Chinese Imperial and
Shih Tzu
Health Information
Written by Karen
Christensen
Imperial Shih Tzu
have very few health
issues but I have
listed the ones that
people may have or
may not of heard of.
My goal here is to
dispel the myths
concerning the
health of the
Imperial Shih Tzu.
There are many
myths involving the
health of Imperial
Shih Tzu commonly
known as the Chinese
Imperial Dog. Most
of these are
unfounded. This
article will address
the most common ones
and dispel the
myths.
Umbilical
Hernias
An umbilical
hernia is a small
bubble like
protrusion of fat at
the navel. This is
very common in the
breed as the
Imperial Shih Tzu
has a flat face with
an under bite. This
does not allow the
dam to cut the cord
with her teeth. The
breeder must cut the
cord for her. If the
cord is tugged on
excessively it will
cause an umbilical
hernia. Most are
very small and will
close over time as
the puppy grows.
This can take up to
one year. Some small
ones do not ever
close. This is not a
cause for concern
and will not effect
the health of the
dog as long as you
are able to push the
fat back into the
hole. If the bubble
becomes hard or the
hernia is quite
large you should
have it surgically
repaired. A great
time to have this
done is when you
spay or neuter your
pet.
Pinched
Nostrils
Your puppy may
have snorty sounding
breathing. This may
be caused by tightly
closed nostrils.
This is called
pinched nostrils.
When your puppy is
teething, it causes
the gums and the
lining of the
nostrils to swell.
They may also have a
clear discharge
coming from the
nose. This clears up
after the adult
teeth grow in. As
long as the puppy is
eating, drinking and
playing normally
then the puppy is
just fine and
healthy. If the
puppy is not eating
or playing then
there may be and
infection and should
be seen by your
Veterinarian.
Reverse
Sneezing
Reverse sneezing
is when your puppy
seams to be unable
to breath easy and
making a honking or
snorting sound. The
cause may be
allergies, nasal
irritants or even
nasal inflammation.
Also a slightly
elongated soft
palette can suck
against the throat
when inhaling. This
can be a bit
alarming to witness
as it seams that the
dog is not able to
breath. This is
actually very common
in the flat nosed
and toy breeds.
Reverse sneezing is
not life threatening
and will last a very
short time.
Open
Fontanels
Sometimes the
smaller Imperial
puppies will mature
slower than the
larger Shih Tzu and
will have an open
fontanels longer.
This is will most
likely close as the
puppy gets older.
This does not
predispose the dog
to a condition
called
hydrocephalus.
However, the puppy
should be protected
from hitting it's
head as this could
cause injury or
death.
Hypoglycemia
In our tiny dogs
hypoglycemia or low
blood sugar is a
very common problem.
Signs of
hypoglycemia are a
wobbly gait,
confusion, lethargy
and if it is allowed
to progress without
treatment can even
lead to seizures.
Tiny dogs suffer
from this more often
than the larger
breeds. This is due
to their larger
brains and smaller
livers compared to
their body size.
Also in the way that
the smaller dogs
process blood sugar.
The larger breeds
use blood sugar
stored in their
muscles. Our tiny
dogs get their blood
sugar directly from
the blood on which
their larger brains
are completely
dependant. Puppies
are at a greater
risk of hypoglycemia
and should be fed at
least a minimum for
4 times a day with
small snacks. The
puppy should grow
out of this but
should never miss a
meal even as an
adult. A stressful
situation, such as a
trip to the groomer
or Vet. can also
bring on an attack.
To prevent this have
a product called Nutri-Cal or even
Karo syrup on hand
at all times. This
will help bring up
the blood sugar. You
may also want to
give your it to your
puppy at bedtime and
first thing in the
morning. Get to know
your puppy’s signals
and you should be
able to prevent all
issues with
hypoglycemia. Your
tiny dog should able
to go on to live a
perfectly healthy
life with only the
slightest adjustment
in their feeding
schedule.
Many people
unfamiliar with our
precious breed have
alarmed new comers
to the breed
unnecessarily. The
Imperial Shih Tzu
also known as the
Chinese Imperial Dog
is quite a healthy
little breed and
will make a
wonderful pet
without concern for
it's health.