Among common pet dogs, the Chihuahua is almost the smallest in size. That tiny body is one of the reasons people love the breed, but it also brings a number of inherited health problems. One of the more serious ones is hydrocephalus, which is related to incomplete skull development and pressure from cerebrospinal fluid on the brain. Treating it is difficult.
Chihuahua Hydrocephalus
The Chihuahua's skull often retains an open fontanelle, which means the bones of the skull have not closed completely. A small opening remains on the top of the head, and cerebrospinal fluid may accumulate there and press on the brain. This is what is commonly called hydrocephalus in the breed. A Chihuahua with hydrocephalus may walk unsteadily, may become blind, or may sometimes show no obvious symptoms at all.
Hydrocephalus is considered a hereditary condition in Chihuahuas because their very small body size is linked to incomplete skull development. Diagnosis is usually made with X-rays or CT scanning. Treatment may involve medication to reduce cerebrospinal fluid pressure or surgical shunting procedures. The difficulty is high and the cost is also high.
Excessive Obesity in Chihuahuas
Obesity is not a hereditary disease, but it appears easily in Chihuahuas. As toy dogs, they do not naturally have a large exercise volume, and many owners like carrying them in their arms all the time. Long-term lack of movement can easily lead to weight gain. The solution is relatively simple: adjust the diet, reduce fat and sugar intake, and give the dog moderate exercise.
Tracheal Collapse in Chihuahuas
Tracheal collapse is also one of the hereditary problems seen in Chihuahuas, although acquired damage to the airways may also contribute. Most cases lead to varying degrees of breathing difficulty. This problem is not limited to Chihuahuas, but is common in many small breeds. In dealing with tracheal collapse, the most important point is to prevent the Chihuahua from getting chilled and catching a cold. Because the breed is not tolerant of cold, prolonged exposure to low temperature easily leads to colds, and once a cold occurs, breathing difficulty can become worse.