Pomeranian Health Problems

Hypothyroidism -  is a condition that occurs when the dog's body underproduces thyroid hormones causing disruption of the dog metabolism. The disease is most often caused by destruction of the thyroid gland. Signs usually develop during middle age and may include dull, dry coat, laziness, symmetrical hair loss, weight gain and a tendency to seek warm places. The condition is treated with thyroid hormone medication.

Methemoglobinemia -  is the presence of methemoglobin in the blood. Methemoglobin is a particular type of hemoglobin that has been altered and become useless for carrying oxygen and delivering it to tissues throughout the body. The condition may be acquired anytime in life by exposure to a number of different chemicals, such as nitrites, naphthalene (mothballs), local anesthetics, nitrate-accumulating plants and chlorates, or it may be congenital due a genetic condition. Signs may include bluish discolorations on the body surfaces (cyanosis), rapid, shallow respiration, and fainting. In case of chlorates poisoning, diarrhea, excessive salivation, labored breathing and cyanosis may develop.

Cyclic hematopoiesis -  Hematopoiesis is the production of all types of blood cells. When hematopoiesis is disrupted, the number of neutrophils (type of white blood cells responsible for fighting infections) drops thus increasing the dog's susceptibility to stomach and respiratory infections. The defect resides in the bone marrow. The gene responsible for this disorder is closely linked to grey color gene. This disease is called cyclic because the drops repeat every 12 days. It occurs most often in grey collies, and is believed to be inherited. Affected dogs die after weaning and rarely survive over 6 months of age.

Sebaceous Adenitis-   Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is a hereditary immune skin disease. It cannot be cured, but can be treated. In SA the sebaceous glands that adjoin the hair follicles become inflamed and are gradually destroyed. Most common signs include excessive dandruff, skin lesions on the back and ears, patchy hair loss. If left untreated, skin bacterial infections may develop. The disease occurs in many dog breeds. Affected carriers must NOT be bred. Treatment with cyclosporine has been reported to reduce the inflammation and regenerate destructed sebaceous glands. Long-term treatment is necessary to control the disease.

Tracheal collapse-   The trachea (windpipe)  consists of a number of cartilagenous rings connected together by an elastic ligament. The ends of the cartilage rings are connected by smooth muscles and tissues. Sometimes tracheal cartilage and muscles become weak. This anatomical deformity occurs in middle-aged and older small-breed dogs. Obesity increases the chances of collapse. Signs usually include "goose-honk" or "seal-bark" coughing. The condition is treated with surgical implants (ring prostheses). With affected dogs, a harness should be used rather than a dog collar.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy - PRA-   Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative disease of the eye layer called retina. In most cases it is hereditary and eventually results in partial or total blindness. There is no cure for this disease. Dogs carrying the defective gene responsible for the mutation in the retina, should not be bred.

Cataracts -  The cataract is described as hazing or clouding of the lens in the eye. Cataracts impair vision and eventually cause blindness (if left untreated), but in most cases can be remedied by an operation. Cataracts develop as a result of inflammation, trauma, underlying disease (such as diabetes), or may be present at birth (congenital).