One of the main problems facing older Yorkies is cognitive dysfunction. This condition is often subtle at first, but it can be debilitating in its later stages. While this condition is not a precursor to dementia, it can make your dog’s life less enjoyable. You should be aware of the signs and symptoms.
Dementia
Your senior yorkie may exhibit some of the classic signs of dementia. It may be pacing or barking, or it might have a more irregular sleep/wake cycle. It may also exhibit aggressive behavior towards you or other people. This is a result of a loss of recognition of your presence, and may also be a sign of anxiety.
The good news is that dementia in senior dogs is treatable. There are many medications available that can help your dog live a longer and happier life. A veterinarian can help you determine which medications and therapies are best suited for your pup. You can also download an e-book to get a better understanding of how to care for a senior dog.
Early detection is essential to slow mental decline. The sooner your dog is diagnosed with dementia, the easier it will be to slow down its progression. However, it is vital to visit your veterinarian at least twice a year so you can monitor any changes. If you notice that your dog is showing signs of dementia, seek immediate treatment to help him or her live a longer life.
As with any illness, dementia affects both dogs and owners in different ways. It may be stable for a while but will only worsen with age. When it reaches its most advanced stage, most owners will have to euthanize their pet.
Retinal dysplasia
If you notice changes in your dog’s eyesight, you may be dealing with retinal dysplasia. This condition is not fatal but requires treatment. Early detection is the key to successfully treating the condition. Your veterinarian will refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist if you suspect that your dog is suffering from the disease. Early diagnosis and therapy are crucial for preventing vision loss and permanent blindness.
Although retinal dysplasia is typically hereditary, it can also be caused by injury to the retina. This can occur as a result of parvovirus, herpes, or exposure to toxins. A simple eye exam will confirm if your dog has this condition, and regular eye exams can help your pet adjust. In severe cases, retinal dysplasia can result in blindness within a year. Although there is no cure for retinal dysplasia in senior yorkies, you can help your dog adjust by keeping their environment unchanged.
Retinal dysplasia in senior Yorkies can present as a variety of different symptoms. Some of them include an increased risk of vision loss, blurry vision, and a decreased ability to see. However, most cases can be treated without surgery and most Yorkies recover well.
While there is no cure for this condition, there are many ways to slow the progression of the disease. You can avoid breeding older dogs with the condition, or take supplements that contain antioxidants. Your vet can provide you with more information. Until more effective treatments are available, your best bet is to keep your dog comfortable and free from stress. A specialized veterinary ophthalmologist can also perform an electroretinogram, which can provide more information on the condition.
Arthritis of the kneecap
Arthritis of the kneecap in your senior Yorkie can lead to lameness and stiffness. A veterinarian can help by diagnosing the problem and suggesting treatment. Severe cases may require surgery. It is important to keep your Yorkie in good health and at a healthy weight to avoid added stress on the joints.
The condition is most common in smaller breeds, but it can also occur in older dogs. Arthritis is caused by degeneration of the cartilage, so if your Yorkie is older, he is more prone to developing the condition. In addition, this condition may affect one or both knees.
Arthritis of the kneecap in a senior Yorkie is usually an inherited condition and should be treated by a veterinarian. The condition is painful, and if not treated, it can lead to lameness. There are several causes of arthritis in the knee, but most commonly the condition is caused by genetics.
Early diagnosis is key to preventing serious complications. If the condition is caught early, surgical treatment can help prevent further degeneration of the joint. In the early stages, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve pain and inflammation. In more advanced cases, joint fluid modifiers may help.
Arthritis of the kneecap can also lead to permanent lameness, and even a limp. In addition to arthritis of the kneecap, Yorkies may also suffer from retinal dysplasia, which causes folds and irregularities in the retina. If your Yorkie is suffering from either of these conditions, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Legg-Perthes disease
Legg-Perthes disease is a degenerative disease of the hip joint in Yorkies. Symptoms include the dog holding its leg differently and showing increased pain with slight touch. A physical examination and x-rays are required to diagnose the condition. Treatment can include pain medication and surgery.
A femoral head and neck osteotomy is the most common surgery for the dog suffering from Legg-Perthes disease. This procedure removes the head of the femur and allows the body to heal itself using scar tissue. Although it is considered a last resort, it is a great option for dogs with LCPD that are not responding to medical treatment.
The signs of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease begin with a limp that gradually worsens with age. Over time, the affected dog will become weak and unable to bear weight on its affected leg. The disease often affects one hip at a time, but there are cases where both hips are involved.
This condition is common in young Yorkshire Terriers. It is believed to be caused by a reduced blood supply to the hip, which causes the femoral head to become brittle and easily fracture. The condition is most likely to begin with a limp, but eventually, it may progress to arthritis and even paralysis.
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a degenerative disease of the hip joint in dogs. It is most common in toy breeds and is most likely to occur at around seven months of age. Inflammation, stiffness, and pain are common symptoms. Surgical treatment involves removing the head of the femur and forming a false joint.
Cataracts
Although cataract surgery is an option for some dogs with advanced disease, it is not an inexpensive option for most dog owners. In addition, most do not have the luxury of a nearby veterinarian. Instead, most choose to manage the disease. This means regular veterinary checkups and treating secondary diseases such as inflammation and glaucoma. It may also involve regular eye drops.
The main symptom of cataracts in dogs is cloudy or opaque eyes. A white streak or spot can also appear. These symptoms indicate the development of a cataract, which can prevent light from reaching the retina and result in vision loss. Although the disease can be a frightening prospect, there are many treatment options available.
Cataracts can be either incipient or mature. During the incipient stage, the cataract may involve less than 15 percent of the lens, causing no visual loss. In the mature stage, more than 75 percent of the lens may be affected, and significant vision loss may result. The severity of vision loss depends on the stage of the disease, but it is always best to seek treatment as early as possible.
Once a diagnosis of cataracts is confirmed, a veterinary ophthalmologist will perform cataract surgery on the affected eye. After conducting several tests, the veterinarian will decide if your dog is a good candidate for surgery. Cataract surgery is typically successful, but you should still consider your pet’s safety and comfort when deciding upon a course of treatment.
Glaucoma
If you suspect that your senior Yorkie might be suffering from glaucoma, it’s a good idea to visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. A proper diagnosis will help prevent the disease from progressing to a more serious stage, which can lead to blindness. Your veterinarian can help treat the condition with medications to reduce intraocular pressure. In more advanced cases, your dog may need surgery to drain fluid from the eye.
The symptoms of glaucoma can be subtle and are often not apparent until eyesight in one eye begins to diminish. Although it can take some time before you notice a decrease in your dog’s vision, a veterinary professional can monitor it and recommend the appropriate treatment. Treatment usually focuses on preventing the disease from spreading to the other eye and relieving the pain in the affected eye.
In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend surgical removal of the eye to reduce pressure and alleviate pain. Aside from surgical treatment, your dog may need periodic checks to ensure that the disease does not progress. Depending on the severity of the disease, medications and routine checkups can cost thousands of dollars over the life of your dog. Surgical treatment is also expensive, but it’s a procedure that is performed only once.
Glaucoma is a progressive condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure. This eye disease damages the eye’s retina and optic disk. It can cause partial or total blindness. Your Yorkie may lose the use of one or both eyes, and you may need to replace the eye with a prosthesis.
