Papillon Health Concerns
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If you are looking for a Papillon puppy, it is very important that you find a reputable Papillon Breeder who has the
health concerns of the breed at the heart of their breeding program.
It is only by testing and clearing their quality breeding stock that the problems that plaque the breed can only be
brought under control. Even though this does not guarantee a perfect puppy, it does help in knowing that you and
the breeder have done what you can to find a healthy puppy. Some breeders don't care about your puppies health
or are not knowledgeable enough about the health issues of this breed.
Here at Katurah's Papillons, it is at the up most importance of everything we do.
Patellar Luxation: Is the dislocation (slipping) of the patella (knee cap). In dogs it is a small bone that shields the
front of the stifle joint. This bone is held in place by ligaments. As the knee joint is moved, the patella slides in
the grove of the femur. The knee cap may dislocate towards the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) of the leg.
This condition may be the result of an injury or a congenital deformities present at birth. Patellar luxation can
effect one leg or both legs.
The most common occurrence of luxating patella is the medial presentation in small or tea cup dogs. Shallow
femoral grove, weak ligaments, misalignment of the tendons and muscles that straighten the joint are all conditions
that will predispose a dog towards luxating patellas.
Indications of patellar luxation are: difficulty in straightening the knee, pain in the stifle, limping, or the tip of the
hock points outward while the toes point inward.
The diagnosis of this condition can usually be confirmed by a veterinarian, by manipulating the stifle joint and
pushing the patella in and out of position.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): It is a genetic disease in the eye characterized by degeneration of the retina
that occurs bilaterally. It is seen in certain breeds of dogs. It causes progressive vision lose culminating in
blindness. The condition in nearly all breeds is inherited as a recessive trait. There is no treatment. PRA is similar
to retinitis pegmentosa in humans. PRA is the most common type and cause atrophy of the neural retinal
structures. PRA can be divided into either dysplastic disease, where the cells develop abnormally and degenerative,
where the cells develop normally but then undergo a damaging change. Progressive vision loss in any dog in the
absence of glaucoma or cataracts can be an indication of PRA. It usually starts with decreased vision at night.
Other symptoms include dilated pupils and decreased papillary light reflex. For many breeds there are specific tests
that can be done.
Deafness: Often dogs that gradually become deaf can compensate for their hearing loss so that it is not apparent
to their owners, until it is complete. They compensate with increased awareness of their other sensory signals and
can use their sight, sensitivity to vibration and even air current changes to make assessment to deafness difficulties.
Therefore, some dogs have suddenly become deaf when in fact it has been progressively worsening. Deafness in
one ear can also be difficult to assess, as the only sign will be difficulty in localizing the source of noise.
There are two types of deafness:
Congenital Deafness: Can be and is more commonly inherited but it can also be due to problems while in the
uterus. Such as infection or use of harmful drugs in the pregnant female.
Acquired Deafness: This can be due to ear infections later in life, injury to the ear, drug related problems (Certain
antibiotics), abnormalities of the internal ear canal, (narrowing of the canal, ruptured ear drum and etc)
inflammation or infection of the middle age or of old age (know as presbycusis). Noise trauma such as repeated
exposure to loud noises (gun fire) can cause permanent or temporary deafness. Some dogs have become deaf
after a general anaesthesia. The
signs of deafness will vary, depending on whether the dog can hear some sounds or is completely deaf. A deaf
dog does not respond to everyday sounds 'squeaky' toys or its name and can not be aroused from sleep by a loud
noise.
Backward Sneezing or Aspiratory Paroxysmal Respiration or Collasped Trachea: A phenomenon observed in dogs
whose exact cause is unknown but may be due to a nasal or sinus irritation; such as an allergy or the dogs attempt
to remove mucus or becoming to excited. It is characterized by rapid and repeated force inhalation through the
nose; also, accompanied by snorting or gagging sounds. It is an alarming sound to most owners and may be
distressing to the dog but, is not know to be harmful to the dog. Most dogs are completely normal before and
after the episodes. In addition most dogs will have repeat episodes of it during their lives. This kind of condition
also occurs when the dog is sleeping and also immediately following a long nap. Other dogs may experience after
playing, exercise or meals. But, most of the time episodes are completely random.
