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Health Concerns
Progressive retinal atrophy
(PRA)

This condition is  not often seen
in Papillons, but it is a genetic
condition, where both parents
must be carriers to produce such
a puppy with pra.
it causes blindness somewhere
between the ages of 4 - 8 years.
Reverse sneezing

it sounds like gagging +-coughing in a combination.
reverse sneezing (hurfing) does happen in papillon puppies as
well as in adults quite often. it  can happen at any time, but
often, when exited, playing,  on a walk,or  stepping out  from
a warm house ,into a cold winter day.
you may can help to stop the condition by massaging the dogs
throat, offering a treat, so the dog will swallow, or by
blowing gently into the nostrils.
make sure that your papillon has no other respiratory
condition, as a kennel cough, or a collapsing trachea
(tracheal malacia)

Papillons may  be affected by
the following conditions:


Luxating patella

Progressive retinal atrophy

Reverse sneezing

Bad Breath

Cryptorchid/monorchid

anesthesia
Patella Luxation
patella luxation is thought to be a genetic orthopedic
condition, more seen in the papillon breed than any other
condition.
the dog has a shallow groove in the fibular
that lets the ligament, which holds the patella (knee- cap)
in position, slip out to either one of the sides.
the severity of the condition is graded from one to four.
lameness in both or one hind leg are a symptom of patella
luxation.
less severe grades can be treated by exercise restrictions
and anti-inflammatory medications
surgery may be an option depending on the severity of the
condition.
Bad Breath - Halitosis

Bad Breath is a common  complaint in dogs and cats;
especially in Toy Breeds.
Oral, periodontal disease  is the most common cause,
where plaque, unhealthy tissues, decomposing food
particles retained delivers the sour milk odor.
Small breeds are more prone to oral disease
because the teeth are closer together, the smaller
animals live longer, and their owners are more
prone to feed softer food.
Older age more predisposed.
In most cases there are no clinical signs other than
the malodor.
Daily home care (brushing) aids in the removal of
plaque, helps control dental disease and odor.         
Go to Teeth
cryptorchid /monorchid
this condition occurs in males, where  one or both testicles fail
to descend.
the testicles should be in the scrotum by 12 weeks of age.
it is believed to be a genetic condition, and it may be passed by one
or both parents. there is also some evidence that it could be
caused by environmental toxins .
since there is a higher risk of testicular cancer ,neutering the
dog is highly recommended, where the missing testicle should be
also surgically removed from the abdomen.
Anesthesia
all toy breeds are susceptible to
anesthetics.
it is very important to use safe products.
isoflurane and sevoflurane are prefered
gas anesthetics. consult with  your
veterinarian.