What Health Problems Do Maltese Have
Are you thinking about bringing a Maltese dog home? If so, it’s crucial to understand what health issues these cute tiny animals could experience.
Maltese dogs can still be susceptible to some problems even though they are typically healthy and enjoy long lives.
This blog article will go into great detail on the typical health issues that Maltese dogs have, such as obesity, nail care, and Cushing’s disease.
Additionally, we’ll offer advice on how to avoid and handle these issues so you can keep your Maltese healthy and content for many years to come.
What Health Problems Do Maltese Have
Maltese dogs may have a variety of health issues, including obesity, dental issues, ear infections, hypoglycemia, and Cushing’s disease.
In addition, they can have issues with their eyes, skin, joints, and different organ-related diseases.
Additionally, Maltese dogs may be more susceptible to allergies, diabetes, and cardiac conditions.
Maintaining the health of your Maltese requires feeding them a healthy diet, clipping their nails, and watching out for any signs of these illnesses.
The best way to ensure that any health issues are swiftly diagnosed and appropriately managed is to schedule routine vet visits.
Benefits of regular check-ups for Maltese dogs
To make sure your Maltese dog is healthy and to identify any possible health concerns before they become serious, it’s vital to take your dog in for regular checkups.
Any health issues may be identified and treated as soon as feasible by scheduling routine veterinary checkups.
Additionally, routine check-ups allow your veterinarian the chance to examine your Maltese physically and listen to any concerns you may have.
Furthermore, routine check-ups can aid in the early detection of health disorders before they develop into more serious conditions, which can reduce the cost of treatment.
Last but not least, ensuring that your Maltese is up-to-date on all necessary vaccines and preventative care through routine checkups may help to keep them healthy and happy.
Most common Maltese health problems
The followings are some of the most common Maltese health problems and ways to manage them:
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a disorder that results in arthritis and discomfort because the hip joint is deformed.
It is a genetic disorder that affects some breeds, notably the Maltese, more frequently than others.
Over time, it may cause limping, trouble getting up, and diminished mobility.
Physiotherapy, weight control, and painkillers can all be used to treat hip dysplasia.
Surgery can be required in extreme situations to repair the hip joint.
Breeding programs should make cautious breeding stock selections in an effort to eradicate this problem.
Luxating patella
In luxating patella, the patella slips out of place as a result of instability in the knee joint.
Pain, discomfort, and lameness may arise from this. It is a genetic disorder with a spectrum of severity.
When the luxating patella is severe, surgery may be required to stabilize the knee joint in addition to painkillers and physical therapy.
Breeding programs should make cautious breeding stock selections in an effort to eradicate this problem.
Eye problems
Maltese dogs may experience a variety of eye issues, including cataracts, which cause cloudiness in the lens of the eye.
Progressive retinal atrophy, which over time results in vision loss, and distichiasis, an anomaly in eyelash development that irritates the eyes.
Medication, surgery, and routine eye exams are all effective ways to treat and manage eye issues.
Avoiding eye injuries and ensuring a sufficient diet are preventative steps for general eye health.
Skin allergies
Maltese dogs that have skin allergies may experience itching, redness, and hair loss.
They may be brought on by food, flea stings, or dust or pollen allergies in the surroundings.
The treatment of skin allergies includes medication, specialized diets, and environmental control.
Avoiding allergy exposure and maintaining proper grooming habits can both help prevent the development of allergens on the skin.
Bloat
The condition known as bloat, sometimes called gastric torsion, can be deadly because it causes the stomach to twist inward, cutting off the blood supply.
If not treated right away, this might result in severe stomach discomfort and be fatal.
Proper feeding techniques, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding activity right after eating, helps minimize bloat.
Bloat must be treated by a veterinarian right away because if it is not, it might be fatal.
Dental problems
Maltese dogs may experience dental issues such tooth decay, gum disease, and misaligned jaws.
Plaque and tartar can accumulate as a result of poor dental care, which can result in tooth loss, gum disease, and discomfort.
Regular tooth cleaning, dental chews, and yearly examinations can all help to prevent dental issues.
To preserve oral health, treatment may involve cleanings, extractions, and other dental treatments.
Elbow dysplasia
Congenital elbow joint disease called elbow dysplasia results in arthritis and discomfort.