Smaller dogs seem slightly more susceptible to it. However, any dog can develop it regardless of size. A common
remedy is to pinch the dogs nose and scratch their throat. Lightly blowing their face may also help. The dog will
swallow a couple of times and stop the sneezing. While most dogs do not require medication, antihistamines and
steroids may help if the problem is serious, chronic and allergy-related.
Hypoglycemia: It is a problem most often seen in toy breed puppies. It is the medical term for low blood sugar.
This is seen in small breed puppies from post weaning to 4 months of age. Symptoms can be reversed by getting
food or sugar water in the puppy. You can use Nutra Cal, Nutri Stat, honey or sugar as a preventive. Give small
meals through out the day or free feed. Puppies that show signs of Hypoglycemia have normal liver size and
function but, inadequate glucose precursors or glucose in its stored form. Therefore, any significant stress, such as
a routine trip to the veterinarian that occurs to the absence of a recent meal can cause the blood sugar to drop to
dangerously low levels. Low environmental temperatures, infections, vaccinations, strenuous exercise and
inadequate nutrition increase the risk even further. Feeding recommendations with puppies with at risk for
hypoglycemia include frequent feedings (4 to 5 times per day) of high carbohydrate, high protein and or high fat
foods.
Background on blood sugar: Glucose is the 'simple' sugar that the body uses for 'fuel' to run its various functions.
Table sugar or sucrose is made up of two simple sugars; glucose and fructose. It can be broken down rapidly after
eating. All sugars are carbohydrates. Grain are also carbohydrates but are considered 'complex' carbohydrates.
They have many more components and take longer to be broken down. The body uses glucose as its primary
energy source. All the parts of the body except the brain can, if needed, use alternate energy sources (fatty acids,
for example, for which the body accesses for breaking down fat stores). The brain however, is completely
dependent upon glucose to function. If the glucose in the blood is lower than normal then the brain is the first to
show signs. In dogs, these signs may be weakness, behavior changes, confusion, wobbly gait or even seizures. In
fact, in young dogs who have had what appeared to be an epileptic seizure; low blood sugar is generally ruled out
before a diagnosis of epilepsy is made. The liver is responsible for manufacturing glucose and storing it in a usable
form. Also, for release into the blood stream as needed. Muscle tissue store some of the important materials used
in the process. Therefore, a serious liver abnormality or insufficient muscle mass may make it difficult for the body
to keep its blood sugar properly regulated.
health concerns of the breed at the heart of their breeding program.
It is only by testing and clearing their quality breeding stock that the problems that plaque the breed can only be
brought under control. Even though this does not guarantee a perfect puppy, it does help in knowing that you and
the breeder have done what you can to find a healthy puppy. Some breeders don't care about your puppies health
or are not knowledgeable enough about the health issues of this breed.
Here at Katurah's Papillons, it is at the up most importance of everything we do.
Patellar Luxation: Is the dislocation (slipping) of the patella (knee cap). In dogs it is a small bone that shields the
front of the stifle joint. This bone is held in place by ligaments. As the knee joint is moved, the patella slides in
the grove of the femur. The knee cap may dislocate towards the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) of the leg.
This condition may be the result of an injury or a congenital deformities present at birth. Patellar luxation can
effect one leg or both legs.
The most common occurrence of luxating patella is the medial presentation in small or tea cup dogs. Shallow
femoral grove, weak ligaments, misalignment of the tendons and muscles that straighten the joint are all conditions
that will predispose a dog towards luxating patellas.
Indications of patellar luxation are: difficulty in straightening the knee, pain in the stifle, limping, or the tip of the
hock points outward while the toes point inward.
The diagnosis of this condition can usually be confirmed by a veterinarian, by manipulating the stifle joint and
pushing the patella in and out of position.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): It is a genetic disease in the eye characterized by degeneration of the retina
that occurs bilaterally. It is seen in certain breeds of dogs. It causes progressive vision lose culminating in
blindness. The condition in nearly all breeds is inherited as a recessive trait. There is no treatment. PRA is similar
to retinitis pegmentosa in humans. PRA is the most common type and cause atrophy of the neural retinal
structures. PRA can be divided into either dysplastic disease, where the cells develop abnormally and degenerative,
where the cells develop normally but then undergo a damaging change. Progressive vision loss in any dog in the
absence of glaucoma or cataracts can be an indication of PRA. It usually starts with decreased vision at night.
Other symptoms include dilated pupils and decreased papillary light reflex. For many breeds there are specific tests
that can be done.
