This entry was posted on 2014-02-25 by admin.

This week I will be beginning the profiling of the top 10 “Most Popular Dog Breeds” in South Africa as featured in the September/October 2013 issue of All for Dogs magazine. The focus of these profiles will be on breed specific traits, health issues and dietary requirements as well as fun titbits of info about each breed.

We will start with the winner of most popular dog in South Africa. Numero Uno was none other than the Yorkshire Terrier or, Yorkies, as they are fondly referred to.

Unfortunately these cute furry friends come with quite a list of health issues such as: Cataracts; Dilated Cardiomyopathy; Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease; Meningoencephalitis (akin to dog meningitis); Pancreatitis; Patellar Luxation; Porto Systemic Shunts; Protein Losing Enteropathy; Renal Failure and Tracheal Collapse.

I will focus on the ailments which most commonly plague Yorkies and thereafter discuss how your dog’s food can make a difference to their health.

Portosystemic (liver) shunt: In some cases Yorkies are born with this possibly lethal hereditary condition in which blood circumvents the liver. The effect of this is that the toxins are not cleaned out of the blood, leading to various complications.

Symptoms include: small size and poor weight gain; urinary-system issues; gastrointestinal issues including dehydration and excessive urination; depression or potentially seizures soon after eating.

Legg-Perthes Disease: Early degeneration of the hip joint.

Symptoms will begin showing when the pup is between 4 and 11 months old.

Symptoms include: lameness in the affected leg, pain, ranging from mild to severe, and deterioration of the muscle.

Patella Luxation: Patella luxation refers to kneecaps that shift out of place.

Symptoms include: kneecaps shifting when you/ your vet handles them (Grade I); kneecaps that slip out of place whilst walking or running (Grade II); kneecaps that shift out of place regularly causing lameness (Grade III), and finally, kneecaps that slip and stay out of position (Grade IV).

Hypoglycemia: Yorkies are particularly susceptible to hypoglycaemia, especially as puppies. The onset of low blood sugar episodes (hyperglycaemia) is caused by poor eating habits, stress, vigorous activity, or digestive illnesses.

Symptoms include: Disorientation, shivering, unsteady walk, and drowsiness. In the worst case, they can have a seizure, fall into a coma, and in the worst case, die.

Should your Yorkie have a hypoglycemic episode, it is essential to quickly boost their blood-sugar levels, you can do this by giving them a drop or so of honey or other syrups. Should your Yorkie fall into a coma or have a seizure, you need to call the vet immediately. Nutrition and the right dog food is essential here along with appropriate eating habits to prevent these episodes.

Collapsing trachea: This is a windpipe that periodically closes on itself. Luckily however this condition only tends to affect older dogs.

Symptoms include: shallow breaths, coughing fits (your dog’s attempts at re-opening the trachea), and due to restricted air flow, fatigue.

PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy): A hereditary and progressive disease of the retina. his disease is incurable.

Symptoms include: night blindness (initially), trailed by a slow loss of daytime vision, and finally complete blindness.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight and ensuring they receive all the necessary nutrients is essential to preventing the various health issues that certain breeds regularly present with, where possible. Choosing the right dog food for your pet is key and this is where Pet Heaven aims to help. By providing a wide range of dog foods, pet treats and other essentials, they hope to help make giving your pet what it needs easier. For example, an effect of long term hyperglycaemic episodes in your dog is diabetics. Diabetes in turn over the long run causes cataracts. Therefore it is essential to choose the right dog food to prevent this cycle of events. For example, Hill’s Science Diet Small Breed and Toy Dog food is high in anti-oxidants and is designed to cater specifically to small dogs and their unique dietary requirements, as the name would suggest. Eukanuba’s breed specific dog food for Yorkshire Terriers is also a good example of perfect nutrition for your best friend. Choosing the right dog food is essential and we would love to help you not only choose, but source and have delivered the dog food that is right for your dog so sign up now and have a look at all the options we have available to you!