Maltese dogs can be prone to a variety of health problems. Some common ones include Patellar luxation, Hip dysplasia, Distichiasis, and Collapsed trachea. These conditions can lead to a range of symptoms and can even result in permanent damage. This article will discuss some of the most common problems and how to treat them. Then you can consult a veterinarian if your Maltese seems ill or has any of these problems.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs. It occurs more frequently in small breeds but has been on the rise in large breed dogs in recent years. It is important to identify the condition early to avoid further skeletal deformity and significant secondary joint changes. Different surgical techniques are available to correct the abnormality. Most dogs recover without major problems and are able to perform their normal activities.
The first sign of patellar luxation is an abnormality in the dog’s stride. It may appear as a swaying or skippy gait. It is also common for dogs to try and put their kneecap back into place. In some cases, they hold the affected leg up and stretch it behind them. When the patellar luxation is corrected, the dog is able to walk normally again. In cases of patellar luxation, the veterinarian may order an x-ray to assess the joint and any underlying damage.
Depending on the severity of the patellar luxation and how much damage is done, surgery can help. In severe cases, the dog may need a limb amputation, but in mild cases, surgery and medication can help your dog return to health.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a disease of the joints of the pelvis and can lead to a number of painful symptoms. Treatment can include dietary supplements, physical therapy, and surgery. The first treatment is conservative and involves reducing the stiffness of the joints and restoring joint mobility and function. The second treatment is surgical and involves replacing joint fluid or removing the affected part of the femur.
Early diagnosis of hip dysplasia can help prevent painful joint problems and help your dog live a longer life. Some symptoms of this disease include difficulty getting up from the floor, difficulty jumping, and guarding the hips and legs. Some dogs may even develop aggression or fear of moving.
The most effective medical management of hip dysplasia in maltese dogs begins with a comprehensive physical examination. A veterinarian may also recommend X-rays, which are an essential part of a comprehensive work-up for dogs with symptoms of hip joint pain. A simple X-ray can help determine the severity of hip dysplasia and determine the best treatment. Hip dysplasia can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia in maltese dogs may include limping or difficulty with walking. A veterinarian may also check for pain or grinding sounds in the joints of your dog. They may also recommend a blood test to check for inflammation.
Distichiasis
Distichiasis is an eyelid condition in which the eyelashes have extra hairs. These hairs rub against the eye surface and can be very irritating for your pet. It can also lead to corneal damage. Fortunately, distichiasis can be effectively treated with effective treatment methods. A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist can help you determine whether your pet has distichiasis and provide appropriate treatment options.
Distichiasis treatment is only necessary if the hairs irritate the eye or cause corneal ulcerations or conjunctivitis. In many cases, conservative management can be enough to manage the condition. However, some patients should consider surgical treatment if it is untreatable by medication. If the condition is severe, your dog may require repeated surgeries.
In some cases, the extra eyelashes may become inflamed, leading to corneal ulceration and scarring. If your dog suffers from distichiasis, your veterinarian may recommend an electrolysis procedure or cryosurgery to remove the extra eyelashes. The prognosis is good when the hairs are removed permanently.
In some cases, your dog may show only subtle signs of distichiasis. Symptoms can include excessive blinking, excessive tearing, and excessive squinting.
Collapsed trachea
Although collapsed trachea in maltese dogs is potentially life-threatening, the disease is relatively easy to treat and most dogs will live a normal life once diagnosed. Symptoms of collapsing trachea include rapid breathing and difficulty swallowing. A veterinarian can help you manage the condition and find the best treatment for your dog.
X-rays are the easiest way to diagnose tracheal collapse in dogs. Tracheal stripes should be uniformly thick and branch at the level of the heart. In 60 percent of dogs, however, the tracheal stripes are flat and not discernible on x-rays. In addition to the x-ray, veterinarians can perform an invasive procedure called bronchoscopy, which involves inserting a fiber optic camera or other diagnostic equipment into the trachea to examine its health.
Treatment for collapsed trachea in Maltese dogs varies from non-surgical treatment to surgery. While medication may help, surgery is often necessary in cases where the trachea has been damaged beyond repair. During the recovery process, medications can help reduce coughing and relieve any associated discomfort. The veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics and pain medications. Surgical treatment is only necessary for dogs with grades three or four collapsed trachea. The surgical procedure involves placing a prosthetic polypropylene ring that supports the trachea. This surgery is successful in 75 to 85% of cases.
Surgical treatment for trachea collapse can include inserting a mesh sleeve, stent, or rings into the trachea. However, this treatment comes with a high risk of complications. One study showed that 47% of dogs with tracheal collapse developed serious complications. Recovery from surgery can last four to eight weeks, and during this time, the dog should stay calm and avoid excitement. Excessive movement will aggravate the condition.
Food allergies
Food allergies in Maltese dogs can cause digestive problems, itchy skin, and other issues. The most common causes are dairy, beef, chicken, soy, and wheat gluten. But allergies can also affect other foods, including grains, legumes, and weeds. Fortunately, many food-related health problems in Maltese dogs are preventable. The first step is to find out what’s causing your dog’s problems.
If you think your dog is suffering from allergies, you should consult with your veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis. A veterinarian will run tests to rule out other possible causes, and may recommend an allergy test. However, allergy testing is not always accurate enough to pinpoint the exact cause of food allergies. In such cases, a veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet to determine the underlying cause of a dog’s symptoms.
If your dog has a severe reaction, your veterinarian may prescribe a medication to alleviate the symptoms. Medications can also help control secondary skin infections. If the allergy symptoms are severe, you should immediately take your dog to the veterinary hospital. It’s also important to give your pet plenty of water and shelter.
Food allergies are usually not visible until your dog reaches its first birthday. However, they can develop at any age. Food allergies can be triggered by any protein from either animal or plant sources. Some of the most common culprits include beef, corn, dairy, wheat, and eggs. In addition to these, other foods can trigger allergies, too.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
The disease is characterized by progressive deterioration of the retina, which can gradually lead to total blindness over months or years. This inherited degeneration primarily affects purebred dogs, but can also affect mixed-breed dogs. In both cases, genetic mutations are responsible for the disease.
This disorder affects the photoreceptor cells of the retina. They play an important role in daytime and night vision. When the photoreceptors are damaged, the affected dog will develop night blindness. The condition is usually detected by veterinary ophthalmology screening in early adulthood. Affected dogs usually begin showing visual impairment at four years of age, and eventually go blind.
Signs of this disease include night blindness, dilated pupils, and difficulty seeing in low light. They may even avoid dark places altogether. If you notice these symptoms in your pet, you should take him to the vet immediately. Further examination may reveal underlying genetics that may result in further degeneration of the retinal cells.
There is no specific treatment for this condition. Surgical removal of the cataracts in dogs with the disease is an option for some, but it is invasive and won’t improve the dog’s eyesight. Genetic treatments are now being investigated as a possible cure for PRA in dogs. However, these treatments are still in the experimental stage.