Yorkshire Terrier

• Household Accidents. One of the biggest risks to Yorkshire Terriers is simple household accidents. Because they love to follow their owners around and can often sneak up quietly behind you, their small frame can be prone to broken bones or worse. It is for this reason that young children should be watched carefully around the Yorkie to ensure they treat it gingerly.
• Patellar luxation is a common issue among small dog breeds, and occurs when the patella is not lined up properly, causing the knee cap to fall in and out of place. This can lead to lameness or an abnormal gait in the dog, but for dogs affected with only mild cases, no treatment is required and they can lead normal lives. For more serious cases, surgery can be performed in order to correct the patella.
• Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a family of eye conditions which lead to the gradual deterioration of the retina, causing first night blindness, then full blindness. There is no cure, but many dogs adapt easily to the loss of sight and can lead relatively normal lives, as long as their environment does not change too drastically.
• Cataracts. Like in humans, canine cataracts refer to a cloudy membrane forming over they eye causing vision impairment. They can be removed surgically.
• Portosystemic shunt is a condition which affects the flow of blood between the liver and the rest of the body. Because the liver controls detoxing and metabolism, this can be a serious issue. Signs of the condition include abnormal behaviour, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, gastrointestinal issues, urinary tract issues, intolerance to medication and stunted growth. Corrective surgery is an option, and a special diet may be prescribed to help combat the issue.
• Hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, is common among dogs that are extremely stressed. Symptoms include weakness, confusion, an abnormal gait, and seizures. Treatment is available.
• Collapsed Trachea. The trachea, which carries air to the lungs, can collapse easily in dogs, causing a dry, hacking cough often sounding like a goose honk. Surgery can be performed to fix the trachea and medication may also be prescribed.
• Reverse sneezing can occasionally be confused with a collapsed trachea, but is much less serious. It occurs when the dog becomes over-excited, drinks/eats too quickly, or if there is an increased amount of irritants in the air. Though it can be scary to witness, it will stop as soon as the Yorkie relaxes. Stroking the dog’s throat may help the dog calm down.
• Other Issues. Yorkshire Terriers can also experience eye infections, anaesthetic intolerance, bronchitis, tooth decay and gum disease.

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