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Guides to the Chow Chow: Health in the Chow Chow

Like all living beings, Chow Chows have their share of hereditary problems. Many of these
can crop up as far back as 7 generations, so even careful breeders will encounter problems.
Add to this congenital as well as acquired problems, and there is a lot to learn.

Perfect health does not exist, so accept that your Chow Chow will have or does have some
health concerns. It is advisable to educate yourself as much as possible on these concerns,
in order to both treat your Chow Chow's health concern in the best way you can, and also
to prevent, where possible, certain health issues. The health issue your Chow Chow has/could
develop, may not necessarily affect it's ability to enjoy a normal life.
Particularly is this so, when health issues are dealt with in the correct manner.

We've mainly outlined the different health issues and descriptions as encountered
in the Chow Chow, and will make extensive use of links to more detailed professional
advice, in order to assist you in your quest for knowledge.

Worldwide Web Virtual Library - Animal Health & Diseases
Vetinfo4dogs.com - Coverage of multitude of health issues.
Vetinfo.com - Encyclopedia of Animal Health
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals - For information and USA statistics.
Chow Health - Chow related health in the USA

Take a few minutes to fill in the chow chow health survey.

Visual System/Eyes

Aural System/Ears

Digestive System/Mouth

Respiratory System/Breathing

Fore legs

Hind legs

Skin

Body Wall

Urinary System

Metabolic/Endocrine Systems

Neuromuscular/Nervous System & Muscles

Reproductive System

Anaesthetics

Visual System/Eyes:

Links:

Entropion:
Curling in of the eyelid, causing eyelashes/hair to
scratch the cornea/conjunctiva & cause irritation/infection.
Lower lid is more commonly affected because of poorly
formed tarsal plate. Upper lid entropion likely due to
excess skin or small eyeball.

Ectropion:
The sagging of the lower eyelid, exposing third eyelid and
conjunctiva causing irritatio/infection.

Trichiasis:
Hair on surface of eyelid growing towards eye, not away from
it cauring irritation, epiphora, keratitis.

Distichiasis:
Hair growing out of abnormal places, such as glands along
the eyelids. Also called "double row of eyelashes".

Imperforate lacrimal punctum "blocked tearducts":
Opening of the nasolacrimal drainage system fails to
develop resulting in epiphora.

Persistant Pupillary Membranes:
A developmental abnormality; remnants of embryonic
vascular system. Membrane forming the iris does not form
properly. Varies from type that is virtually invisible to
the naked eye to type that results in blindness.

PRA:
A group of conditions that are hereditary, resulting in
progressive loss of vision & blindness

VKH:
Uveodermatologic syndrome:
Considered to be an autoimmune disorder, resulting in concurrent
granulomatous uveitis, depigmenting dermatitis and rare
meningoencephalitis.
Sudden onset uveitis - may be painful and progress to blindness;
concurrent or subsequent leukoderma of the nose, lips and eyelids.
footpads, scrotum, anus and hard palate may also become depigmented.
Ulcerations may develop. Meningoencephelitis (rare).

Cataracts:
A change in structure of the lens usually leading to blindness

Glaucoma:
High IOP that causes characteristic dgenerative changes in the optic
nerve and retina with subsequent loss of vision.
Develops when normal outflow of aqueous humor is impaired. May be
result of primary eye disease (narrow or closed filtration angles and
goniodysgenesis which have a genetic predisposition).
May be secondary to other eye diseases (primary lens luxation,
anterior uveitis, intraocular tumour or lyphema)

http://www.eyevet.ca/
for more on various
eye conditions.

http://eyecareforanimals.com/
for more on various
eye conditions

Veterinary Opthalmology
Info Centre

More on PRA

http://www.akita-friends.com/
special/vkh.htm
for details on VKH

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Orthopedic Foundation
for Animals
For information and
USA statistics
on Congenital Deafness

Deafness in Dogs & Cats

Aural System/Ears:

Partial/Complete Deafness: (present from birth)
Congenital deafness most common type; may be partial or complete;
one or both ears; unilateral deafness most common form in dogs.

Digestive System/Mouth:

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Incorrect Bite and/or Malocclusion:
Can be congenital or developmental.

Brachygnathia "Overshot":
The upper jaw is abnormally longer than the lower jaw.

Prognathism "Undershot":
The lower jaw is abnormally longer than the upper jaw.

Abnormal dentition:
Anodontia (absence of one or more teeth), retained deciduous
teeth, supranumery teeth, dens in dente and shape abnormalities.

Cleft palate/lips complex:
Usually occurs as a unilateral defect in the lip or palate. May be
identified as offset palatal rugae on the roof of the oral cavity,
incomplete fusion of the soft palate or orsonasal fistula through a
cleft palate.

