TIBETAN SPANIEL HEALTH ISSUES

Tibetan Spaniels had to be a hardy breed to survive in the cold, harsh climate of Tibet. Fortunately Tibbies are still not overly large in numbers in Australia and therefore there is less chance that they fall into the wrong hands of so-called "backyard breeders". This can lead to indiscriminate breeding where the breeder has little idea (or concern) of what health issues may be underlying in their dogs pedigrees. Dedicated registered breeders do their best to ensure the Tibetan Spaniel is able to maintain their status as healthy, hardy little dogs. Of course, like any dog, Tibbies can get cancer, diabetes, liver disease and heart problems, etc.

Although rare, some of the anomalies that may be encountered in the breed are as follows:

PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA)
 This is a genetic eye disease that causes blindness and is a concern in our breed, although there are no reported cases in Australia. The retina is composed of rods and cones that receive light. In PRA the number of nerve cells receiving light gradually reduce and degenerate and the dog eventually goes blind. It is sometimes referred to as night blindness, because normally the first sign is an unwillingness to go out at night. Stumbling down steps or just a bit slower than usual can also be an indication of failing sight. A veterinary ophthalmologist can see changes in the retinas using an electroretinograph. Testing breeding stock yearly or before breeding, shows whether your dog is either PRA clear (at the time of testing), or if it has early changes in the eye before PRA is evident. PRA usually shows up when the dog is between 3 and 7 years old. At the time of writing this, there isn’t a test for PRA carriers; being a recessive gene both the parents of a PRA affected dog carry the gene. The problem with carriers is that they have been used in breeding programs and may have had many litters before it is apparent they carry the gene. It is hoped in the near future that there will be a DNA marker to identify carriers. The Animal Health Trust (UK) has been working on finding a DNA marker for the Tibetan Spaniel and it has identified a region of the canine genome that contains the mutation that is responsible for PRA in the Tibetan Spaniel. PRA is not painful and affected dogs adapt to being blind and rely on their other senses.

LIVER SHUNT or PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNT (PSS)
This is a genetic abnomaly that affects the blood flow around and/or through the liver. Research is underway to find a genetic marker for this disease. At the present time the only option available to breeders is to use a “screening tool” referred to as “bile acid” testing. This test can only give an “overview” of current liver health and is not a definitive test.

LEGGE-PERTHES DISEASE or CALVE-LEGGE-PERTHES DISEASE
Legg-Perthes disease is a non-inflammatory, non-infective death of the cells of the femoral head (hip joint) that occurs in young dogs before the growth plate of the femoral head closes. The disease results in the collapse of the femoral neck due to the interruption of blood flow. Fortunately the prognosis for dogs treated surgically for Legg-Perthes disease is very good to excellent, as long as owners are diligent about post-operative physical rehabilitation and supportive care. After treatment and rehabilitation, most dogs regain pain-free function of the affected hind leg and hip and are able to enjoy normal canine activities such as running, jumping, walking and playing throughout the course of a normal life span. Affected dogs should be spayed or neutered.

HERNIAS
Tibetan Spaniels can have a variety of hernias which can be either inherited or developed. The most common is an umbilical hernia. The tissue surrounding the umbilical area may be weak causing the hernia. The dam or an owner pulling on the cord at birth can also lead to an umbilical hernia, even if it isn’t inherited. It is common in the Tibetan Spaniel, although, it is usually very small, about the size of the tip of your little finger, and in most cases will close over by about 4 to 6 months of age. So though not usually a cause for concern they can be easily repaired when the pet is spayed or neutered. Inguinal and scrotal hernias can also occur, and are usually a bit more serious than umbilical hernias, and again can be repaired with surgery.

HIP DYSPLASIA (HD)
HD is a congenital malformation of the ball and socket joint that makes up the hip. It is a badly formed socket of the cup and ball hip joint. Rare in the Tibetan Spaniel, HD is more common in large and heavier breeds. The loose joint leads to abnormal wear on the joint. HD exists in varying degrees to severe that it causes pain and lameness, to very mild that it has virtually no effect on the dog throughout its life. Diet can play a part in hip malformation, overfed puppies that are grown too fast and are too heavy for their bone structure can influence the hip formation into being an abnormal joint.

CHERRY EYE
This is an inflammation or swelling of the “third” eyelid and appears as a red protrusion in the corner of the dog’s eye. It usually happens around the time of teething in the Tibetan Spaniel. In mild cases it can be put back in by gently pushing under the rim of the eye towards the inner corner of the eye. It may need to be done a couple of times a day during teething, however, if you can’t do it get your vet to show you how. In some cases it may require surgery.

TEARING/WEEPING EYES
Watery eyes are common in the Tibetan Spaniel. Windy, dusty conditions or digging can all contribute to the condition. Puppies tend to get watery eyes during teething, as does the bitch leading up to and during her season and after having puppies. Allergies to grasses and pollen can cause weeping eyes. If the tearing is excessive, or your Tibbie is rubbing his/her eyes, talk to your vet.