Common Shih Tzu Problems

Hernias and Pinched Nostrils are NOT life threatening issues, Much of the 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, are very common and are 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 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 sniffling   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 brachycephalic, 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!!!        

About Umbilical Hernias and Pinched Nostrils 

The following is an excerpt from THE OFFICIAL BOOK OF THE SHIH TZU, by Jo Ann White, regarding umbilical hernias and pinched nostrils, which are quite common in Shih Tzu puppies:  

"The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic (short-faced) breed. Many Shih Tzu puppies, especially those with very short noses, have slightly pinched nostrils, particularly when they are teething. They may snort and snuffle, snore, and have a watery, clear nasal discharge... This problem generally clears up with age... Small umbilical (belly button) hernias are quite common in Shih Tzu puppies. If the opening is small, it will likely close by itself as the puppy matures. As with slightly pinched nostrils, many vets unfamiliar with our breed are much too quick to recommend corrective surgery."     

Hypoglycemia 

If you are going to become a toy dog owner you will want to familiarize yourself to the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is often seen in young toy puppies, and most of the time the symptoms can be controlled by eating, or by giving some glucose such as honey water to the puppy. Glucose is what the body uses as fuel and is necessary for the brain tissue and muscles to function. Hypoglycemia is when the blood sugar levels (glucose) fall well below normal. It can cause your puppy to become confused, disoriented, drowsy, have the shivers, stagger about, collapse, fall into a coma, or have seizures. Episodes of hypoglycemia often occur without warning. A puppy may be stressed by shipping, or a missed meal, being chilled, or even exhaustion from too much play. Because of their tiny size, toy puppies cannot eat a lot at one time, and literally run out of fuel quickly. Puppies should be fed several times a day a high quality diet. Most puppies will outgrow the problem. Some very tiny dogs will continue to have bouts of hypoglycemia throughout their life. If your puppy experiences episodes of hypoglycemia it is important to restore the blood levels of glucose as quickly as possible.  Call me if your pup is having any of these symptoms......Always keep Nutri-Cal on hand........ Typical symptoms: Weakness Listlessness Depression Staggering Gait Tremors If your puppy is conscious, give him/her a little White Karo Syrup, or Honey under its tongue, or rubbed on its gums. Do NOT pour into the mouth as the puppy could easily choke. You can also mix honey, or corn syrup with pedialite, stir to dissolve, and dribble it into the puppy's mouth. Nutri-Cal also works extremely well in an emergency. The puppy should begin to improve within about ten minutes, if not contact your vet as quickly as you can. NOTE: BREEDERS CAN NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR HYPOGLYCEMIA     

