Understanding Maltipoo Health and Care

Quick answer

The Maltipoo is a social and intelligent companion that generally integrates well into family life. While they are known for their low-shedding coats and ease of training, they are prone to specific health issues including joint conditions like patellar luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, vision concerns such as progressive retinal atrophy, neurological issues like white shaker syndrome, and dental health challenges. Maintaining a lean body condition and regular veterinary check-ups are essential for their long-term health.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap moves out of its normal groove. This is a well recognised condition in the breed. You may notice your dog skipping or hopping on one hind leg during a walk, or they may suddenly hold the leg up entirely for a few steps before returning to a normal gait. Sometimes, you might hear a clicking sound as the knee joint moves.

At the clinic, your vet will perform a physical manipulation of the knee to check for instability. If the kneecap slides out of place easily, the vet will grade the severity of the luxation. In mild cases, weight management is the primary recommendation. If the condition causes persistent lameness or pain, surgical intervention to deepen the groove or tighten the supporting tissues may be necessary.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy is a condition that affects the light-sensitive cells in the back of the eye. This is a recognised tendency in the breed, and how this passes down is not settled. The first sign you might notice at home is that your dog seems hesitant to move around in dim lighting or appears clumsy at night. Over time, you may notice their pupils appear more dilated than usual.

Your vet will use an ophthalmoscope to look into the back of the eye to inspect the retina. If they suspect this condition, they may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist who can perform specialized tests to confirm the diagnosis. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for this condition, so management focuses on helping your dog navigate their environment safely as their vision changes.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

This condition involves the deterioration of the head of the femur, which is the top part of the thigh bone. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You will likely notice your dog limping, showing signs of pain when moving, or becoming reluctant to jump or climb stairs. The discomfort can be quite significant for the dog.

When you visit the vet, they will perform a physical exam and likely take X-rays to assess the hip joint. The images will show changes in the bone density or shape of the femoral head. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the damaged bone, which allows a new, fibrous joint to form, effectively relieving the pain.

White Shaker Syndrome

White shaker syndrome is a neurological condition that causes generalized tremors. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You will notice your dog experiencing fine, rhythmic shaking of the entire body, which often becomes more pronounced when they are excited or stressed. The tremors typically subside when the dog is resting or sleeping.

Your vet will rule out other causes of tremors, such as toxins or metabolic issues, through blood tests and a neurological exam. Once other causes are excluded, they may prescribe medications to manage the tremors and reduce inflammation. It is important to keep your dog calm and avoid stressful situations that trigger the shaking.

Dental Problems

Dental disease is a common concern for this breed. This is a well recognised condition in the breed. You might notice bad breath, red or swollen gums, or difficulty chewing their food. If left untreated, the buildup of plaque and tartar can lead to tooth loss and infections that affect the rest of the body.

During a routine exam, your vet will look for signs of gingivitis or loose teeth. They may recommend a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia to remove tartar from below the gum line. At home, the best way to manage this is through daily tooth brushing and the use of vet-approved dental chews.