5 Common Papillon Health Issues: Our Vet Discusses – 33rdsquare

Papillon Health Issues: What Every Owner Should Know

Introduction
The papillon, named for its iconic butterfly-like ears, is a lively and friendly toy spaniel breed. While generally healthy and long-lived, papillons can be prone to certain hereditary health conditions that owners should be aware of. In this article, we‘ll take an in-depth look at some of the most common papillon health issues and what you need to know to keep your little companion happy and healthy.

Common Papillon Health Issues

1. Patellar Luxation
   Patellar luxation, or dislocation of the kneecap, is one of the most common orthopedic issues seen in small breed dogs like papillons. It occurs when the patella (kneecap) slips out of its normal groove, causing the leg to lock up. Patellar luxation can be present at birth due to anatomical defects or develop later in life.

Symptoms of patellar luxation include limping, skipping, kicking the leg out to the side, and difficulty walking or jumping. It is graded on a scale of 1 to 4, with grade 1 being an occasional luxation and grade 4 being a permanent dislocation. Treatment depends on the severity, with grades 3-4 usually requiring surgical correction. Milder cases can often be managed with joint supplements, weight control, and physical therapy.

2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
   PRA is a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive degeneration of the retina, leading to blindness. It is known to affect papillons, with age of onset and speed of progression varying depending on the specific type of PRA.

Initial symptoms usually involve night blindness, as the rod cells responsible for low light vision are affected first. As the disease progresses to the cone cells, daytime vision is also lost. The pupils may become more dilated and unresponsive to light, and cataracts can develop secondarily.

There is no treatment for PRA, but genetic testing is available to identify carrier or affected dogs before breeding. Owners of blind dogs should keep their environment consistent and offer extra support and verbal cues. With a bit of adjustment, blind dogs can still enjoy an excellent quality of life.

3. Von Willebrand Disease
   Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs and is known to affect papillons. It is caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand factor, a protein necessary for normal blood clotting. There are three types, with type 1 being the most common in papillons. Type 1 is usually fairly mild and may go unnoticed unless the dog has surgery or an injury.

Symptoms of von Willebrand can include spontaneous nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding after surgery or trauma, and blood in the urine or stool. Diagnosis is made through specialized blood tests. There is no cure, but it can be managed by avoiding unnecessary surgeries and giving clotting factor transfusions before any required procedures.

4. Allergies
   Like many breeds, papillons can be prone to allergies, either environmental or food-related. Environmental allergies may be triggered by things like pollen, mold, or dust mites, while food allergies are often related to proteins like beef, chicken, wheat or soy.

Allergy symptoms usually involve itching and skin or ear irritation and infections. Allergic dogs may lick their paws excessively, rub their face, or have recurrent ear infections. Allergies are diagnosed through skin or blood tests, food trials, or deduction based on symptoms and response to treatment.

Management of allergies involves identifying and minimizing exposure to triggers in the environment and diet. Medications like antihistamines or steroids may be needed to control symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements and special shampoos can help soothe irritated skin. Your vet can help you develop an individualized treatment plan.

5. Dental Disease
   Dental disease is very common in small breed dogs like papillons. It starts with a build-up of plaque and tartar that progresses to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and eventual loss of gum and bone tissue around the teeth (periodontal disease). Small dogs have the same number of teeth as larger breeds in a much smaller mouth, leading to overcrowding and retention of bacteria and debris.

Signs of dental disease include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, drooling, pawing at the mouth, and loose or missing teeth. Untreated dental infections can lead to tooth loss and spread bacteria through the bloodstream to the heart, kidneys and liver. While some dogs are more prone to dental issues than others due to genetics, all require regular preventive dental care.

Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard, using a dog-specific toothpaste. Regular professional dental cleanings under anesthesia are also important to remove tartar above and below the gumline. Dental diets, chews and water additives can also help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

6. Tracheal Collapse
   Tracheal collapse is a concerning condition seen in small breed dogs where the cartilage rings of the trachea (windpipe) weaken and flatten, causing airway obstruction. It usually develops in middle-aged or older dogs and can be exacerbated by obesity, respiratory irritants, and excitement.

Symptoms of tracheal collapse include a honking, seal-like cough, difficulty breathing, gagging, and retching. In severe cases, the gums may turn blue due to lack of oxygen. It is diagnosed based on physical exam and sometimes x-rays or endoscopy.

Treatment involves a combination of weight loss, anti-inflammatory medications, cough suppressants, and sometimes surgical reconstruction for severe cases. It‘s important to walk dogs with tracheal collapse using a harness rather than a neck collar to avoid putting pressure on the windpipe.

7. Seizures
   Some lines of papillons have been found to have a higher than average incidence of seizure disorders. Seizures can have many potential causes, including genetic factors, metabolic issues, toxin exposure, brain tumors, and more.

Seizures usually involve a sudden loss of consciousness, falling over, paddling of the limbs, and sometimes urination, defecation, drooling, and vocalizing. After regaining consciousness, dogs are often disoriented and uncoordinated. Diagnosis involves a neurological exam, bloodwork, and sometimes advanced imaging like MRI.

For dogs that have more than one seizure or a severe first seizure, lifelong treatment with anti-convulsant medications is usually required. It‘s also important to avoid any known triggers and ensure a safe environment with padding during an episode. With proper management, the frequency and severity of seizures can usually be significantly reduced.

8. Liver Shunt
   A liver shunt is a birth defect where an abnormal blood vessel allows blood to bypass the liver, which plays a key role in detoxifying the blood. It is more common in small breeds like papillons. A liver shunt means toxins are not filtered out effectively, which can affect the brain and cause neurological symptoms.

Affected dogs are often diagnosed as young puppies and may have stunted growth, disorientation, seizures, and behavioral changes. Definitive diagnosis is made with a bile acid test and imaging of the shunt vessel. Surgical correction is often recommended to restore normal blood flow through the liver, though medical management with a special low-protein diet and supportive medications can also help in some cases.

The Importance of Health Testing
Many of the diseases that affect papillons have a genetic basis, meaning they can be passed on from parent to puppy. Responsible papillon breeders will have their dogs tested for known breed-related issues before deciding to breed them. This may involve DNA tests, x-rays, eye exams, or other screening tests.

When looking for a papillon puppy, be sure to verify any health certifications the breeder claims their dogs have. Ethical breeders will be transparent about health test results and will often offer health guarantees against major hereditary issues. Be wary of breeders who don‘t perform or share test results.

When to See a Vet
As a papillon owner, you are your dog‘s greatest health advocate. It‘s important to establish a good relationship with a veterinarian you trust and to stay on top of routine wellness care. Some signs that warrant a prompt vet visit include:

• Any sudden change in behavior, appetite, thirst, urination, or energy level
• Development of new symptoms like itching, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, or limping
• An episode of collapse or seizure
• Progressive changes in weight, skin/coat condition, vision, or hearing

Even if your dog seems healthy, regular check-ups are important to catch any developing issues early. Wellness bloodwork and routine screening become even more important as your papillon reaches their senior years.

Conclusion
While papillons are generally a healthy and long-lived breed, they can be predisposed to certain hereditary health issues like patellar luxation, PRA, von Willebrand disease, allergies, dental disease, tracheal collapse, seizures, and liver shunts. Knowing what signs to watch for and partnering with your vet for regular screening and care is key to catching problems early.

The good news is that with proper health testing of breeding dogs and attentive care from owners, many papillons can avoid or successfully manage these conditions. By educating yourself on papillon health and advocating for your dog, you can help ensure many happy, healthy years with your butterfly-eared best friend.