Delayed Closure or Hernia  

Delayed closures are VERY common in the Shih Tzu. Most so called "hernias" are actually delayed closure of the umbilical or inguinal (groin) area.  We call it a hernia, because at that time, that seems like what it is. Sometimes I do not mention on my website if a puppy has a inguinal or a umbilical hernia at first because some of the time it is actually already closed by the time they go home.  If small, sometimes they are closed by 8-12 weeks.  If It seems as if it won't be closed when the puppy is old enough to go home, I feel it is important for you to know.  You really can not tell the difference between a true hernia or a delayed closure unless the hernia is severe, but if as the puppy gets older and the hernia is getting a little better as he/she grows, then most likely you are just dealing with a delayed closure.  Sometimes a breeder just simply knows based on experience that a particular dog has puppies that just simply are a little slower at closing up...that being said most breeders will not continue to breed a dog that has continually throw true inguinal hernias. It is not uncommon for a umbilical Hernia not to close, almost all are simply cosmetic and do not cause any health concern whatsoever, but can be stitched close for very minimal cost at the time of spay/neuter if desired.  Almost all "inguinal hernias" are simply delayed closures and require no medical help.  True inguinal hernias are actually rare in shih Tzu's.  Almost all so called inguinal hernias (actually delayed closures) are completely healed by 4-6 mos of age. I believe delayed closures are very common in the shih tzu and even though I have had numerous delayed closures I have not seen any of mine that have had a true inguinal hernia.  Umbilical Hernias  Umbilical hernias really are of little concern and are very common in the Shih Tzu breed. They usually show up at around 2-5 weeks of age and some of them will close on their own by around 6 mos of age (delayed closure).  If it is large enough that it is "in the way" then it probably should be closed up when the puppy is spayed/neutered if it hasn't closed on it's own, very large hernias should always be closed up so the muscle doesn't close up around it and cause internal injury (however this is very rare to have a umbilical hernia that is large enough to become strangulated).  A lot of Vets will do it free of charge or for a small fee as long as they are already spaying or neutering the dog. An umbilical hernia is usually a small soft bump where your puppies umbilical cord was (their belly button) and for whatever reason the muscle failed to close up.  There are a couple of reasons why a puppy gets an umbilical hernia. Because of a shih tzu's uneven bite, sometimes the moms tend to have a harder time "cutting the cord" and will tug, pull or even chew too close to the skin or sometimes a difficult delivery and the puppy had to be pulled out.  Most breeders will not allow the mom to chew the cord as to prevent a hernia. If you get hernias consistently from the same dog and the breeder has cut the cords and not allowed the mom to chew them, then this is most likely inherited (but could be from the mom or dad or the combination of both)  Sometimes they just simply pop up out of nowhere. Very very rarely is an umbilical hernia any health concern whatsoever. They are quite common in the Shih Tzu and are easily fixed if so desired.  Inguinal Hernias You can not tell if a puppy has a true hernia until they are at least 5-6 mos old. They are almost always just delayed closures.  An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are skin-covered bulges in the groin area. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, and unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. Most all inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows, although you must keep an eye on the size of the hernia. I recommend you push the tissue back into the cavity a couple of times a day or whenever you notice it "sticking out" (if it is on the larger side). Small Inguinal hernias are of little concern and do generally close up on their own. As with an umbilical hernia, if it hasn't not closed up on it's own by the time it is time to spay or neuter your puppy, then I recommend to have a vet close it up at that time. Very Small inguinal hernias usually would be fine if left, but I recommend to play it safe and just have it fixed when the puppy is spay/neutered if you are at all concerned about it. Large inguinal hernias if ignored could potentially cause a health concern for the dog if the muscles closes up around the hernia and strangles it. However this would not happen if you are pushing in the bump and you get it corrected if it is still present by 6 mos of age. Inguinal Hernias can be a big deal to a breeder as a female that has had an inguinal hernia that didn't close on it's own should never be bred as that area will be weak and could potential be a major health risk when whelping puppies. However, again, true inguinal hernias are rare in the Shih Tzu.  

Quick note on repairing hernias:  Some breeders will have hernias repaired before going to their new home when the puppy is young.  This may sound very good and I am sure the breeders mean well, however, after consulting my veterinarian and based on my own opinion and views, a surgery on any puppy less than 4-5 mos old (actually any age for that matter) is very risky. I do not think it is a good idea nor very safe to have a young puppies hernia repaired before going to their new home (unless it is a life threatening situation). Since most all inguinal are not true hernias they heal on their own, there is no sense in risking the health of a puppy on an unnecessary surgery or having to have two surgeries when it could be done with just the one surgery at the time of their spay/neuter.  

Tight Nostrils or Stenotic Nares 

Tight nostrils are very VERY common in the Shih Tzu breed.  A lot of people think that tight nostrils and Stenotic Nares (pinched nostrils) are the same thing.  In reality they are very very different.  Tight Nostrils will generally come on when the puppy is teething and sometimes not go away until the adult teeth have fully come in (even up to a year old).  Sometimes it will come and go as the puppies gums are swelling off and on from the teething process.  Some puppies can't hardly breath out of their noses at all during this time, but as long as they are active and eating and drinking normally it is of little concern.  Never have surgery done on a puppy that just simply has tight nostrils as it will eventually go away.  Some dogs will have tighter nostrils than others and some will snore and snort more than others during their entire life, but tight nostrils to the point that they can't breathe through their noses and cause health concerns will generally go away with time.   Stenotic Nares on the other hand are completely different and are present at birth.  From the time the baby is born he has difficulty breathing through his nose and struggles with nursing from early on due to the inability to breath and eat at the same time (this can happen with tight nostrils also, however the pup is generally almost weaned by this time).  Some of the time (but not always) surgery will need to be done on Stenotic Nares as the puppy may always have this issue and over time could cause other health concerns.  However, even with Stenotic Nares the puppy can outgrow the condition.  If the puppies Stenotic Nares are so severe that they can not breath at all or very very little through their nose, and it is obviously causing lethargic behavior or other health concerns, then I would say surgery would probably be needed, however if a puppy can breath through the nose enough to lead a normal life (except for maybe a lot of snorting and snoring :) )  Then I would wait to have surgery done until the puppy is over a year old as it is a possibility as they mature that they could outgrow the condition.