10 Common Maltipoo Health Issues to Watch Out For: Signs & Treatments

Are you the proud owner of an adorable Maltipoo, or considering adding one of these lively little fluffballs to your family? As a cross between a Maltese and a Miniature or Toy Poodle, the Maltipoo has become an increasingly popular hybrid dog breed, loved for their playful, affectionate personalities and teddy bear-like appearance. While Maltipoos are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 12-15 years, like all breeds they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions passed down from their parent breeds.

As a responsible Maltipoo owner, it‘s important to be aware of the health issues this breed may face so you can help your furry friend live the healthiest, happiest life possible. In this article, we‘ll take an in-depth look at some of the most common Maltipoo health problems, including the signs to watch for and how they can be treated or prevented. With the right care and a proactive approach to health, you can look forward to many joyful years with your Maltipoo by your side!

An Overview of Maltipoo Health

Before we dive into specific health conditions, let‘s take a quick look at Maltipoo health in general. As a hybrid of two breeds, the Maltipoo benefits from "hybrid vigor" – the tendency of a crossbred dog to be healthier than either of their purebred parents. This is because many purebred dogs are prone to inherited diseases due to generations of selective breeding for specific traits, whereas first generation crosses like the Maltipoo have more genetic diversity.

However, Maltipoos can still inherit health problems common to their parent breeds. According to a study by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, the Maltese and Poodle breeds are prone to similar health issues, which the Maltipoo may also be at risk for:

• The Maltese has high rates of dental disease, luxating patellas (loose kneecaps), portosystemic shunts (a liver disorder), and eye problems.
• The Miniature Poodle is prone to eye disorders, epilepsy, Addison‘s disease, Cushing‘s disease, luxating patellas, and tracheal collapse.
• Both breeds are also at risk for allergies, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand‘s disease (a blood clotting disorder).

That may seem like a lot of potential problems – but don‘t worry! The risk of your individual Maltipoo inheriting any one of these conditions is relatively low. There are also many steps you can take to reduce your dog‘s risk and catch any health issues early. Later in this article, we‘ll go over proactive ways to keep your Maltipoo healthy. But first, let‘s take a closer look at some of the most common health problems seen in the breed.

10 Common Maltipoo Health Issues

1. Dental Disease

Dental problems are extremely common in small breed dogs like the Maltipoo. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, over 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age 3. The Maltese and Poodle are both prone to periodontal disease, tooth decay, and premature tooth loss.

Signs of dental disease include bad breath, excessive drooling, red or bleeding gums, difficulty eating, and visible tartar buildup on the teeth. Without treatment, dental disease can lead to tooth loss, painful abscesses, and even damage to the heart, liver and kidneys from chronic bacterial infection.

Luckily, dental disease is preventable with good oral hygiene habits. Brushing your Maltipoo‘s teeth daily, providing dental chews and toys, and scheduling professional cleanings can keep your pup‘s pearly whites healthy for life.

2. Luxating Patella

Luxating patella, also known as trick knee, is a condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal groove in the leg bone. It‘s a common orthopedic problem in small dogs, especially the Maltese and Poodle. Luxating patellas are usually caused by a congenital defect that affects the alignment of the leg bones.

Signs include occasional limping or "skipping", where your dog will hold up their back leg for a few steps. You may also hear a popping sound as the kneecap slips in and out of place. Luxating patellas are graded on a scale from 1 to 4 based on severity. Grade 1-2 patellar luxation may not require treatment if it doesn‘t cause pain or lameness. More severe cases are treated with surgery to realign the knee joint.

To reduce your Maltipoo‘s risk, make sure to get your puppy from a reputable breeder who health tests breeding dogs for orthopedic problems. Keep your dog slim and provide joint supplements to support healthy knees. If you notice any signs of lameness, have your vet check it out right away.

3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA is a group of genetic eye diseases that cause the retina to deteriorate over time, eventually leading to blindness. It‘s an inherited condition that affects many breeds, including the Maltese and Poodle.

Typically, signs of PRA appear in young to middle-aged dogs. You may notice your dog having trouble seeing at night or bumping into objects. As the disease progresses, the reflective layer at the back of the eye takes on a striking shine and the pupils become more dilated. Most affected dogs become completely blind within a year or two of diagnosis.

There is no cure for PRA, but early diagnosis can help you prepare. Dogs handle going blind remarkably well with a little extra support from their humans. Research has also identified the genes responsible for some forms of PRA in Poodles and Maltese, so dogs can be screened to determine if they are carriers before breeding.

4. White Shaker Syndrome

As the name suggests, white shaker syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes full body tremors in small white dogs. Also known as idiopathic cerebellitis, it can affect any dog but is most common in the Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Poodle.

White shaker dogs develop tremors over their entire bodies, especially when trying to move or eat. The shaking often starts before 2 years of age. While it looks alarming, the tremors don‘t appear to be painful and most dogs remain alert and responsive.

