Health of Chow Chows

Informative Links

Take a few minutes to participate in the chow chow health survey.

Worldwide Web Virtual Library - Animal Health & Diseases

Vetinfo4dogs.com - Coverage of multitude of health issues.

Vetinfo.com - Encyclopedia of Animal Health

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals - For information and USA statistics.

Chow Health - Articles covering various health issues in Chow Chows.

Health Testing - Hype or Hope? - Are health tests done by breeders of any use?

EasyRotatorjQuery slider

Aural System - Ears

Partial/Complete Deafness:
(present from birth)

Congenital deafness most common type; may be partial or complete; one or both ears; unilateral deafness most common form in dogs.

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
For information and USA statistics on Congenital Deafness
Deafness in Dogs & Cats

More on ear conditions in dogs

Visual System - Eyes

Entropion:	Curling in of the eyelid, causing eyelashes/hair to scratch the cornea/conjunctiva & cause irritation/infection. Lower lid is more commonly affected because of poorly formed tarsal plate. Upper lid entropion likely due to excess skin or small eyeball.	Johannesburg Animal Eye Hospital (has Cape Town Branch)
Ectropion:	The sagging of the lower eyelid, exposing third eyelid and conjunctiva causing irritatio/infection.	More on different Eye conditions.
Trichiasis:	Hair on surface of eyelid growing towards eye, not away from it cauring irritation, epiphora, keratitis.	http://www.eyevet.ca/ for more on various eye conditions.
Distichiasis:	Hair growing out of abnormal places, such as glands along the eyelids. Also called "double row of eyelashes".
Imperforate Lacrimal Punctum "blocked tearducts":	Opening of the nasolacrimal drainage system fails to develop resulting in epiphora.	Veterinary Opthalmology Info Centre
PPM - Persistant Pupillary Membranes:	A developmental abnormality; remnants of embryonic vascular system. Membrane forming the iris does not form properly. Varies from type that is virtually invisible to the naked eye to type that results in blindness.
PRA - Progressive Retinal Atrophy	A group of conditions that are hereditary, resulting in progressive loss of vision & blindness	More on PRA
VKH - Uveodermatologic Syndrome:	Considered to be an autoimmune disorder, resulting in concurrent granulomatous uveitis, depigmenting dermatitis and rare meningoencephalitis. Sudden onset uveitis - may be painful and progress to blindness; concurrent or subsequent leukoderma of the nose, lips and eyelids. Footpads, scrotum, anus and hard palate may also become depigmented. Ulcerations may develop. Meningoencephelitis (rare).	http://www.akita-friends.com/ special/vkh.htm for details on VKH
Cataracts:	A change in structure of the lens in progressive cases leading to blindness.
Glaucoma:	High IOP that causes characteristic dgenerative changes in the optic nerve and retina with subsequent loss of vision. Develops when normal outflow of aqueous humor is impaired. May be result of primary eye disease (narrow or closed filtration angles and goniodysgenesis which have a genetic predisposition). May be secondary to other eye diseases (primary lens luxation, anterior uveitis, intraocular tumour or lyphema)	http://eyecareforanimals.com/ for more on various eye conditions

Sensory System - Mouth

Incorrect Bite and/or Malocclusion can be congenital or developmental.
Brachygnathia "Overshot":	The upper jaw is abnormally longer than the lower jaw.	Discussion of different dental conditions
Prognathism "Undershot":	The lower jaw is abnormally longer than the upper jaw.	Pet Dental Care
Abnormal Dentition:	Anodontia (absence of one or more teeth), retained deciduous teeth, supranumery teeth, dens in dente and shape abnormalities
Cleft Palate/Lips Complex:	Usually occurs as a unilateral defect in the lip or palate. May be identified as offset palatal rugae on the roof of the oral cavity, incomplete fusion of the soft palate or orsonasal fistula through a cleft palate.

Respiratory System - Breathing

Overlong Soft Palate:

Mismatch of soft palate and pharynx length. In this case the soft palate often overlies most of the epiglottis, is thickened and partially obstructs the glottis. (Resulting in snorting/snoring). With excercise (some cases even limited) the soft palate becomes inflamed and edematous, causing further obstruction.

Veterinary perspective of the overlong soft palate

Breathing concerns of shorter nosed dogs

Tracheal Hypoplasia:

Inadequate growth of tracheal rings; commonly associated with secondary respiratory tract infection. Chronic respiratory distress is likely to occur, particularly with exercise. (Sounds like asthmatic)

Veterinary perspective of tracheal collapse

Breathing abnormalities in shorter nosed dogs

Laryngeal Paralysis:

Failure of larynx to abduct during inspiration produces muted bark and soft, moist cough; later roaring sound of inspiratory dyspnea becomes dominant sound.