Deafness: Often dogs that gradually become deaf can compensate for their hearing loss so that it is not apparent
to their owners, until it is complete. They compensate with increased awareness of their other sensory signals and
can use their sight, sensitivity to vibration and even air current changes to make assessment to deafness difficulties.
Therefore, some dogs have suddenly become deaf when in fact it has been progressively worsening. Deafness in
one ear can also be difficult to assess, as the only sign will be difficulty in localizing the source of noise.
There are two types of deafness:
Congenital Deafness: Can be and is more commonly inherited but it can also be due to problems while in the
uterus. Such as infection or use of harmful drugs in the pregnant female.
Acquired Deafness: This can be due to ear infections later in life, injury to the ear, drug related problems (Certain
antibiotics), abnormalities of the internal ear canal, (narrowing of the canal, ruptured ear drum and etc)
inflammation or infection of the middle age or of old age (know as presbycusis). Noise trauma such as repeated
exposure to loud noises (gun fire) can cause permanent or temporary deafness. Some dogs have become deaf
after a general anaesthesia. The
signs of deafness will vary, depending on whether the dog can hear some sounds or is completely deaf. A deaf
dog does not respond to everyday sounds 'squeaky' toys or its name and can not be aroused from sleep by a loud
noise.
Backward Sneezing or Aspiratory Paroxysmal Respiration or Collasped Trachea: A phenomenon observed in dogs
whose exact cause is unknown but may be due to a nasal or sinus irritation; such as an allergy or the dogs attempt
to remove mucus or becoming to excited. It is characterized by rapid and repeated force inhalation through the
nose; also, accompanied by snorting or gagging sounds. It is an alarming sound to most owners and may be
distressing to the dog but, is not know to be harmful to the dog. Most dogs are completely normal before and
after the episodes. In addition most dogs will have repeat episodes of it during their lives. This kind of condition
also occurs when the dog is sleeping and also immediately following a long nap. Other dogs may experience after
playing, exercise or meals. But, most of the time episodes are completely random.
Smaller dogs seem slightly more susceptible to it. However, any dog can develop it regardless of size. A common
remedy is to pinch the dogs nose and scratch their throat. Lightly blowing their face may also help. The dog will
swallow a couple of times and stop the sneezing. While most dogs do not require medication, antihistamines and
steroids may help if the problem is serious, chronic and allergy-related.
Hypoglycemia: It is a problem most often seen in toy breed puppies. It is the medical term for low blood sugar.
This is seen in small breed puppies from post weaning to 4 months of age. Symptoms can be reversed by getting
food or sugar water in the puppy. You can use Nutra Cal, Nutri Stat, honey or sugar as a preventive. Give small
meals through out the day or free feed. Puppies that show signs of Hypoglycemia have normal liver size and
function but, inadequate glucose precursors or glucose in its stored form. Therefore, any significant stress, such as
a routine trip to the veterinarian that occurs to the absence of a recent meal can cause the blood sugar to drop to
dangerously low levels. Low environmental temperatures, infections, vaccinations, strenuous exercise and
inadequate nutrition increase the risk even further. Feeding recommendations with puppies with at risk for
hypoglycemia include frequent feedings (4 to 5 times per day) of high carbohydrate, high protein and or high fat
foods.
Background on blood sugar: Glucose is the 'simple' sugar that the body uses for 'fuel' to run its various functions.
Table sugar or sucrose is made up of two simple sugars; glucose and fructose. It can be broken down rapidly after
eating. All sugars are carbohydrates. Grain are also carbohydrates but are considered 'complex' carbohydrates.
They have many more components and take longer to be broken down. The body uses glucose as its primary
energy source. All the parts of the body except the brain can, if needed, use alternate energy sources (fatty acids,
for example, for which the body accesses for breaking down fat stores). The brain however, is completely
dependent upon glucose to function. If the glucose in the blood is lower than normal then the brain is the first to
show signs. In dogs, these signs may be weakness, behavior changes, confusion, wobbly gait or even seizures. In
fact, in young dogs who have had what appeared to be an epileptic seizure; low blood sugar is generally ruled out
before a diagnosis of epilepsy is made. The liver is responsible for manufacturing glucose and storing it in a usable
form. Also, for release into the blood stream as needed. Muscle tissue store some of the important materials used
in the process. Therefore, a serious liver abnormality or insufficient muscle mass may make it difficult for the body
to keep its blood sugar properly regulated.
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