Pet Dental Care

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Respiratory System/Breathing:

Overlong Soft Palate:
Mismatch of soft palate and pharynx length. In this case the soft
palate often overlies most of the epiglottis, is thickened and
partially obstructs the glottis. (Resulting in snorting/snoring).
With excercise (some cases even limited) the soft palate becomes
inflamed and edematous, causing further obstruction.

Tracheal Hypoplasia:
Inadequate growth of tracheal rings; commonly associated with
secondary respiratory tract infection. Chronic respiratory
distress is likely to occur, particularly with exercise.
(Sounds like asthmatic)

Laryngeal Paralysis:
Failure of larynx to abduct during inspiration produces muted bark
and soft, moist cough; later roaring sound of inspiratory dyspnea
becomes dominant sound.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia:
Abnormal functioning cilia of respiratory epithelium, resulting
in reduced mucociliary clearance of respiratory secretions,
inhaled particles and infectious agents.

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Fore legs:

Elbow dysplasia:
This encompasses a group of developmental elbow joint abnormalities.

Carpal luxation "knuckling over":
Condition that occurs bilaterally and is limited to the carporadial
joints; appears when puppies begin to walk at about 3 weeks of age;
Although it is due to weak ligaments, the ligaments are weak
because of poor carpal formation or other reasons.

Digital Hyperkeratosis: (actually a skin condition)
Hyperkeratosis of the footpads of all four paws develops at
an early age; affected pads tend to fissure, become
secondarily infected and painful.

Orthopedic Foundation
for Animals
For information and
USA statistics
on Elbow Dysplasia

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Hind legs:

Hip dysplasia:
The term dysplasia means abnormal growth. Thus hipdysplasia is a
developmental condition that results in abnormal looseness or
laxity of the hipjoints; poor formation and fit of 'ball' & 'socket'.

Patellar Luxation:
Condition resulting from alteration of structures that maintain the
normal position of patella; usually medial, being unilateral or
bi-lateral; onset usually evident at 4 - 6 months of age.

Cruciate ligament injury:
Tearing - partial or complete - of ligaments in the knee joint.

Tarsal luxation "double hocking":
Condition that occurs uni- or bilaterally and is limited to the tarsal
joints. Although it is due to weak ligaments, the ligaments are weak
because of poor tarsal formation or other reasons.

Orthopedic Foundation
for Animals
For information and
USA statistics on Hip
Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation

Patellar Luxaton

More on Patellar Luxation

More on Patellar Luxation

Optional methods to repair
cruciate ligament damage

Another method of repair

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Skin:

Digital Hyperkeratosis (see skeletal structure, forelegs)

Colour mutant alopecia:
Ectodermal defect of colour mutants characterized by partial alopecia, dry lustreless hair & coat, scaliness and papules; defects in
melanization and cortical structure of affected hairs also occurs.

Sebacious Adenitis:

Tyrosinase deficiency:
Changes in colour of tongue, buccal mucosa and portions of hair shaft
are result of deficiency of tyrosinase, the enzyme necessary in
chemical reactions that produce melanin.

Pemphigus (Foliaceus/Vulgaris):
Covers a group of non-infectious, blistering or ulcerative skin
disorders due to auto-antibodies (autoimmune) produced against
various components of the skin. Lesions can occur anywhere on
the body, although the mucocutaneous junctions such as around
the muzzle, ears, eyes and anal region are most commonly affected.
Nailbeds may be affected and nails lost. Hair loss, loss of pigment,
crusting, variable irritation, formation of blisters & ulcers.

Vitiligo:
Loss of skin pigment, especially around nose, lips, buccal mucosa
and facial skin; footpads and nails as well as haircoat may be affected.

Growth hormone responsive dematoses:
Uncommon dermatoses resulting from a growth hormone deficiency or dermatoses responding to growth hormone therapy.
Pituitary dwarfism - the result of a primary growth hormone deficiency.
Adult-onset growth hormone responsive dermatosis:
A clinical syndrome that responds to growth hormone therapy; patients may be strictly growth hormone deficient or may have one or more of a plethora of hormonal abnormalitiees, including possible imbalances of adrenal sex hormones.
Adult onset - generally noted at 1-2 years of age, primarily affects
males, although seen in bothe sexes (neurtered and intact) & at all ages.
Similar to this: castration-responsive dermatosis, congenital adrenal
hyperplasia-like syndrome).

Orthopedic Foundation
for Animals
For information and
USA statistics
on Sebaceous Adenitis

More on auto-immune
conditions

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Body Wall:

Hernia Hiatal:
Defect of the phrenoesophageal ligament which allows displacement
of the gastroesophageal junction forward into the thoracic cavity.

Hernia Inguinal:
Defect in formation of the aponeuroses of the inguinal ring and
linea alba.

Hernia Umbilical:
Failure of normal closure of the umbilical ring; increasing abdominal
pressure with advancing age forces the omentum or occasionally the
intestines into the defect.

