WILLOWS POND PAPILLONS
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PAPILLON HEALTH
Papillon Health
The following are possible health concerns pertaining to Papillons.
Usual life expectancy of a Papillon is somewhere between 12 and 16 years of age. Overall, there are few health concerns in the papillon breed. Following are some health issues that can be experienced in toy dogs. I am not an expert in health or genetics of dogs, so please check with your local vet on health issues with any dog breed you are considering. These are issues that I have read about or heard about from papillon books and/or breeders. Please do your own research in any dog breed you are considering!!
Anesthesia
All dogs that are anesthetized are at risk of having problems while anesthesia is being used. Isoflurane gas is the anesthesia used for many Papillons. There are new types of anesthesia on the market. Consult your veterinarian when making surgery plans. DISCUSS ANESTHESIA FOR PAPILLONS WITH YOUR VET!! BE SURE YOUR VET IS ONE THAT IS AWARE OF ANESTHESIA CARE FOR THE PAPILLON.
Deafness If deafness is suspected there is a test "BAER" Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (electro diagnostic) that can be given by a qualified veterinarian.
Somewhat rare. Deafness can be congenital, or inherited or acquired. Unilateral (one ear) and bilateral (both ears) deafness has been diagnosed in Papillons. Testing on Papillons has not been gathered for reliable statistics about deafness.
Epilepsy
Few dogs are diagnosed as Epileptic. Epilepsy is a chronic condition with recurrent seizures. Even though seizures are always an abnormal event, not all seizures in dogs are caused by canine epilepsy. Epilepsy, a disorder of the brain with abnormal electrical triggers. Ask your vet about seizures in toy dog breeds.
Hypoglycemia
Toy breed puppies can be prone to hypoglycemia because of liver glucose storage/utilization problems. Symptoms of Hypoglycemia can show after playing hard, or long periods of not eating. Symtoms may include slight trembling, lack in energy, pale colored gums, or glassy looking eyes. Some try a small amount of Nutracal (a readily available dog vitamin) in the dogs mouth. Other things such as small amounts of honey or maple syrup can be tryed. Check with your vet on other options for fast treatment of Hypoglycemia. Knowing this ahead of time can be very important! Ask when inquiring about a toy breed dog, or ask during your 1st puppy visit! There are other things to do for a puppy that may be hypoglycemic.
Legg-Calve-Perthes
Rare in Papillons . A disorder of the blood supply getting to the femoral head ("ball" of the hip joint.) Causes bone to die- Can lead to arthritis of the hip. Would usually show up in the small breeds of dogs during the 1st yr. This is sometimes confused with hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia is not usually a major problem in small dogs. Femoral head necrosis is determined through X-rays. Surgery may be done to one or on both sides.
Discuss Legg-Calve-Perthes problems in small dogs with you vet.
Liver Shunt
This disease is relatively low for Papillons, but seems to be on the increase. Can occur inside the liver or outside.
Portosystemic Shunts include poor weight gain, sensitivity to sedatives like diazepam, depression, head pushing against a solid object, seizures, weakness, salivation, vomiting, poor appetite, increased drinking & urinating, balance problems, frequent urinary tract disease & early onset of bladder stones.
If the signs of problems increase dramatically after eating this is a strong supportive sign of a portosystemic shunt. Talk with your vet about Liver shunt possibilities in the papillon breed.
Extrahepatic shunts include porto-caval shunts are one of the most common types of extrahepatic shunts. There are ways that blood can by-pass the liver & empty into the systemic circulation, though. Surgery may be an option.
Intrahepatic shunts- May be more difficult to repair- the shunt is hidden inside the liver where it is not easy for a surgeon to work. Surgery is an option, but can be costly. Talk to your vet about liver shunt problems in toy dogs.
Patellar Luxation Progressive Retinal Atrophy ARTICLES OF INTEREST Snow Nose:
Common in all toy breeds of dogs. In the Papillon, luxation can be genetic or by injury from over use of the knee joint. Genetic luxation is usually found in young dogs. Possible luxations from injusry, can be caused to a healthy Pap that either jumps up & down on their back legs. Some dogs involved in different types of performance that use the knee (jumping, climbing , running) Athletes, (human or canine), can get stress related injuries. Patellar information: OFA site. Talk to your vet about Patellar Luxation in small breed dogs.
"PRA" is late onset (between 6-10 years of age) retinal degeneration. PRA can affect Papillons by the gradual loss of eyesight. Few known cases of PRA in the United States and Canada. Discuss with your vet about PRA in papillons.
