Major Health Problems In Chow Chows

Chow Chows are not immune to health complications. Before you bring this furry friend home, know the health conditions it can develop throughout its life. Dog breeders and vets often provide their clients with a detailed list of such complications they should be aware of before buying a puppy.

Here are some of the most common health problems a Chow Chow is prone to:

Hip Dysplasia

Like most breeds, Chow Chows are prone to this heritable condition. Here, the dog’s thighbone fails to fit snugly in its hip joint. Hip dysplasia can give your Chow Chow painful lameness. While the health condition is not life-threatening, dogs with hip dysplasia are rarely bred further.

Gastric Torsion

Also known as bloating, gastric torsion is a condition where your pet’s stomach gets filled with air or gas. This results in the twisting (torsion) of the stomach, making it difficult for your Chow Chow to belch (or even breathe). If not treated on time, the symptoms of gastric torsion may worsen and become fatal for your pet.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis

This is a health complication where your pet’s immune system attacks its thyroid gland. Starting with a leak of the hormone that leads to hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis ultimately results in the gland’s inflammation, leading to hypothyroidism.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye-related condition where the fluid in your Chow Chow’s eyes fails to drain at normal rates. A dog may suffer from primary or secondary glaucoma. Primary glaucoma is a heritable condition where drainage issues result in pressure building up in your pet’s eye. Secondary glaucoma results when the drainage is blocked due to an infection or injury.

Patellar Luxation

Commonly known as kneecap dislocation, this condition is characterized by your Chow Chow’s kneecap sliding in and out of its place. Patellar luxation can be caused by congenital conditions or trauma on your pet’s knee. As this condition is more common in smaller dogs, the chances of your Chow Chow encountering it are low.