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Urinary System:

Renal defects:
Familial renal disease:
Renal function in affected individuals varies depending on degree and
duration of renal involvement; polyuria and polydypsia, anorexia,
lethargy, weight loss or inability to gain weight, and eventually
non-regenerative anemia, azotemia, skeletal changes,
gastrointestinal signs occur in most affected individuals.
Renal insufficiency and azotemia occurs between 3 months & 5 years.

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Metabolic/Endocrine Systems:

Gastric Torsion "Bloat":
Accumulation of fluid and gas in the abdomen. The abdomen becomes distended and tense. The dilation may result in rotation of the stomach within the abdomen, causing a twisting of the entrance and exit, which prevents escape of gas into the oesophagus or duodenum. Distention interferes with the blood supply causing onset of shock and the condition may rapidly become fatal. Urgent veterinary attention is necessary.

Stomach Cancer:
It appears the Chow is predisposed to this form of Cancer.

Hypothyroidism:
Deficient production of metabolic hormones. Usually does not show
until dog is 4 years or older. Classic signs: lethargy, obesity, alopecia.
Classically alopecia is bilaterally symmetrical, non-pruritic alopecia
(no itching or scratching) Excessive deposition of dark pigment melanin in skin, with skin feeling like fine sandpaper. Puffy, thickening of skin on neck and forehead. Patients feel the cold more.

Diabetes Mellitus:
May become evident as early as 2 to 6 months of age. Affected
individuals usually exhibit decreased rate of growth in addition to
polyphagia, polyuria and soft diarrheic stools. Increased thirst results
in increased urine production; muscle wasting & weight loss despite
increased appetite. 25% of patients develop cateracts...

Orthopedic Foundation
for Animals
For information and
USA statistics
on Thyroid

Oncolink Veterinary
Oncology

VIN Oncology Gateway

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Neuromuscular/Nervous System & Muscles:

Cerebellar hypoplasia:
Uniform forms of cerebellar hypoplasia in which clinical signs of
cerebellar dysfunction are present at birth and do not progress.
Swaying of trunk, excessive elevation of limb, limb stopping short of
the ground or slapping feet on the ground (goose stepping). Tremors of limbs and head. Over and undershooting when trying to eat/drink.

Hypomyelination/Dysmyelination:
Reduced/abnormal myelination of the central nervous system occur.
Teneralised tremors that decrease at rest and exaggerated by attempts to walk. Normal initiation with exaggerated follow-through on postural reactions. Reflexes normal. Rhythmic body tremors that
disappear with rest. Occurs in 3 - 5 week old pups.

Myotonia:
Persistent muscle contraction subsequent to either voluntary
contraction or stimulation; prominent stiffness of gait noted when
affected animals first become ambulatory and lessens with further
exercise, being worse in pelvic limbs. Stiffness exacerbates with
excitement and cold temperatures. Clinical signs often stabilize once
the animals mature. There is no therapy.

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Reproductive System:

Males:
Cryptorchidism:
Describes a dog with one/both testicles in the abdomen. The dog is
then described as a unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid, depending on
whether or not both testes are affected. In most puppies the testes
have descended through the inguinal canal soon after birth, and can
be relatively easily detected by 12 weeks of age.

Females:
Delayed puberty:
When first season only occurs from 18 - 24 months of age.
Family history helps to predict occurence.

Silent heat:
Minimal swelling or discharge. Difficult to detect without presence
of a male.

Split heat:
Proestrus signs occur without progression to estrus. Typically occurs
in young biches. Sexual receptivity does not occur. Cycle is repeated
every 2 - 10 weeks. No treatment is recommended. Most bitches
progress to a normal estrus period.

Management Errors:
Failure to conceive may be due to: Timing - receptive and fertile
periods may not correlate with handlers choice of dates. Behaviour or physical problems may occur. Dominant bitches may not allow a male
at appropriate or correct times. Strictures or septate bands may be
present and painful - female won't permit male.

Hormonal Imbalances:

Inertia:

Veterinary Fertility Services -
South Africa

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Anaesthetics:
The Chow has a distinct sensitivity to some anaesthetics - these must be approached with caution & care.

CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE SOME HEALTH CONCERNS AND THEIR DEFINITIONS
WHICH RELATE TO THE CHOW CHOW AND/OR HAVE YOU COME ACROSS
A TRULY INFORMATIVE WEBSITE ON HEALTH ISSUES?
IN THE INTERESTS OF THE BREED, WE WELCOME ALL SUGGESTIONS!
CONTACT THE WEBMASTER!

Reference material for definitions:
Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine - Stephen J Ettinger, Edward C Feldman
The Merck Veterinary Manual - Merck & Co, Inc.
The 5-minute Veterinary Consult - Larry P Tilley, Francis WK Smith Jr

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