Veterinary perspective on laryngyeal paralysis & collapse

Structural - Forelegs & Spine

Elbow Dysplasia:	This encompasses a group of developmental elbow joint abnormalities.	VetImaging Specialists For information on Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia in Southern Africa
Carpal Luxation "knuckling over":	Condition that occurs bilaterally and is limited to the carporadial joints; appears when puppies begin to walk at about 3 weeks of age; although it is due to weak ligaments, the ligaments are weak because of poor carpal formation or other reasons.	Orthopedic Foundation for Animals For information and USA statistics on Elbow Dysplasia
Digital Hyperkeratosis:	Digital Hyperkeratosis: (actually a skin condition). Hyperkeratosis of the footpads of all four paws develops at an early age; affected pads tend to fissure, become secondarily infected and painful.	Discussion on digital hyperkeratosis

Structural - Hindlegs

Hip Dysplasia:	The term dysplasia means abnormal growth. Thus hipdysplasia is a developmental condition that results in abnormal looseness or laxity of the hipjoints; poor formation and fit of 'ball' & 'socket'.r obstruction.	Orthopedic Foundation for Animals For information and USA statistics on Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation
Patellar Luxation:	Condition resulting from alteration of structures that maintain the normal position of patella; usually medial, being unilateral or bi-lateral; onset usually evident at 4 - 6 months of age.	Patellar Luxaton Info on Patellar Luxation More on Patellar Luxation
Cruciate Ligament Injury:	Tearing - partial or complete - of ligaments in the knee joint.	Optional methods to repair cruciate ligament damage Another method of repair
Tarsal Luxation "double hocking":	Condition that occurs uni- or bilaterally and is limited to the tarsal joints. Although it is due to weak ligaments, the ligaments are weak because of poor tarsal formation or other reasons.

Dermatology - Skin

Digital Hyperkeratosis (see skeletal structure, forelegs)
Hotspots:		Various skin conditions
Colour Mutant Alopecia:	Ectodermal defect of colour mutants characterized by partial alopecia, dry lustreless hair & coat, scaliness and papules; defects in melanization and cortical structure of affected hairs also occurs.
Sebacious Adenitis:		Orthopedic Foundation for Animals For information and USA statistics on Sebaceous Adenitis
Tyrosinase Deficiency:	Changes in colour of tongue, buccal mucosa and portions of hair shaft are result of deficiency of tyrosinase, the enzyme necessary in chemical reactions that produce melanin.
Pemphigus (Foliaceus/Vulgaris):	Covers a group of non-infectious, blistering or ulcerative skin disorders due to auto-antibodies (autoimmune) produced against various components of the skin. Lesions can occur anywhere on the body, although the mucocutaneous junctions such as around the muzzle, ears, eyes and anal region are most commonly affected. Nailbeds may be affected and nails lost. Hair loss, loss of pigment, crusting, variable irritation, formation of blisters & ulcers.	Serious skin conditions discussed
Vitiligo:	Loss of skin pigment, especially around nose, lips, buccal mucosa and facial skin; footpads and nails as well as haircoat may be affected.
Growth hormone responsive dematoses:	Uncommon dermatoses resulting from a growth hormone deficiency or dermatoses responding to growth hormone therapy. Pituitary dwarfism - the result of a primary growth hormone deficiency. Adult-onset growth hormone responsive dermatosis: A clinical syndrome that responds to growth hormone therapy; patients may be strictly growth hormone deficient or may have one or more of a plethora of hormonal abnormalitiees, including possible imbalances of adrenal sex hormones. Adult onset - generally noted at 1-2 years of age, primarily affects males, although seen in both sexes (neurtered and intact) & at all ages. Similar to this: castration-responsive dermatosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia-like syndrome).	More on auto-immune conditions

Body Wall - Hernia

Hernia Hiatal:	Defect of the phrenoesophageal ligament which allows displacement of the gastroesophageal junction forward into the thoracic cavity.	What is a hernia?
Hernia Inguinal:	Defect in formation of the aponeuroses of the inguinal ring and linea alba.	Treatment of various hernias
Hernia Umbilical:	Failure of normal closure of the umbilical ring; increasing abdominal pressure with advancing age forces the omentum or occasionally the intestines into the defect.

