Yorkie Health Problems

[Ice Lady]

When I purchased my darling Baby Sweetpea, I had only seen yorkies as "arm candy". I chose a yorkie, then ordered the runt of the litter to ensure I got a very small one, as I wanted her as a permanant baby for my very maternal Sugar Princess (11 1/2 yr old Lhasa Apso). I waited for my baby for over a year. I had a few surprises in store. Surprise one was that she was a total bundle of energy. Surprise two came when I began hearing that yorkies had a lot of health problems.

I feed her Royal Canine Yorkie food (carefully measured for her weight and activity level) use Liquid Oral Care, give her lots of chew bones and make sure she gets a moderate amount of outdoor exercise.

I would like to know what health problems I can expect and what more I can do to prevent them.

Thanks

[Cassiepeia]

I found this Yorkshire Terrier site that might help. It has a list and short description of Yorkie health problems. http://yorkieviews.com/healthfacts.htm

"Ordering" the smallest of the litter was probably a bad idea. Not that runts can't make good pets but often with such tiny breeds (mine included) the smaller they are the more likely they are to have health problems.
Glad you're doing your research and preparing yourself for any future problems though.

Cass.

[DsBaby]

Hello, my yorkies have been my life for years. I know of a few health problems that we have had. The major one is trachial collapes, and its genetic. My 11.5 yr old *Odie* has had it most of his life, but is still very healthly. He's on meds to help it, and we keep him calm, not to much excitement. I lost my baby boy *Dinky* about 3 yrs ago, he was 11.5 at the time, the only problems he had was kidney stones, but I don't beleive that is breed specific. The biggest problem I hear about it liver stints (I think thats right). I frequent the yorkie rescue web site and that is a big problem w/ most of the animals they have.

Michele

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

Liver shunts, I believe is it, Ds. Missie's having some tests because the vet is concerned about her liver, so we're waiting for the results right now.

Teeth are a major problem, and the tiny ones may be prone to heart problems. Luxating patellas is the other major thing. At least yearly, a "well dog" check-up will really serve you well. It really helps in catching things early so they're more treatable, and gives peace of mind. Hope you're adjusting to your baby's personality. Would love to see pictures!

[calgal]

Liver shunt is the most popular in Yorkies. Make sure the breeder has the bile acid test done.
Here is a very informative site for you about the Yorkies health.
http://www.yorkie.org/health.html

[Ice Lady]

Thanks for all your information. Baby Sweet Pea has passed all her check-ups with almost perfect scores.. She does have grade luxating patellas but her vet thinks they will improve if she would quit playing trampoline sans trampoline. Her teeth may need attention in the future but we have started on a brushing routine.

Now we have had some time together she has proved to be a very busy, dominate little love bug. She is definitely my wild child.

Joan and the Little Ladies