It is a genetic disorder that, over time, may result in lameness, pain, and reduced mobility.
When elbow dysplasia is severe, surgery may be required to stabilize the elbow joint in addition to painkillers and physical therapy.
Breeding programs should make cautious breeding stock selections in an effort to eradicate this problem.
Hypothyroidism
A hormonal condition called hypothyroidism causes the thyroid gland to be underactive.
In Maltese dogs, this may result in weight gain, skin issues, and a dull coat.
Hormone replacement therapy is a daily option for treating hypothyroidism.
Regular blood tests can assist in monitoring the efficacy of the therapy and modifying the dosage as required.
Portosystemic shunt (PSS)
The blood supply to the liver is impacted by the congenital liver condition known as portosystemic shunt (PSS).
Numerous health issues, including as liver failure, neurological symptoms, and stunted development, may occur from this.
Dietary modifications and medications to maintain liver function can be used to control portosystemic shunt (PSS).
Surgery can be required in extreme situations to improve the blood supply to the liver.
Breeding programs should make cautious breeding stock selections in an effort to eradicate this problem.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a condition of the heart’s muscle that impairs the heart’s capacity to pump blood efficiently.
It may make you feel weak, cough, and have trouble breathing.
Medication and lifestyle modifications that promote heart function, such as avoiding excessive exercise and keeping a healthy weight, can be used to treat cardiomyopathy.
Surgery can be required in extreme circumstances to sustain cardiac function.
Chronic renal failure
Kidney function gradually declines over time, which is usual in senior Maltese dogs.
Numerous symptoms, including as increased urination and thirst, weight loss, and vomiting, may result from it.
Medication, specific diets, and routine veterinarian check-ups are all possible treatments for chronic renal failure.
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding recognized kidney toxins are examples of preventative actions.
Maltese stomach issues
Gastric torsion, gastritis, and bloat are just a few of the digestive problems that Maltese dogs are prone to.
It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms and to take your Maltese to the veterinarian if they exhibit any indications of discomfort since these ailments may be serious and even life-threatening if left untreated.
Feeding your Maltese a balanced diet and avoiding behaviors that can raise their risk of bloat, including jogging or leaping after a substantial meal, might help prevent gastrointestinal problems in Maltese.
Keeping a check on your Maltese’s weight and making sure they receive adequate exercise are other key considerations.
Maltese hind leg problems
Maltese dogs may be more prone to hip dysplasia, luxating patella (a disease in which the kneecap moves out of position), and cruciate ligament injuries in their rear legs.
If these disorders are not addressed, they might worsen and make it painful and difficult to move.
Maltese dogs should be kept at a healthy weight, given enough activity, and often examined by a veterinarian to prevent hind limb issues.
Take your Maltese to the vet as soon as you see any indications of discomfort or lameness, so they may be properly identified and treated.
Questions
Do Maltese dogs frequently get skin allergies?
It is true that Maltese dogs are prone to skin allergies, which can itch, create redness, and irritate the skin.
Can Maltese dogs get eye issues?
Yes, Maltese dogs can have dry eyes, cataracts, and corneal ulcers, among other eye conditions.
Do Maltese dogs frequently experience joint issues?
It is true that Maltese dogs are often prone to joint issues, notably patellar luxation, or the dislocation of the kneecap.
What are the Maltese dog breed’s typical health issues?
In Maltese dogs, patellar luxation, dental issues, hepatic shunts, skin allergies, and eye issues are the most frequent health issues.
Do Maltese dogs tend to have any special illnesses?
Yes, ailments including dental issues, liver shunts, skin allergies, and vision issues are common in Maltese dogs.
Are Maltese dogs susceptible to liver issues?
It is true that Maltese dogs sometimes experience liver issues, specifically a disorder called liver shunts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, because of their tiny size and distinct genetics, Maltese are vulnerable to a range of health issues.
These can include conditions like obesity and dental difficulties as well as skin allergies and liver shunts.
However, many health issues may be avoided or controlled with appropriate veterinarian care and a healthy diet.
Keep an eye out for any signs and have your Maltese evaluated by a vet on a regular basis to make sure they’re in excellent health.
Your Maltese will live long and happy lives if we look after their physical and emotional needs.