SHIH TZU FANCIERS OF SOUTHERN CA

 

 

  LET'S TALK ABOUT HEALTH

All pure bred dogs are suffering from many serious health problems, and the Shih Tzu is no exception. Currently, Shih Tzu have portosystemic liver shunt, renal dysplasia, hip dysplasia, Von Wildebrande, various eye problems, cryptordid, albinoism, temperament disorders, and the list goes on. 

Pet breeders, backyard breeders, and the dreadful puppy mills, place the blame for health problems confronting Shih Tzu on show breeders, while show folks blame the wide spread up surge in the appearance of the diseases that are plaguing the breed on them.  The truth is that anyone who breeds even one pair of Shih Tzu is responsible for the future of the breed.  It is irresponsible to proceed with a breeding program without knowing health as well as bloodlines of the sire and dam. It is even more irresponsible to know a dam or sire throws get with defects, and continue to include that animal in a breeding program.  If we join together in a concerted effort to intelligently and responsibly deal with the well being of Shih Tzu, we can look forward to a healthy, beautiful toy breed for generations to come. 

This section is intended to keep you up-to-date on health issues concerning Shih Tzu,  diseases and their symptoms, on going studies, DNA mapping, available tests for various diseases, and possible cures for some of them.  

STFSC welcome and encourage you to email us with your comments,  new information, or web sites concerning canine health problems effecting Shih Tzu. STFSC will publish the information on this page or link to the site, if possible. Below is a list of articles in this section, as well as a list of links to other sites that discuss health subjects.

The AA BB CC'S of DNA

Dental Health

DNA FAQs

Dry Eye

Eyelash Problems (Distichiasis)

Hereditary Eye Problems

Insect Stings & Animal Bites
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia (JRD) - DNA

Lyme Disease

Marker Discovered 

JRD - Clinical Explanation

Liver Disease in the Shih Tzu

Portosystemic Liver Shunt 

Portal Caval Liver Shunt     

Surgical and Eligibility for Competition 

 

Links to Health Discussions

Allergies - http://www.peteducation.allergies.com

Arthritis - http://www.peteducation.arthritis.com

Dogs - http://www.peteducation.dogs.com

Nutrition - http://www.peteducation.nutrition.com

Parasites - http://www.peteducation.parasites.com

Puppies - http://www.peteducation.puppies.com

 

 

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