Pomeranian Health Problems

Pomeranian Health Problems - Common Small Dog Problems

• Dental Problems: Small breed dogs such as Pomeranians tend to have tooth and gum diseases - the small size of their mouth leads to teeth overcrowding, which in turn makes it easy for dental problems to arise. For example, because of the overcrowding teeth, it is easy for food to get trapped between teeth especially if you do not regularly brush your dog's teeth. This can cause plaque and tartar buildup. If left untreated, overtime, more serious dental problems such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss will occur.
  Keeping your Pomeranian's teeth clean by daily brushing and regular dental check-ups are essential. Also avoid starchy and sugary snacks.
• Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia, which is a state of abnormally low blood sugar level, is one of the most common Pomeranian health problems. Hypoglycemia can cause problems to the nervous system, resulting in seizures and even coma.
  A hypoglycemic attack may happen without much warning, although sometimes a dog with low blood sugar level may show signs of lethargy, weakness, restlessness, and tremors.
  Treating a dog with a hypoglycemic attack takes quick action because even a mild case of hypoglycemia can rapidly deteriorate resulting in permanent brain damage. The best way of course is to prevent it from happening by taking various precautions.
• Tracheal Collapse: This condition occurs primarily in older small breed dogs, particularly Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Toy Poodles. Obese dogs are especially vulnerable to this health problem.
  Tracheal collapse occurs because the tracheal rings do not possess normal rigidity resulting in the collapse of the trachea wall as the dog inhales. The collapse of the trachea wall leads to a narrowing of the windpipe. Thus, the typical sign of this problem is a goose-honk cough, sometimes accompanied by gagging and harsh breathing, and made worse by stress and exertion. Coughing may also occur when the dog eats or drinks.
  Mild to moderate symptoms can be treated by bronchodilator drugs and a low-stress routine that avoids situations that trigger coughing episodes. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. To protect the dog's throat and keep pressure off the airway, using a harness instead of a collar is important.
• Chronic Valvular Disease: Small and toy breed dogs (such as Pomeranians) are predisposed to this common heart disease of unknown cause. This condition is characterized by degenerative changes in the heart valves. The valve leaflets become thickened and distorted so that the free edges of the valves no longer make contact. As a result, there is a loss of valve function and a fall in cardiac output.
  The hallmark symptom of chronic valvular disease is a loud heart murmur heard over the left side of the chest. The disease is chronic and progressive, and if left untreated, can develop into congestive heart failure.

Pomeranian Health Problems - Eye Problems

• Distichiasis: Distichiasis is a rather common congenital condition in Pomeranians in which an extra row of eyelashes grows from the eyelid and is directed inward, resulting in the eyelashes constantly touching and rubbing the sensitive eyeball tissue. This causes constant irritation and eventual corneal abrasion which may result in scarring and loss of vision.
  The affected eye is red and irritated, causing the dog to squint constantly and rub the eye incessantly (e.g. against furniture or using his paws).
  Treatment of distichiasis is simply by the removal of the extra inward-growing eyelashes either by cryotherapy (chemical freezing), surgery, or electrolysis. Electrolysis is a process in which a tiny needle is placed inside the hair follicle and a small pulse of electricity is passed thereby killing the follicle permanently so that no hair can re-grow.
• Entropion: Entropion is another eyelid condition that is rather common in Pomeranians, and can occur in both eyes. Specially, it is a condition in which the bottom eyelid rolls inward causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea, resulting in pain, excessive tearing, and eye inflammation. This condition can be corrected by surgery.

Pomeranian Health Problems - Joint Problem

• Luxating Patella: Luxating patella is a congenital disease in which the alignment of the bones and joints of the hind leg is abnormal, resulting in a displacement of the patella to the side of the joint. The main symptom of luxating patella is an intermittent hopping on the limb when the patella pops out of place. Depending on the severity of the problem, dogs with luxating patella may need surgical correction.

Other Pomeranian Health Problems

• Growh Hormone-Responsive Alopecia (hair loss): Normally growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland. However, for some unknown reasons, in some dogs the pituitary gland does not produce or release enough growth hormone. This results in, amongst other symptoms, symmetrical hair loss. The symptoms generally appear at puberty, and Pomeranians, especially Pom males, are predisposed to this disease. Treatment of choice for growth hormone-responsive alopecia is neutering.
• Hypothyrodism: Hypothyroidism is a hormonal condition. Specially, the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of the thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism in dogs is commonly an autoimmune disease (autoimmune thyroiditis), although it can occasionally be the result of causes such as a poor diet, overuse of certain medications, or toxins. Dogs with hypothyroidism have low metabolisms, and show symptoms such as exercise intolerance, chronic skin infections, hair loss, and weight gain (without increase food consumption).
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus: This is a congenital heart defect in which the connection between the aorta and pulmonary arteries is not closed at birth as it normally should. This results in a heart murmur that can be felt through the body wall.
  Patent ductus arteriosus affects many dog breeds including the Pomeranian. The treatment of choice is by surgery. Without surgery, 60 percent of affected puppies die within the first year.