Health Concerns

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 mal-odor.
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.

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

Anal Sac:
Impaction/Infection/Boil