Understanding the Health Landscape of the Maltese

Quick answer

The Maltese is a spirited and affectionate companion known for its long, silky coat and adaptable nature. While they are generally hardy, they are prone to specific health conditions ranging from dental and respiratory issues to congenital concerns like liver shunts and heart defects. By maintaining a lean body condition, providing consistent training, and monitoring for subtle changes in behavior or bathroom habits, you can support your Maltese in living a long and comfortable life.

Chronic Ulcerative Paradental Stomatitis

Stomatitis in the Maltese often manifests as chronic ulcerative paradental stomatitis, or CUPS. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice your dog dropping food, exhibiting extreme bad breath, or showing a reluctance to have their mouth touched. At home, you may see red, inflamed gums that bleed easily. Your vet will perform an oral examination under sedation to assess the depth of the inflammation and may take dental radiographs to rule out underlying tooth root issues. The condition is managed through rigorous professional dental cleanings and sometimes the extraction of affected teeth. The most common owner mistake is waiting for the dog to stop eating before seeking help, as many dogs will continue to eat despite significant oral pain.

Portosystemic Shunt

Extrahepatic portosystemic shunts are a recognised tendency in the Maltese. This condition involves an abnormal blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the liver, preventing the proper filtering of toxins. You may notice your dog seems smaller than littermates, experiences stunted growth, or shows signs of neurological distress such as pacing, circling, or lethargy after eating. A vet will often suspect this based on blood work showing elevated liver enzymes or bile acids. An ultrasound or specialized imaging is typically required to confirm the location of the shunt. This is a condition that requires prompt veterinary attention to manage toxin buildup in the bloodstream.

Congenital Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a condition where fluid accumulates within the brain, and the Maltese is a breed at risk for this congenital issue. You might observe a domed appearance to the head, or notice your puppy having difficulty with house training, walking with an uncoordinated gait, or appearing generally dull or unresponsive. A vet will perform a neurological examination to assess reflexes and coordination, often using an ultrasound or MRI to visualize the fluid buildup. While the condition is well recognised in the breed, how this passes down is not settled. Early detection is key to managing the pressure within the skull.

Tracheal Collapse

As a toy breed, the Maltese is commonly affected by tracheal collapse. This occurs when the rings of the windpipe weaken and flatten, making it difficult to breathe. You will likely notice a dry, harsh cough that sounds like a goose honk, often triggered by excitement, pulling on a leash, or drinking water. A vet will use physical palpation of the neck and chest X-rays to assess the shape of the trachea. To manage this at home, always use a harness instead of a collar to avoid putting pressure on the windpipe, and keep your dog at a healthy, lean weight to reduce the strain on their respiratory system.

Urolithiasis and Calcium Oxalate Stones

Small-breed dogs like the Maltese are at a higher risk for calcium oxalate urolith formation. These stones can form in the bladder or kidneys, causing significant discomfort. You may notice your dog straining to urinate, producing only small amounts of urine frequently, or seeing blood in the urine. A vet will perform a urinalysis to check for crystals and use X-rays or ultrasound to look for stones. Because this is a recognised tendency in the breed, your vet may recommend specific dietary changes to manage urine pH and encourage increased water consumption. Never ignore a dog that is straining to urinate, as this can indicate a life-threatening blockage.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus

This is a congenital heart defect where a vessel that should close after birth remains open, causing blood to flow incorrectly between the heart chambers. The Maltese is more likely to have this condition than mixed-breed dogs. You might notice your dog tires easily during play, breathes rapidly, or has a persistent cough. During a routine exam, a vet will often detect a characteristic "machinery" heart murmur. An echocardiogram is the standard test to confirm the diagnosis. This is well recognised in the breed, and early diagnosis allows for corrective procedures before the heart muscle becomes permanently damaged.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves chronic irritation of the digestive tract. You may notice your Maltese experiencing recurring bouts of vomiting, diarrhea, or a significant change in appetite. Because these signs can be intermittent, it is helpful to keep a log of your dog's bowel movements and diet. A vet will rule out parasites and other causes before discussing an elimination diet or biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. This is a recognised tendency in the breed, and management usually involves long-term dietary control.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation, or a "trick knee," is a common orthopedic issue where the kneecap slips out of its groove. You might notice your dog skipping or holding a back leg up for a few steps before returning to a normal gait. A vet will physically manipulate the knee to check for stability. While this is a recognised tendency in the breed, the severity can vary. Keeping your dog lean and providing traction on slippery floors like hardwood or tile can help reduce the frequency of the kneecap slipping.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative eye condition that leads to vision loss. You might notice your dog becoming hesitant in dim light, bumping into furniture at night, or appearing generally unsure in new environments. A vet will perform a specialized eye exam to check the health of the retina. This is a recognised tendency in the breed, and while it is not painful, it requires owners to adapt their home environment to ensure their dog's safety as their sight fades.