There are several Chihuahua health issues that you should know about before committing to one. While the dog tends to be healthy, it does have specific issues you should be aware of. For instance, while the breed tends to be long lived, some common genetic problems include Patellar Luxuation, eye problems, hypoglycemia, heart disease and tooth and gum ailments. Chihuahua health is a concern for all Chihuahua owners.
Luxation of the patella, is the dislocation of the kneecap. It is a common Chihuhua health hereditary problem shared with other small breeds. Patellar luxation can occur in varying degrees it can be minimal or debilitating. Young dogs may be able to compensate for this deformity, but the condition gets worse over time. Most of the time, you will not notice the condition when the dog is young as symptoms of patellar luxation become obvious only as the dog ages.
The dislocation is usually on the inner side of the patella. The ligaments stretch over time until the patella is not where it is supposed to be. It then can “pop” in and out of place very easily. Immediate treatment is recommended when the Chihuahua is a puppy, rather then waiting...