Common Shih Tzu Problems

Hernias and Pitched Nostrils are NOT life threatening issues, Much of he information provided below came from the ASTC web site as well as many other breeders in the USA.

"Hernias"

***HERNIAS IN SHIH TZU PUPPIES as well as other breeds is very common, and is not a medical condition

 or cause for immediate concern.  Please be informed before you agree to surgical hernia repair on your

 SHIH TZU PUPPY.***

The following information is copied from www.Bullwrinkle.com and is being offered as an educational tool:

"A hernia is a protrusion or bulge of a part of the body tissue, fat, or an organ through an abnormal opening

 of the surrounding tissue.  There are numerous types of hernias, each type named after its affected area.

A hernia which can be pushed back into the abdomen is called reducible.  Hernias which are not reducible are

 called incarcerated.  If the blood supply to an incarcerated hernia is pinched off, the hernia becomes

 strangulated.  A strangulated hernia is an emergency situation and must be brought to the attention of your

 veterinarian."

The most common types of hernias in shih tzu puppies are:

"An umbilical hernia is the most common type of hernia found in puppies.  In case of umbilical hernias, a

 portion of fat or internal organs protrudes through an incompletely closed umbilical ring.  Umbilical hernias

 may be present at birth, or may be acquired.  The most common means of acquiring an umbilical hernia is a

 result of the umbilical cord being severed too close to the abdominal wall.  In most cases umbilical hernias

 are small and reduce as the puppy grows.  Generally, by the time the pup is six months old, the umbilical

 hernia will shrink and disappear on its own. "An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or

 tissue protruding through the inguinal ring.  Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the

 groin.  They can be bi-lateral, involving both sides or unilateral, involving only one side.  Inguinal hernias

 are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes.  As with umbilical hernias, most

 inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows.  Inguinal hernias can also occur in unspayed,

 middle-aged female dogs.  This may occur as the result of stretching of abdominal tissue due to pregnancy. I

 have heard of many Champion show dogs that have the umbilical hernias and most experienced breeders

 know they are part of the breed and nothing to get all upset over. The smaller ones can be left alone if they

 are not bothering the dog and larger ones can be repaired at the time of a spay/neuter.  If your puppy has

 one, just keep an eye on it  and if it changes, let your vet know.  Most dogs live their whole lives with

 smaller ones and never have a problem. As long as it is not causing a problem and can be pushed back in it

 is ok to wait until spay/neuter to have repaired.  If you read the official site for the English Toy Spaniel you

 will see they actually state that the umbilical hernia is part of their breed and NOT considered a health

 problem. This is also true of the Shih Tzu and many other breeds.  Vets without a lot experience with the

 breed often make a big deal about them  because they do not understand this breed or the breeds with these

 specific problems.

 "Pinched Nostrils and Teething"

Shih Tzu puppies often have slightly pinched nostrils that generally open with time. The bubbly discharge from a Shih Tzu puppy’s nose is NOT serious if the discharge is clear and watery and the dog is otherwise thriving. This problem is most acute during the teething stage. Even the nostrils of a dog that has difficulty simultaneously eating and breathing or is lethargic at this time may open satisfactorily as the dog matures, but a few dogs this severely affected may require surgery later on.

Pinched nostrils and teething go together.

 TEETHING PROBLEMS-   Some puppies in this breed experience teething trouble. The noses swell and

 pinch off some and they may have a little clear discharge. They make make some snorting and snuffling

 sounds. They will usually outgrow this after the adult teeth come in. As long as they are playful and active

 and eating and drinking well, they are ok.  If they cant eat or drink well and are lethargic or the discharge

 changes color, they may have developed infection and need to be checked and treated.  Most Shih tzu pups

 are fine after adult teeth have come in. As long as pups are eating and drinking well and can play they are

 fine, The official book of this breed recommends not letting any surgery be done until after adult teeth are

 in as most will then resolve.

**Many Shih Tzu puppies nose's will become tight during the teething phase. It will often cause them to

 snort and mouth breath. This will go away usually around 12-16 weeks of age sometimes longer. It is very

 different the Stenotic Nares (Pinched Nostrils). Which is noticed from birth. Many Vets will try to talk you

 into an unnecessary surgery. Though I have been Blessed again, Not to have Stenotic Nares. I thought I

 would share this info with you.***

"REVERSE SNEEZING"

 Most of you are probably aware of it, but in case you aren’t it, here is what happens; The doggie sniffs something or gets a drink. Suddenly they suck their nostril shut as a result of a quick breath, dust, pollen or a drop of water. They often act like they are choking or they may even get scared and slide to the floor. They may snort loudly and act very frightened. The novice owner gets frightened too and thinks the dog  might die. It is usually only a “reverse sneeze”. The nostrils are stuck shut. It’s like a vacuum in the nasal passages. Shih Tzu's are brachycepahlic, they have a very short face and nose. This short nose apparently makes them more susceptible to this common phenomenon. Simply talk calmly to your pet, stroke his or her throat to make them swallow and at the same time gently hold their nostril closed for a moment to help release the vacuum. Reverse sneezing in Shih Tzu is quite common and is not life-threatening!!!