Chihuahuas are good city pets, requiring minimal maintenance and exercise.
A toy breed, chihuahuas are intelligent, alert and active. They're unusually brave, from the tiniest 1½-pound "teacup" to the larger 6- or 7-lb. dog. Chihuahuas are healthy overall. Their characteristic trembling is not a medical problem but occurs when the dogs are excited or stressed. One explanation, according to the website "Dog Owner's Guide," is the high metabolism of the breed. Chihuahuas don't require special care but there are certain medical conditions to watch for.
Molera
A molera, or fontanelle, is a soft spot on top of the chihuahua's head. It varies in size and shape and usually occurs on the dog's forehead between its ears. It's accepted worldwide as a mark of purity in the breed, although not all chihuahuas have it. "It is important to note," according to the website "Chihuahua," that "its presence is nothing to become alarmed over." Laypeople and sometimes veterinarians erroneously link molera with hydrocephalus (the accumulation of fluid within and around the brain), but this is usually not the case.
Patellar Luxation
The chihuahua's patella, or kneecap, can slip painfully out of place. This condition, known as patellar luxation, can be hereditary or can occur as a result of injury. It's probably the most common defect in the breed, according to the website "Picasso Chihauhuas," which is a site run by chihuahua breeders in Alberta, Canada. Overweight chihuahuas and chihuahuas that jump on and off furniture and dance on their hind legs are most at risk. Affected dogs limp, intermittently carry a leg off the ground or hop when running. Veterinarians recommend keeping chihuahuas lean and treating the condition with joint supplements, pain killers and in severe cases, with surgery.
Hypoglycemia
Chihuahuas are susceptible to hypoglycemia, a sudden drop in blood sugar. Hypoglycemia usually affects puppies 5 to16 weeks of age but many outgrow the condition. Attacks may be precipitated by shipment or placement into a new home, by missing a meal, becoming chilled or exhausted from too much play. Signs of onset include disorientation, drowsiness at unusual times, shivering, staggering and listlessness. In advanced stages chihuahuas can collapse and die. A quick remedy---with sugar water, syrup, honey or a high-sugar content nutritional supplement---is essential because recurrence or prolonged attacks can cause permanent brain damage.
Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse is a syndrome in which the rigid structure of the trachea (windpipe) is weakened. Weakened areas become irritated and subsequent coughing and respiratory exertion create further irritation. Clinical signs worsen and the condition becomes self-perpetuating. Chihuahuas suffering from tracheal collapse exhibit a honking cough, severe coughs (as if something is caught in the throat) and often have difficulty breathing, especially after excitement or exercise. Mild cases usually respond well to cough suppressants but advanced cases may require surgery.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus---excessive fluid within and around the brain---is a congenital (present at birth) condition but may occur as a result of trauma or brain tumor. Toy breeds such as chihuahuas, maltese, yorkshire terriers and pomeranians are commonly affected but it also occurs in other breeds. Typically diagnosed prior to 4 months of age, affected dogs have domed heads with soft spots (fontanelles) and may be blind, have seizures or an altered gait. They're usually mentally dull and have a limited ability to learn. Life span is short. Most don't live over 2 years of age. Treatment, which includes surgery and medications, is often ineffective and expensive.
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