Pomeranian Health Problems and Diseases

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common congenital heart disease in dogs and usually causes heart failure and death unless corrected at a young age. PDA occurs twice as often in females as in males, most commonly in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, German Shepherd Dogs, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Collies, Cocker Spaniels, Shetland Sheepdogs and Pomeranians. About half of untreated dogs develop left-sided heart failure by 8 months of age.

Cryptorchidism is a birth defect when one or both testes fail to descend normally. The testes (testicles) develop in the abdomen and gradually descend into the scrotum. They should be present there at birth, or shortly after. If they have not descended by the time the dog is adult, he is described as either unilateral chriptochid (when one testis is still retained in the abdomen), or a bilateral chriptochid (when both have not descended). Check with your vet during the time of vaccination.


Entropion  is an eye defect when the eyelid turns in towards the eyeball, allowing the hairs or lashes to rub against the surface. Either upper or lower lids may be involved, or a combination of both. Most often both eyes are affected. This can be very painful, causing the eye to water and perhaps stain the hair on the face. Surgery is often required to correct the problem. Signs include excessive tearing, red eye and squinting. It may result in damage to the eye which may be severe enough to cause partial or complete loss of vision.

Hydrocephalus, commonly known as "water on the brain", is a condition in which excess fluid collects within the brain cavity of the skull. It can be a result of trauma, but in Pomeranians and some other dog breeds, it is believed to be hereditary. Affected dogs should NOT be bred. The affected puppy develops more slowly than his siblings. In adult dogs, circling, pacing, seizures and paralysis may occur.


Patellar Luxation, also known as "slipping kneecaps", is an inherited joint problem in many breeds of dogs, including Pomeranian. The kneecap moves in a groove at the lower end of the thigh bone. Some dogs are born with a groove that is not deep enough so that the patella (kneecap) slips out of the groove. In this case you will notice your dog hop for a few steps. The condition is corrected surgically.

Intervertebral disk disease, known as "slipped disc". The intervertebral discs are the joints of the spinal column. They have a primarily mechanical role in providing flexibility to the spinal column and absorb shock in motion. This disease is the most common cause of paralysis in dogs. The condition may result from a trauma or premature aging process. The dog may be reluctant to move or exercise and cry when moving. At the advanced stage of the disease, loss of coordination, weakness, paralysis, lameness, urinary incontinence may develop. The condition needs to be corrected surgically.