Health Problems Of The Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is affected by many health problems, as are many toy breeds. Looking out for Pomeranian health problems is very important. Knowing which health problems to keep an eye out for can allow you to spot health problems before they become life threatening or permanently harm the dog.
Pomeranian’s are commonly affected by a condition called Patent Ductus Arteriosus or PDA. This is a form of congenital heart disease that can result in heart failure and death unless it is correct at an early age. Females are twice as likely to get the condition as males.
Another of the Pomeranian health problems that you should be aware of is entropion. This is an eye defect that results in the eyelid turning in towards the eyeball. The hairs or lashes will then rub against the surface of the eye as a result.
Both the upper or lower eyelids can be affected by the condition and sometimes even both eyelids can be affected at the same time. The condition will typically occur in both eyes at the same time in Pomeranians. This is a very painful condition for the dog and can cause the eyes to water and sometimes the tears will even stain the hairs on the face. This problem is only corrected through surgery.
Pomeranian’s will typically have the condition occur to both eyes. For the dog the condition is very painful and often causes their eyes to water, sometimes the hairs on the face will even become stained from the tears. Surgery is required in order to correct this problem. Signs to watch out for with this condition include excessive tearing, red eyes and squinting. Damage to the eye can result if the condition is not corrected as soon as possible and the damage can even be severe enough to cause partial or complete vision loss for the dog.
Pomeranian health problems also include conditions that are inherited from the adults to the puppies. Two of the most common include hydrocephalus and patellar luxation. Hydrocephalus is more commonly known as “water on the brain” and is a condition in which the brain cavity of the skull collects excess fluid.
The condition is typically caused by trauma, but the Pomeranian’s can have it as a result of a hereditary condition. If a puppy is affected with this condition they will develop more slowly while adults dogs will have signs such as circling, pacing, seizures and paralysis.
Known as “slipping kneecaps”, patellar luxation is an inherited joint condition. When the kneecap doesn’t have a deep enough groove to move in this condition develops and the kneecap slips out of the groove. You will notice your dog hopping for a few steps when this condition occurs. A single surgery will typically permanently correct this condition.
