The Pekingese is a very active and relatively healthy dog, but like any other dog it does have some health issues. One of the main health problems in the Pekingese is congestive heart failure. In fact, congestive heart failure is also the leading cause of death in the Pekingese. When it is diagnosed in a puppy at a young age, it can often be successfully treated with medication. This is, however, provided it is diagnosed at an early age. When it is properly diagnosed and treated, the Pekingese is often able to live a long and healthy life.
Sometimes the heart problem doesn't show up until the dog is 6 years old or older, in which case it's much more difficult to treat and cure. The dog will probably need a veterinarian cardiologist to treat the problem, but the earlier the screening, the better.
There are different kinds of heart problems that the Pekingese suffers from. Chronic valvular disease, which is known as leaky valves, is a disorder that occurs when the actively moving parts of the heart valves get thick and hard with age. The result of this condition is poor circulation, which continues to get progressively worse. They may restrict the blood flow, or the blood may leak and flow past the valve. The blockage combined with the poor circulation can cause the heart failure. This is one reason why it is very important for your dog to get regular checkups from the vet.
Some of the heart problems with the Pekingese are congenital defects, which mean they've been with the dog since birth. Although Pekingese are a breed of dog that is prone to congenital defects, these are rare. Congenital heart defects are responsible for the blood flow going to the heart becoming loud. This is what is usually referred to as a heart murmur. Many puppies are born with heart murmurs and they are not necessarily a reason for concern. In many cases, it disappears on its own by the time the puppy is 6 months old. The vet will often arrange for a checkup when the puppy gets a little older to make sure the murmur is gone.
There are some circumstances, however, where a heart murmur is a sign of a serious congenital heart defect. When the puppy is young, it is hard for the vet to determine if the murmur is indicative of a serious problem without taking a series of tests. Many of these tests can't make a thorough diagnosis until the pup is a little older. This is another reason why the vet recommends seeing the puppy when they are older. With proper care, most Pekingese dogs will live a very happy long life.
|
