Hypoglycemia:
Commonly referred
to as low blood sugar. Toy breed dogs have a very
small fat reserve that in times of excitement and
stress is used up very rapidly. Signs of
hypoglycemia include confusion, disorientation,
unusual drowsiness, shivers and/or staggering. In
an advanced stage the dog can collapse and go into
seizures. Immediate sugar and protein ingestion is
necessary. The best product to keep on hand is
Nutrical, available from your veterinarian. In an
emergency, sugar water or syrup or even honey will
work. If the condition persists after a few minutes
contact your veterinarian.
http://www.pcoc.net/hypoglycemia.htm
http://www.vet.utk.edu/features/hypoglycemia.htm
Collapsed
Trachea: Small
breed dogs are particularly susceptible this
condition. The tracheal rings, which are made of
cartilage, become weak and fail to keep the trachea
open during breathing. When the trachea collapses,
air is no longer able to move freely through the
respiratory tract. Depending upon the stage of
respiration in which the collapse occurs, air may
become trapped within the lungs or blocked from
entering them. Excitement, exercise, obesity,
injury and allergies are all factors that may
trigger and irritate a tracheal collapse.
http://www.petsdoc.com/.../collapsedtrachea.html
http://www.vetcentric.com/...
http://azlink.com/~mkk/trachea.html
http://maltesemagic.homestead.com/C2.html
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_tracheal_collapse.html
Luxating
Patella (Slipping Kneecaps): A
dislocation of the kneecap. This condition can
either be congenital (present at birth) or acquired
(trauma induced). In most cases surgery is not
indicated, but a severe grade of patellar luxation
may dictate the need for surgery to improve the
function of the leg. Arthritis will normally
develop, whether or not surgery is performed. Be
sure that both parents are certified "clear" of this
condition, and that care is taken with the puppy to
avoid damaging its knees.
http://www.offa.org/patluxinfo.html
http://www.k9haven.org/health.html
http://www.workingdogs.com/vcpatlux.htm
http://www.barkbytes.com/medical/med0023.htm
Hypothyrodism: A simple blood test
will determine the existence of the condition. The symptoms can include
skin and coat problems, sudden onset of aggressive behavior, itching,
lethargy, musky odor, and many more. This condition is treatable with
ongoing prescription therapy.
