Understanding Havanese Health and Care

Quick answer

The Havanese is a sturdy and affectionate companion, but like all breeds, they have specific health areas that require monitoring. Owners should focus on maintaining a lean body condition, ensuring regular grooming, and being vigilant for signs of joint discomfort, vision changes, or unusual reactions to routine care. By staying observant of your dog's daily habits and energy levels, you can catch potential issues early and provide the best possible quality of life.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal groove. You might notice your dog suddenly skipping a step while walking or holding a back leg up for a few seconds before returning to a normal gait. This is well recognised in the breed. When you visit the vet, they will manually manipulate the knee joint to check for instability. If the kneecap moves out of place, the vet may suggest physical therapy or, in severe cases, surgical correction to stabilize the joint. The most common mistake owners make is ignoring a minor limp, which can lead to chronic inflammation and arthritis over time.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

This condition involves the deterioration of the head of the thigh bone where it meets the hip joint. It often manifests as a progressive limp or a reluctance to use one of the hind legs. This is well recognised in the breed. Your vet will use X-rays to visualize the hip joint and assess the bone structure. Treatment typically involves managing pain and, frequently, surgery to remove the damaged bone tissue. Because this can be painful, watch for signs of irritability or a change in your dog's willingness to jump or play.

Cataracts

Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, eventually obstructing vision. You may notice a milky or bluish appearance in the center of your dog's eye. This is well recognised in the breed. A veterinary ophthalmologist can perform a specialized examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the cataracts are interfering with your dog's quality of life. While some cataracts remain stable, others progress to blindness. Do not assume your dog is just slowing down due to age if they seem hesitant in low light or bump into furniture.

Heart Murmurs

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat, often indicating turbulent blood flow. You likely will not notice anything at home until the condition is advanced, as many dogs show no outward symptoms early on. This is well recognised in the breed. Your vet will use a stethoscope to detect the murmur during routine physical exams. If a murmur is found, an echocardiogram is the standard test to determine the cause and the health of the heart muscle. Early detection is vital for managing the heart's workload.

Hereditary Deafness

Some Havanese are born with or develop hearing loss. You might notice your dog failing to respond to their name or common household sounds, such as the doorbell or a treat bag opening. This is well recognised in the breed. A veterinarian can perform a specialized hearing test, often called a BAER test, to confirm the extent of the loss. Owners often mistakenly believe their dog is simply being stubborn or ignoring them, rather than realizing the dog cannot hear the communication.

Portosystemic Shunt

This condition involves an abnormal connection between the portal vein and the systemic circulation, which allows blood to bypass the liver. This is a recognised tendency in the breed, specifically regarding extrahepatic shunts. Signs can be subtle, such as poor growth, lethargy, or neurological episodes like disorientation after eating. Your vet will perform blood work to check liver values and may use ultrasound or advanced imaging to locate the shunt. This requires careful management or surgical intervention. Do not delay if you notice your dog acting confused or lethargic after meals.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, acute allergic reaction that can occur following vaccinations. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You should monitor your dog closely for several hours after any vaccination. Signs include facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or collapse. This is a medical emergency. If you notice these symptoms, do not wait to see if they improve, as the reaction can escalate rapidly. Your vet will provide immediate treatment to stabilize your dog's breathing and blood pressure.