But there can be some health concerns that anyone who is interested in the breed should know about before purchasing or adopting (and we recommend you adopt). While most Yorkies are of good health and have an easy time staying that way, they are prone to certain health conditions. Being prepared for these conditions can make it a lot easier to spot them early. Here are a few:
Bad Patellas- This is common among many small breed dogs and Yorkies are no different. Watch for your dog to “skip” when they run. This is them getting their patella, or knee, back into place. There are three parts to the problem: the patella, femur and tibia. The problem arises when these bones are not aligned and it causes the patella to slip out of place. There are four grades with grade I being the least concerning and grade IV being the most. Most dogs don’t need surgery for this condition. At Parkside (check us out here) we will first evaluate how bad the knees are and grade them. From there we decide if management or surgery is the best option.
Hypoglycemia- Many small breeds (and small creatures) suffer from hypoglycemia. Just like in people some of the more common and more minor signs are low blood sugar and weakness. More severe symptoms are a wobbly gait and potentially even seizures. You will know if your dog is suspectible to this and it would be best to talk to your veterinarian about a management plan.
Reverse Sneezing- Reverse sneezing is when a dog makes a snorting noise and almost looks as if they are trying to get air. They can breath! So don’t worry about that but it can be a bit off putting. Occasionally the dog will get so worked up that they keep the episode going. Stay calm and pet your little buddy and they should calm down.
Have more questions about Yorkies? We would be happy to answer them at our Aurora Veterinary Clinic. We are located in the 80015 zip code of Aurora, Colorado. We are AAHA accredited. That means we are one of the few small animal veterinary clinics in the nation (less than 15%) that have passed a religious 900 point inspection that looks at every aspect of the veterinary practice.
What more information like this? Check out our other pages on canine health and veterinary needs!
