Do Lhasa Apsos Have Health Problems?

If you are considering adopting a Lhasa Apso, it can be important to understand what potential health concerns you may face, if any. Preparing yourself financially to care for a dog prone to disease is best done far ahead of time. In order to learn which diseases a Lhasa Apso might develop or which specific health problems may arise, I’ve done a bit of research and compiled it all into this one informative article.

Does Lhasa Apsos have health problems? Like all living things, Lhasa Apsos can develop health problems. There are also a handful of conditions that Lhasa Apso are at high risk for. However, it is no reason to avoid the breed when considering adopting a dog. In fact, preparing yourself for what to look out for might save some trouble.

Lhasa Apso dogs are more likely to inherit or develop some diseases than other breeds. However, this is true for most breeds. Despite the potential for diseases such as IVDD or Atopic Dermatitis, a Lhasa Apso is a great dog to adopt.

Be sure to get your Lhasa Apso from a reputable source and you’re less likely to have to deal with these illnesses. If you are aware of a hereditary disease in the bloodline but want to adopt anyway, it may be a good idea to look into pet insurance.

Caring for a Lhasa Apso that needs a little extra help can be difficult, but rewarding. Remember to ask your veterinarian the best way to help your pup to give him or her a quality life.

10 Common Health Concerns in a Lhasa Apso

Pyloric Stenosis,
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease,
Patellar Luxation,
Atopic Dermatitis,
IVDD, or Intervertebral Disc Disease,
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Hip Dysplasia,
Juvenile Renal Disease,
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and
Hydrocephalus

There are typically 6 conditions that are considered a hig risk for the Lhasa Apso breed as a whole. These include Pyloric Stenosis, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Patellar Luxation, Atopic Dermatitis, IVDD, and Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca. Each condition has its own threats, treatments, and the potential cost to the owner.

Pyloric Stenosis

Pyloric Stenosis is a gastrointestinal disease that involves an obstruction in a stomach valve known as a pylorus. Common symptoms of this disease include intermittent vomiting, weight loss, and at times respiratory issues. Diagnosis is usually based on x-rays and endoscopy, as diagnosing based on symptoms can be a complicated process. In order to fix the problem, the Lhasa Apso will most probably require surgery. An owner might expect to pay upwards of $5000 if their Lhasa Apso acquires this condition.

Although Pyloric Stenosis is generally a hereditary disease, preventing the condition is more likely if your female Lhasa Apso is spayed prior to her first heat, as reproducing females are more susceptible to the disease. Stress and gastric ulcers can also cause this condition, so handling those issues as they show up is ideal.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

An additional issue to be on the lookout for is Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. This hereditary disease is a hip condition that affects many small breeds in their first year of life. It is a very painful disease that results in dying bone and collapsed cartilage. It can also lead to arthritis, thus causing your Lhasa Apso even more pain.

Symptoms to be on the lookout for include limping, whining, and loss of muscle from lack of use. They will also be in pain from touch to the area. A veterinarian will diagnose the disease with an x-ray. Pain can be treated with medication, but surgery will solve the problem more permanently. The surgery can typically cost up to $3000.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar Luxation is another condition common to Lhasa Apso and other small dogs. In simple terms, Patellar Luxation is a dislocated kneecap and it is usually genetic. If a Lhasa Apso has this disease of the joint, they might show signs in the first few months of life. Signs would include the inability to walk normally or even lameness.

An x-ray would determine the severity of the condition more clearly than the symptoms. If the severity is in the beginnings of the disease, pain is often managed with medication and weight management helps to prevent worsening the condition. If the condition is in a later stage, surgery is probably necessary. Medications can cost up to $50 per month and surgery can go as high as $3000 per knee.

Although Patellar Luxation is a genetic disease, being wary of a Lhasa Apso dog’s weight is the best chance at refraining from a severe form.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis is the next condition that one might expect from a Lhasa Apso. This is a condition in which allergens cause a skin reaction. Symptoms include redness of the skin, itching, hives, or ear infections. This condition typically occurs after the Lhasa Apso is 4 months old and will get progressively worse until the dog hits old age. In old age, an affected dog will usually see a bit of remission.