Urinary System - Renal

Familial Renal Disease:

Renal function in affected individuals varies depending on degree and duration of renal involvement; polyuria and polydypsia, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss or inability to gain weight, and eventually non-regenerative anemia, azotemia, skeletal changes, gastrointestinal signs occur in most affected individuals. Renal insufficiency and azotemia occurs between 3 months & 5 years.

Hereditary kidney disease

Metabolic/Endocrine System

Gastric Torsion "Bloat":	Accumulation of fluid and gas in the abdomen. The abdomen becomes distended and tense. The dilation may result in rotation of the stomach within the abdomen, causing a twisting of the entrance and exit, which prevents escape of gas into the oesophagus or duodenum. Distention interferes with the blood supply causing onset of shock and the condition may rapidly become fatal. Urgent veterinary attention is necessary.	Oncolink Veterinary Oncology
Stomach Cancer:	It appears the Chow is predisposed to this form of Cancer.	VIN Oncology Gateway
Hypothyroidism:	Deficient production of metabolic hormones. Usually does not show until dog is 4 years or older. Classic signs: lethargy, obesity, alopecia. Classically alopecia is bilaterally symmetrical, non-pruritic alopecia (no itching or scratching) Excessive deposition of dark pigment melanin in skin, with skin feeling like fine sandpaper. Puffy, thickening of skin on neck and forehead. Patients feel the cold more.	Orthopedic Foundation for Animals For information and USA statistics on Thyroid
Diabetes Mellitus:	May become evident as early as 2 to 6 months of age. Affected individuals usually exhibit decreased rate of growth in addition to polyphagia, polyuria and soft diarrheic stools. Increased thirst results in increased urine production; muscle wasting & weight loss despite increased appetite. 25% of patients develop cateracts...	Diabetes in your chow chow?

Neuromuscular/Nervous System

Cerebellar Hypoplasia:	Uniform forms of cerebellar hypoplasia in which clinical signs of cerebellar dysfunction are present at birth and do not progress. Swaying of trunk, excessive elevation of limb, limb stopping short of the ground or slapping feet on the ground (goose stepping). Tremors of limbs and head. Over and undershooting when trying to eat/drink.	More on neurological diseases
Hypomyelination/ Dysmyelination:	Reduced/abnormal myelination of the central nervous system occur. Teneralised tremors that decrease at rest and exaggerated by attempts to walk. Normal initiation with exaggerated follow-through on postural reactions. Reflexes normal. Rhythmic body tremors that disappear with rest. Occurs in 3 - 5 week old pups.	Hypomyelination/dysmyelination?
Myotonia:	Persistent muscle contraction subsequent to either voluntary contraction or stimulation; prominent stiffness of gait noted when affected animals first become ambulatory and lessens with further exercise, being worse in pelvic limbs. Stiffness exacerbates with excitement and cold temperatures. Clinical signs often stabilize once the animals mature. There is no therapy.	Myotonia in the chow chow

Reproductive System

Males - Cryptorchidism:	Describes a dog with one/both testicles in the abdomen. The dog is then described as a unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid, depending on whether or not both testes are affected. In most puppies the testes have descended through the inguinal canal soon after birth, and can be relatively easily detected by 12 weeks of age.	Discussions on reproductive issues
Females - Delayed Puberty:	When first season only occurs from 18 - 24 months of age. Family history helps to predict occurence.	Reproductive concerns for the breeder
Silent Heat:	Minimal swelling or discharge. Difficult to detect without presence of a male.
Split Heat:	Proestrus signs occur without progression to estrus. Typically occurs in young biches. Sexual receptivity does not occur. Cycle is repeated every 2 - 10 weeks. No treatment is recommended. Most bitches progress to a normal estrus period.
Hormonal Imbalances:
Inertia:
Management Errors:	Failure to conceive may be due to: Timing - receptive and fertile periods may not correlate with handlers choice of dates. Behaviour or physical problems may occur. Dominant bitches may not allow a male at appropriate or correct times. Strictures or septate bands may be present and painful - female won't permit male.	Timing of mating the female

Anaesthetics

The Chow Chow seems to have a sensitivity to some anaesthetics - thus these must be approached with caution & care.

Chow Chow Health

Like all living beings, Chow Chows have their share of hereditary problems. Many of these can crop up as far back as 7 generations, so even careful breeders will encounter problems. Add to this congenital as well as acquired problems, and there is a lot to learn.