The Maltese terrier can suffer from several health issues. Some of the more common problems include Reverse sneezing, Collapsed trachea, Abscesses, and heart failure. For more information, check out the links below. Here are a few causes and treatment options.
Abscesses
Abcesses are painful conditions characterized by localized swelling and warmth. They are often accompanied by redness and inflammation. In severe cases, your dog may even bleed. Your pet may also start to lick or chew at the abscess site. You should take your dog to the vet for an examination and proper diagnosis.
A vet can diagnose the abscess by looking at the lump and its surrounding area. Your vet can perform a swab test to determine the type of bacteria present. Once the vet has a clear picture of the exact nature of the abscess, the vet can decide on the right treatment.
A vet can prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. A warm compress may help break up the abscess. You should not try to clean the abscess yourself. Attempting to do so is risky and unlikely to result in a complete drainage of the abscess. Veterinary care is essential if the abscess is close to the eyes, ears, genitals, or anus. The first step is to disinfect the affected area.
Heart failure
Heart failure in the Maltese terrrier is a relatively rare condition, and it can be treated successfully if it is recognized early. Generally, dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure are given oral medications that improve heart function and circulation, and reduce fluid in the body. Some dogs may require surgery. In such cases, a veterinarian can provide a special diet that contains low amounts of salt to prevent the fluid from accumulating.
The most common form of heart failure in dogs is left-sided congestive heart failure, which occurs when the heart fails to pump blood out of the left atrium. This causes a volume overload on the left side of the heart, which leads to coughing and difficulty breathing.
Heart failure in the Maltese terroir can be caused by several different causes. Any disease affecting the heart valves can lead to congestive heart failure. Over time, scar tissue may build up on heart valves and cause them to leak. Additionally, turbulent blood flow can lead to changes in the valves, making the heart work harder.
Retinal atrophy
Retinal atrophy is a genetic condition that causes blindness in dogs. This disease causes loss of vision and eventually total blindness. It is hereditary and can affect any dog at any age. If left untreated, it can lead to death. However, if detected early, treatments are effective.
There are two types of retinal atrophy: progressive and degenerative. Progressive retinal atrophy is the most common type. It can affect the eyes of young and old dogs. Early-onset GPRA occurs when the rods and cones are still developing, while late-onset GPRA develops with age.
Retinal atrophy in the Maltess can be caused by an obstruction in the tear duct. This can cause blurred vision and corneal ulceration. Surgery to open the puncta and duct is sometimes necessary. However, it’s important to note that this surgery is rarely successful in the long term.
Hypothyroidism
The symptoms of hypothyroidism in this breed of dog are non-specific, but include lethargy, mental dullness, and weight gain without an increase in food intake. This condition also causes dry skin and a dull coat. Hypothyroid dogs may also display a “tragic facial expression” or exhibit heat-seeking behavior. In severe cases, hypothyroidism can result in seizures, tremors, and ataxia.
Signs of hypothyroidism may mimic other diseases, so a proper diagnosis requires a comprehensive examination. Blood tests, including a T4 concentration screening test and serum chemistry panel, can confirm a diagnosis. However, these tests may be influenced by other medical conditions and may not give the correct result.
Many dogs have an autoimmune thyroid disease that causes their hypothyroidism. Because this disease is often the result of a different underlying condition, it is important to seek a veterinarian’s diagnosis to rule out other problems. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is a condition in which the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, causing an increase in the metabolic rate. Although hyperthyroidism in dogs is rare, it is still a serious condition.
Epilepsy
A Maltese terrier that has epilepsy has a few different symptoms. One of the most common is seizures, which occur in periods of time when the dog is unconscious. The seizures are accompanied by uncontrolled muscle activity. There are several different types of seizures, including generalized seizures and focal seizures. While a generalized seizure affects the entire body, a focal seizure affects just a portion of the brain. The symptoms of this type of seizure can range from abnormal movement of a limb or side of the body to even loss of consciousness.
The first step is to contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will want to know what happened in the past few days and check for possible structural lesions. They can also perform an electrocardiogram to rule out heart or kidney problems. Other tests can include a urine or blood chemistry test. If you are concerned about your Maltese terrier’s seizures, it is best to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. A vet can also order an MRI or CT scan if needed.