In order to diagnose Atopic Dermatitis, a veterinarian would go based on symptoms. Sometimes a better diagnosis can be provided with a skin test. The skin test would determine which allergens cause the symptoms.

A skin test would allow for the owner to help the Lhasa Apso avoid the identified allergens. Other ways to cure or prevent the symptoms include drugs, medicated shampoos or antihistamines, and possible vaccinations. The cost of treatment could be anywhere from $100 to $1000.

IVDD, or Intervertebral Disc Disease

IVDD, or Intervertebral Disc Disease, is a painful condition in which the discs between the vertebrae rupture. If a Lhasa Apso has this disease, it is likely that they will be in obvious pain, unable to jump, a lack of appetite, and loss of bowel or bladder control.

The cause of IVDD stems from landing after a high jump. At times it can occur immediately and others occur over time. It is diagnosed with an x-ray and myelogram or an MRI. Treating less severe damage to the spinal cord involves medication and bed rest. A severe condition requires surgery that a Lhasa Apso may or may not completely recover from.

Preventing IVDD includes managing the dog’s weight and using a harness while leashed. Prevention of the disease can save you $2500 to $7000 in veterinary bills and medications.

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, also known as dry eye, is a disease that decreases tear production. In order to bring moisture to the eyes, a Lhasa Apso’s body will produce extra mucus. This mucus in the eyes can cause irritation or bacterial infections. It is also known to cause pain and eventually it might even cause blindness.

The diagnosis comes from a test that measures tear production. After a proper diagnosis, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca is treated with eye drops. There is no real permanent cure for this condition, so eye drops will be required for the life of the dog. This can cost up to $1000 each and every year.

There are a few additional risks to Lhasa Apso dogs that have a slightly lower likelihood of developing than the above-mentioned conditions. These include Hip Dysplasia, Juvenile Renal Disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and Hydrocephalus.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that affects many breeds and therefore can affect your Lhasa Apso. In truth, this disease mostly affects larger breeds of dogs, but the Lhasa Apso breed has seen the condition as well. This is a disease that causes pain in one or both hip joints when the ball and socket are not aligned properly.

Sometimes it is difficult to spot the symptoms of the disease. At times the dog will have a limp or somewhat of an awkward gait. You may also notice a loss of muscle in the leg(s), usually in the thigh area, or difficulty standing up from a seated or lying position. To confirm hip dysplasia, a veterinarian will use an x-ray.

Once the disease has been confirmed, the best course of action is usually surgery for hip replacement. However, there are ways to put off the surgery with weight management and pain-relieving drugs. Additionally, if Hip Dysplasia is caught early enough, less invasive procedures can be used.

A less invasive procedure can run up to $3000 while a full hip replacement will likely cost anywhere from $7000 to $12,000. After the surgery, your Lhasa Apso will probably require pain medication for the remainder of his or her life.

Juvenile Renal Disease

Juvenile Renal Disease, also known as Renal Dysplasia, is a disease that affects the kidneys. While it is usually hereditary, it can also be congenital. There is a long list of symptoms for this disease, some of which include increased thirst, bloody urine, a large amount of urine, lack of appetite, and poor overall condition.

This disease is treated with a change in diet – typically low sodium and low protein with access to clean water at all times. Sometimes it can be necessary to administer fluids via IV. Medications can help with a number of issues that juvenile renal disease cause, such as bone pain, but they can be hard to manage with kidney disease.

There are some facilities that do kidney transplants or kidney dialysis, but these treatment options are extremely expensive. A long life for a Lhasa Apso with juvenile renal disease is not a common occurrence. The cost to treat this disease ranges from hundreds of dollars to $15,000, depending on the length of life.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a disease of the eye that results in blindness after the deterioration of cells. This is a hereditary disease and is not painful. Because of the painlessness, it can be hard to diagnose in the early stages. Later on, the dog can show symptoms of clumsiness, dilated pupils, and a reflective look to their eyes.

Typically a Lhasa Apso will completely lose their sight within a year or two of developing the disease. It is diagnosed with a trip to the veterinary ophthalmologist and an electroretinogram. Unfortunately, even with a diagnosis, there is no treatment for the disease.

