Do Chow Chows have health issues?
Yes, Chow Chows are more prone to certain health issues, including:
- Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition in Chow Chows and many other dog breeds. It occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to instability and eventual degeneration of the joint. This can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
- Elbow dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is another orthopedic condition that commonly affects Chow Chows. It is caused by abnormal development of the elbow joint, leading to pain, lameness, and arthritis. Elbow dysplasia can be managed with medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Eye problems: Due to their facial structure, Chow Chows are predisposed to entropion, a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye, which can lead to irritation, corneal ulcers, and vision problems if left untreated. They are also prone to cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision; glaucoma, a disease that causes excessive pressure on the eye, damages the optic nerve, and eventually leads to vision loss and blindness; and distichiasis, an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, the extra eyelashes and abnormal location result in irritation to the eye.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and other organs. GDV requires emergency veterinary treatment and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
- Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.
- Renal cortical hypoplasia: This is an inherited condition that causes abnormal development of the kidney and eventually leads to renal failure.