The cause is unknown but may be autoimmune-related. Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroids are very effective in reducing symptoms. Most dogs recover within a few weeks to months of starting treatment, although some may need lifelong medication.

5. Portosystemic Shunt (PSS)

A portosystemic shunt is a birth defect of the circulatory system that affects blood flow to the liver. Blood bypasses the liver through an abnormal blood vessel, allowing toxins to build up in the bloodstream. PSS is most common in small breed dogs like the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier.

Symptoms usually appear by 6 months of age and can include poor growth, disorientation, behavioral changes, seizures, and bladder stones. Some dogs may not show signs until later in life. PSS is diagnosed through blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging.

Surgery is the ideal treatment if possible. A special low-protein diet and medications can help manage the condition in dogs who aren‘t candidates for surgery. The earlier it‘s caught and treated, the better the prognosis.

6. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures. While any dog can develop epilepsy, it‘s more common in certain breeds including the Poodle. The most common form is idiopathic epilepsy, meaning there‘s no identifiable underlying cause.

Epilepsy typically manifests in dogs between 6 months and 6 years of age. Seizures may be localized, affecting only part of the body, or generalized, involving the whole body. They usually last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Dogs often seem disoriented and uncoordinated immediately after a seizure.

If you suspect your dog has had a seizure, take them to the vet right away for an evaluation. Treatment involves anti-convulsant medications to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Dogs with epilepsy can often live a normal lifespan with proper management.

7. Allergies

Allergies are a common problem in dogs, and the Maltese and Poodle are both prone to developing them. Dogs can be allergic to a variety of environmental triggers including pollen, mold, dust, and fleas, as well as ingredients in their food.

Symptoms of allergies include itching, skin redness and inflammation, ear infections, sneezing, and gastrointestinal upset. Untreated allergies can lead to miserable skin and ear infections. Your vet can diagnose the underlying cause through allergy tests or food elimination trials.

Treatment depends on the type of allergy and may include medications, special shampoos, hypoallergenic diets, and immunotherapy (allergy shots). Frequent brushing, bathing, and ear cleaning can help prevent allergy flare-ups in your Maltipoo.

8. Collapsing Trachea

The trachea, or windpipe, is supported by rings of cartilage. In toy breeds like the Maltese and Poodle, that cartilage can be softer than normal, causing the trachea to flatten and making breathing difficult. Collapsing trachea may be congenital or develop over time.

Affected dogs have a honking cough, especially when excited, as well as labored breathing and gagging. It‘s often mistaken for kennel cough or heart disease at first. Obesity, allergies, and irritants like cigarette smoke can exacerbate symptoms.

Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, cough suppressants, and using a harness instead of a collar. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to place prosthetic rings around the outside of the trachea. Keeping your Maltipoo fit and avoiding airway irritants can help prevent tracheal issues.

9. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD)

LCPD is a condition that affects the hip joint, most often in small breed dogs like the Poodle and Maltipoo. It occurs when the blood supply to the head of the femur bone is disrupted, causing it to deteriorate. The exact cause is unknown but may be linked to hormonal or metabolic issues.

Symptoms typically start between 4-12 months of age and include limping, pain, and limited range of motion in the back legs. It‘s diagnosed through x-rays. LCPD is treated surgically by removing the affected femoral head and neck to eliminate the painful grinding in the joint. The scar tissue that forms creates a "false joint" and most dogs recover well after surgery.

10. Patellar Luxation

Like Maltese and Poodles, Maltipoos can inherit patellar luxation. In addition to the congenital form discussed above, some dogs develop the condition over time due to injury or wear and tear on the joint.

Signs of patellar luxation include limping, skipping, or holding up the back leg, especially after exercise. Some dogs may vocalize when the knee cap slips out of place. Excess weight puts extra strain on the joint, so keeping your Maltipoo slim can help prevent this issue. Pain medications and joint supplements may help manage mild cases, while severe luxation requires surgical correction.

Reducing Your Maltipoos‘s Health Risks

While the list of potential health problems may seem daunting, there is plenty you can do to improve your Maltipoo‘s odds of living a long, healthy life:

1. Choose a reputable breeder who health tests parent dogs for genetic issues. Avoid pet stores or online sellers.

2. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for your dog‘s life stage and keep them at a healthy weight. Obesity puts strain on the joints and organs.

3. Provide regular exercise through daily walks and play. Mental stimulation is also important for this clever little breed.

4. Keep up with preventive care like vaccines, parasite prevention, and dental cleanings. See your vet annually for wellness exams.

5. Brush and trim your Maltipoo‘s coat regularly to prevent mats and skin problems. Clean their ears weekly and trim their nails.

6. Consider health insurance to help cover unexpected veterinary costs.

Above all, enjoy your time with your sweet, silly Maltipoo! With proper care, a healthy dose of luck, and plenty of love, you‘ll have years of cuddles, playtime, and laughter together.