Luckily, a Lhasa Apso will depend on the strength of their other senses to get around. Since the disease is untreatable, the cost stops at diagnosis, which often less than a few hundred dollars.

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a rare disease that Lhasa Apso are sometimes prone to. It is a condition in which there is fluid build up around the brain. The pressure from the fluid eventually causes brain damage.

Symptoms for Hydrocephalus include seizures, blindness, and difficulty in training. Proper diagnosis requires an MRI or CT scan. Once diagnosed, a Lhasa Apso can be treated symptomatically with medication, but sadly euthanasia is most common if the disease is any worse than mild.

If an owner were to opt to attempt surgery, they could expect a bill anywhere from $5000 to $10,000.

Understanding the common ailments, the symptoms, treatments, and costs involved with a Lhasa Apso is advised prior to adopting a puppy. While your Lhasa Apso may be perfectly healthy, it is good to be prepared just in case.

Preventative Measures for Disease and General Health Problems

As mentioned in the above paragraphs, most diseases have a way to prevent or at least improve their chances against the conditions. While some of the diseases are genetic and there is not really anything to be done about it, many of the diseases can be somewhat prevented. A Lhasa Apso may be predisposed to a condition, but there are things that can give them a better shot at avoidance.

The most common way to prevent many of the above diseases is weight management. Weight management in a Lhasa Apso starts with their diet. Be sure that your pup is not receiving table scraps or junk food. Calculate the calories that your Lhasa Apso requires. A standard size Lhasa Apso needs about 500 calories each day.

In order to make sure your Lhasa Apso is indeed eating those 500 calories, it may be necessary to measure out their dog food. In some cases, it is best to prepare your dog’s food from real food. If your pup is struggling with a higher weight, vegetables and real meat can assist with the weight management.

Weight management is also handled with frequent exercise. A Lhasa Apso has a short nose, so heavy amounts of exercise are advised against. Because of the short nose, a Lhasa Apso can struggle to breathe well during exercise. This leaves exercise options to a few short walks per day or a couple of games of fetch. Be sure that he or she gets some physical activity every single day. Pushing more than what your Lhasa Apso is physically capable of can cause further issues.

See alos: HOW MUCH DO LHASA APSO WEIGH?

Since preventing issues is what we are ultimately after, you may need to contact your vet to determine the best exercise regimen for your Lhasa Apso. A proper exercise schedule and a good diet can help to maintain your dog’s weight and their overall health.

An additional idea to assist with your Lhasa Apso dog’s overall health is to give him or her a dog multivitamin. There are numerous brands and qualities of multivitamins for dogs. Like with people, a multivitamin often provides that extra boost of defense against possible health issues. In many cases, that boost helps immensely in prevention and health in general. Ask your veterinarian about the best multivitamin for your Lhasa Apso.

Your Lhasa Apso dog’s general health can also be maintained with regular veterinary care. A vet might be able to catch an illness before it progresses. Doing this will probably save your Lhasa Apso from pain and you from a hefty bill. Keeping a Lhasa Apso healthy is often the most important thing for a loving owner.

Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance

It is a relatively new concept, having insurance for your pet. However, with the amount of money some pets require for their healthcare, the benefits may outweigh the cost. Policies range from a few dollars a month to over $100 each month, but the quality of the policy depends on the amount paid into it. Weighing the benefits and negatives may help you to decide if a pet insurance policy on your Lhasa Apso is ideal for you.

The biggest benefit of pet insurance is obvious: assistance in paying for veterinary services. There are times in which vet bills catch us by surprise. Depending on the policy chosen, pet insurance can pay for all or a percentage of the bill.

The policy is another benefit because most companies have a variety of options to choose from. Having the ability to customize a policy that best fits your Lhasa Apso means that you are more likely to put your coverage to use.

This leads us to a negative aspect of pet insurance. You may be paying for coverage that is never needed or used. If you are paying a set amount each month, but your Lhasa Apso never has any veterinary needs, you are spending more than you are saving. This defeats the purpose of insurance.

An additional negative factor is the ability to get coverage on certain dogs. With a lifespan of 12-15 years, a Lhasa Apso of 12 years will probably not be covered under any pet insurance plan. Old age brings more health problems, and although that age might be when insurance is needed most, the insurance provider would fail to make any profit as a business.

