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PART 3
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the top cause for the shorter lifespan found in Teacup Yorkies compared to standard-sized Yorkies. Due to the increased levels of stress found in Teacup Yorkies, coupled with the Yorkshire Terrier breed being a very emotional breed and the Teacup’s tiny heart, the Teacup Yorkie is the prime target for heart disease and heart attacks.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus, literally meaning water on the brain, is a condition in which an excess of cerebrospinal fluid has leaked inside the skull, leading the brain to swell. Surrounding both the brain and the spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid provides both protection and nutrients to these areas. A buildup of cerebrospinal fluid can happen if too much is produced by the body, or if the flow or absorption of it has become blocked. This will lead to an increase of pressure within the skull, which will squeeze on the sensitive tissues of the brain. Increased pressure in this area can lead to permanent, irreversible brain damage or death.
There are two main forms of hydrocephalus found in dogs: congenital and acquired. As the names suggest, congenital hydrocephalus is a birth defect, which is most often associated with a dome-shaped skull, a large soft spot on the top of the skull, and eyes that seem to be gazing downward. Acquired hydrocephalus progresses when the flow of cerebrospinal fluid is altered or blocked as the result of swelling, a tumor, or infection. The most common cause of acquired hydrocephalus in dogs is a brain tumor.
Signs your Yorkie may be suffering with either congenital or acquired hydrocephalus include:
Changes in behavior
Pressing his head against the wall
Loss of vision
Listlessness
Frequent circling or pacing
Seizures
Smaller breeds of dogs are more susceptible to developing hydrocephalus, especially miniature and toy breeds like the Teacup Yorkshire Terrier.
Legg – Perthes Disease
Legg – Perthes disease, also known as Legg – Calvé – Perthes Disease, is a disease which involves a spontaneous deterioration of the femur bone, located on the Yorkie’s hind leg, resulting in inflammation of the bone and joints and the disintegration of the hip joint. Symptoms such as a gradual onset of lameness, hip joint pain, and wasting thigh muscles can point to your Yorkie being affected by this disease. While some research points to it being related to blood supply issues to the head of the femur bone, the exact cause for Legg – Calvé – Perthes Disease is unknown at this time.
Other Common Health Issues
There are also many other issues commonly prevalent with Teacup Yorkshire Terriers, such as:
Open fontanels (soft spots located on the top of the head)
Gum disease
Anesthesia-related issues
Chronic diarrhea
Chronic vomiting
Learning difficulties
Small kidneys as a result of congenital defects
Physiological problems
Skin problems
How Long Do Teacup Yorkies Live?
Given their many health risks and the dangers that come from a Teacup Yorkie full size of less than 4 pounds, it’s no surprise that Teacup Yorkies don’t live as long as standard-sized Yorkies.
The life expectancy for the typical Yorkshire Terrier is 12 to 15 years. For a Teacup Yorkie, the life expectancy drops to just 7 to 9 years.
Tips for Caring for a Teacup Yorkshire Terrier
As an owner of a Teacup Yorkie, you’ll want to know the steps to take to be able to best take care of them and avoid any potential health-related issues.
With a dog as small as a Teacup Yorkie, you’ll have to take precaution when it comes to temperature changes as they are very sensitive and can’t regulate their temperature. You’ll want to avoid any quick changes from hot to cold, and take care when giving baths. Be sure to use warm water, and have a soft, warm towel on hand, ready for them to be immediately wrapped up in.
Whenever the weather falls below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, be sure to dress your Yorkie in a thick sweater, hoodie, or warm vest. If the ground is cold, dress them in small dog shoes as the cold can quickly radiate from the paws to the rest of the body. In the hot months, keep your Yorkie in the shade as much as possible when out on walks and remember to offer plenty of water.
A Thunder Vest can be helpful for reducing anxiety and fear during thunderstorms, car rides, or nights alone.
Where most standard sized pups will have a protective layer of fat to protect them and help them maintain body temperature, Teacup Yorkshire Terriers do not. This means that not only will they not be able to keep control of their body temperature, but also that their elbows and other body parts can become susceptible to developing sores. Hair can also thin out in these areas. To help with this, place a soft baby blanket down on top of the carpeted or tiled floor where he rests and sleeps.
Your Yorkie’s bed should be a quality, orthopedic foam memory mattress that offers good support. The Deep Dish Cuddler is a good choice for supporting your tiny dog’s joints.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, be sure to maintain a regime of regular checkups with your vet. If your Yorkie does develop health issues — and there’s a good chance they will — quick diagnosis and treatment can make a world of difference in his quality of life and lifespan.
http://www.yorkieadvice.com/yorkie-a...eacup-yorkies/