Be
sure to read up on Shih Tzu Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
HERNIAS
HERNIAS
IN SHIH TZU PUPPIES, as well as other toy breeds, are very common, and
is not a medical condition or cause for immediate concern. Please be
informed before you agree to surgical hernia repair on your SHIH TZU
PUPPY.
The
following information is copied from Bullwrinkle.com and is being offered
as an educational tool:
"A
hernia is a protrusion or bulge of a part of the body tissue, fat, or
an organ through an abnormal opening of the surrounding tissue. There
are numerous types of hernias, each type named after its affected area.
A
hernia which can be pushed back into the abdomen is called reducible.
Hernias which are not reducible are called incarcerated. If the blood
supply to an incarcerated hernia is pinched off, the hernia becomes
strangulated. A strangulated hernia is an emergency situation and must
be brought to the attention of your veterinarian."
The
most common types of hernias in shih tzu puppies are:
"An
umbilical hernia is the most common type of hernia found in puppies.
In case of umbilical hernias, a portion of fat or internal organs protrudes
through an incompletely closed umbilical ring. Umbilical hernias may
be present at birth, or may be acquired. The most common means of acquiring
an umbilical hernia is a result of the umbilical cord being severed
too close to the abdominal wall. In most cases umbilical hernias are
small and reduce as the puppy grows. Generally, by the time the pup
is six months old, the umbilical hernia will shrink and disappear on
its own. "
"An
inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding
through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered
bulges in the groin. They can be bi-lateral, involving both sides or
unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common
in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. As with umbilical
hernias, most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy
grows. Inguinal hernias can also occur in unspayed, middle-aged female
dogs. This may occur as the result of stretching of abdominal tissue
due to pregnancy. "
Reverse
Sneezing
Reverse
sneezing is not a health issue but for lack of a better place I decided
to add it here.
This
can be very scary for someone who does not know what it is or who has
never seen it before. The dog displays a loud snorting sound, making
long rapid grunting breathing sounds, usually they stand still and extend
the neck and head. The dog is visibly stressed and does not know what
to do. Remain calm and gently place your thumb over the dogs nostrils
forcing the dog to breath through its mouth. This breaks the cycle and
the dog returns to a normal breathing pattern. Is is not uncommon for
the dog to have another fit immediately following. Just repeat
the process.
Reverse
sneezing (also called backwards sneezing) or inspiratory paroxysmal
respiration is a phenomenon observed in dogs, particularly in those
with brachycephalic skulls.
Its
exact cause is unknown but may be due to nasal, pharyngeal, or sinus
irritation (such as an allergy), the dog's attempt to remove mucus,
or from over-excitement due to present activity. It is characterized
by rapid and repeated forced inhalation through the nose, accompanied
by snorting or gagging sounds. Though it may be distressing to the animal,
it is not known to be harmful. Most dogs are completely normal before
and after episodes. In addition, most dogs will have repeat episodes
of reverse sneezing throughout their lives.
dog
help - Help your dog out, educate yourself at the Veterinarian
Dog.
This
site has every medical term related to animals and gives you a definition.
It also has useful information about food poisons. Lots of information
for people who want to know.
Pinched
Nostrils/ Stenotic Nares &Teething
Shih
Tzu puppies often suffer from pinched nostrils when they are teething.
This can take place from about six weeks until approximately six months.
Stenotic Nares is simply a term used when the nostrils are pinched upon
examination. This term is used VERY frequently by vets and clients are
encouraged by vets to do surgery to open the nasal passages. A sure
sign of an inexperienced vet is one who examines a brachiocephalic breed
and observes pinched nostrils during the teething stage and states the
puppy needs surgery.
Shih
Tzu are bred to have flat faces and therefore the flatter the face the
more likely your new puppy will suffer from pinched nostrils when he
or she is teething. Just like human babies swelling takes place as the
puppy teethes. Swelling of the bronchial tubes, gums, ear canals, and
nostrils as well as a low grade fever, are all common. Snorting and
stuffy sounds accompanied by tearful eyes and a clear runny nose with
the occasional bubble are common place when a Shih Tzu puppy is teething.
Again, the flatter the face the more likely your puppy will have extreme
symptoms.
So
how do you know a Shih Tzu is suffering from teething and not a
genetic issue that will require surgery? You have to find a breeder
you can TRUST!! A Shih Tzu that is born with Stenotic nares is not a
Shih tzu who suffers from pinched nostrils while teething. This
puppy will most likely require surgery.
The
symptoms of teething
Nostrils
will be "pinched" together to varying degrees. It is not
uncommon for a Shih Tzu puppy to have to breath through its mouth
during this phase of teething.
A
clear discharge from the nostrils and sometimes little bubbles.
Eyes
will tear and face may stay wet during this period
Opening
mouth to take a deep breath
Chewing
on things brings comfort to the gums as new teeth take their place
in the mouth.
Things
to be concerned about -
Lethargic,
sleepy puppy who does not play
Green
discharge from the nostrils
Puppy
who is not interested in food and does not take treats
Puppy
who never wags his or her tail.
Bailley's
Blog - Bailley was diagnosed with Cushing's
in November of 2014. We lost Bailley 8/15/17
This is
a record of our journey and how I chose to treat her. It is my hope
others will find comfort and answers.