This is why even if you do opt to purchase pet insurance for your beloved Lhasa Apso, you should also budget an additional amount for coverage of your own. Having a reserve for your pet’s medical expenses can probably save a lot of headaches.

On the opposite side, while pet insurance and a reserve fund can provide your Lhasa Apso will the best of treatments, it is important to discuss with the veterinarian the quality of life that your pup will have after these treatments. In many cases, it will be recommended that surgery or treatment is done to help the dog. In others, the vet may recommend that the Lhasa Apso is made comfortable prior to his or her last days.

It is also important to read the fine print of any pet insurance plan prior to purchasing. Like with your own medical insurance coverage, there is a lot involved that can sometimes be difficult to understand. Ask questions and make sure that you receive the information that you are looking for. Be sure that your coverage covers genetic diseases or pre-existing conditions if those things apply to your Lhasa Apso.

Also, having a plan for the big costs does not mean that you should ignore the little things. Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, dental cleanings, the best food, and weight management should all be included in your Lhasa Apso dog’s routine in order to keep them healthy longer.

If you decide to purchase a pet insurance policy for your Lhasa Apso, try to quantify your vet visits and potential costs. Then you will need to look into policies that cover your potential needs and verify that the savings from being insured and the cost of the policy make sense. Purchasing an insurance policy blindly is not recommended. It requires a lot of research to find a policy that meets your needs.

Adopting a Healthy Lhasa Apso

Having a Lhasa Apso that doesn’t have to deal with health problems is ideal. However, many conditions are genetically predisposed and can be hard to determine if one particular puppy will end up with an illness. This is why adopting an adult dog rather than a puppy might be a good idea.

Obtaining an adult Lhasa Apso from a rescue is a good idea for multiple reasons. Firstly, adopting from a rescue saves a life. Secondly, an adult will generally already have passed the age at which many diseases show symptoms. Lastly, an adult is more likely to already be house trained. Even with these good reasons, many prefer to adopt a puppy.

A Lhasa Apso puppy can become a loving member of your family in many ways. However, prior to falling in love with a puppy, it is important to know if that puppy has a deadly or painful disease. The best way to avoid adopting a sick puppy is to avoid pet stores and unreputable breeders.

Identifying a quality breeder requires some homework. A quality breeder will be registered with the American Kennel Club. They will openly answer any questions that you might have. They will allow you to meet the puppy’s parents. The kennels will be clean and well maintained. The animals will also approach a quality breeder happily or not shy away from them. They will also provide any known health issues in the bloodline. If there are no known medical issues, health records should provide proof.

A reputable breeder will have a quality contract. Ensure that you have read over the contract thoroughly. A good sign includes an agreement to return the puppy to the breeder if it is decided that they are no longer wanted or unable to be cared for. They generally do not want their puppies to end up in a shelter or in a home that does not treat them right.

If a Lhasa Apso is adopted from a breeder of poor quality or from a pet store (most get puppies from puppy mills), it is likely that the puppy is already ill or has a likely chance of getting sick. Avoiding these breeders and pet stores are the best way to get rid of them.

As previously stated, adopting a known healthy Lhasa Apso puppy or adult dog is the best way to prevent any unexpected death or illness.

Providing the Best Life for Your Sick Lhasa Apso

If your Lhasa Apso does have a disease or illness, do not think it is time to get rid of them. Many dogs have a lot of life left in them after diagnosis and are best off in their own familiar home. However, it may be necessary to make some changes to your home in order to make your Lhasa Apso more comfortable.

Stairs cause a lot of trouble for Lhasa Apso dogs with joint diseases or other physical pains. If you have stairs leading to your dog’s outside spot, it may be necessary to build a ramp. If you have stairs in your home, placing all of their needs in one area might be the best option. For example, putting their doggy bed next to their food can save them some aches and pains.

A quality doggy bed made for older dogs can be purchased at most pet stores. They provide more support than the standard bed.

If your Lhasa Apso begins to have vision problems, it is easiest for them if you don’t move around the furniture. Changes in the layout if the home may confuse a blind dog and cause them to bump into objects.