful clinical outcome, whereas surgical correction of grade 4 patellar luxations may not be as effective in young dogs.

When the luxation is left alone, it causes deformity and disorder in the growth of the affected limb. In severe cases, the limb may cease to function or cause other degenerative joint diseases (DJD) such as osteoarthritis. Early surgical correction is therefore essential, but the owners are not able to detect the disorder at an early age and surgical intervention in most cases will take place after 6 months of age.

It is still unclear what exactly causes this orthopedic problem. Possible causes include: hip dysplasia, deviation of muscles and bones to which patellar attaches, etc.

• A study of 1,679 puppies sold in pet stores, conducted over a 2-year period (1987 and 1988), found that over 7% of 6- to 18-week-old puppies had congenital patellar luxation and other defects (heart murmurs, reproductive organs abnormalities, umbilical hernia etc.

 

Go Pets Indonesia recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.

Chihuahua

If you are searching for a good companion in your apartment that is caring, exceptionally lively and affectionate, Chihuahua can be your pet. Chi is a small sized dog (6-9 inches in height and 1-3 Kg in weight) with ‘apple-dome’ shaped head; it is the characteristics of this breed. In fact it is the smallest natural toy breed among dogs. General life expectancy is about 15 years. They can short-haired or long-haired. The eyes are dark and bright, they are set wide apart. Chihuahuas tend to produce enough tears and it is usual to shed some tears when they shake their head during play.

Chihuahuas have a small gap over their skull, named Molera, which tend to close as with increasing age. But it may persist throughout their life and may be the root for some critical infection.

Colors of Chihuahua vary from chestnut, sand, fawn, steel blue, silver, blonde, black.

As said earlier, Chihuahua is a very much affectionate dog who loves to remain beside his master all day long. They will try to imitate every move of their master. They are so much affectionate that sometimes they become jealous from the small children in the family and may cause harm. Their first line of defense is their small sharp teeth.

Chihuahuas are difficult to socialize. But they can be trained properly; Chi can enjoy the company of strangers also.

They have to be lightly fed. Overweight Chihuahuas are prone to develop diabetes and brittle bones. It is necessary to take them for regular walking. They can identify their same breed. But Chihuahuas are notorious to other breeds as they always tend to make arrogant noises in front of them.

Chihuahuas can’t tolerate cold much and always shivers to exposure to snow. They can stand moderate summer. Therefore, Chihuahuas require their garments.

Chihuahuas need sweater during the winter months. Sweaters will keep them warm besides the personality will not be hampered. Mostly they are handmade and are available in an array of colors and styles. During the extreme colder days, a dog coat will not be a bad idea. There are fleece dog coats, raincoats, sweat shirts and even leather dog coats. Dog jackets for your Chihuahua are ‘in-thing’ these days. And the all time favorite dog-collars and belts are also available in different fashions and colors. Here it is advisable that it is unwise to force a Chihuahua to wear dress as it may hamper its natural habit and the dog will be morose. But Chihuahuas mostly don’t object to wear a light t-shirt. The price range varies from a mere $7.00 up to $ 20.00.