Understanding the Health Profile of the Shih Tzu

Quick answer

The Shih Tzu is a lively and affectionate companion that brings joy to many households. While they are generally adaptable, the breed is associated with several specific health conditions that owners should monitor. By keeping your dog at a healthy, lean body weight and staying observant of changes in their mobility, energy, or comfort, you can provide the best possible care. Regular checkups allow your veterinarian to screen for these known tendencies and intervene early when necessary.

Medial Canthal Entropion

Entropion occurs when the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or hair to rub against the surface of the eye. In the Shih Tzu, this is a recognised tendency rather than a proven one. How this passes down is not settled.

At home, you might notice your dog squinting, excessive tearing, or signs of irritation such as rubbing their eyes against furniture or with their paws. The vet will perform an ophthalmic examination to assess the position of the lids. If the condition is causing pain or damaging the cornea, surgical correction is often the recommended path to provide relief. Do not ignore persistent eye discharge or redness, as chronic irritation can lead to more serious damage to the eye.

Hepatic Lymphoma

This is a form of cancer involving the liver. In the Shih Tzu, this is a recognised tendency rather than a proven one, with the breed showing a predisposition to T-cell tumors. How this passes down is not settled.

Early signs can be vague, including lethargy, loss of appetite, or subtle changes in weight. Because these signs are common to many illnesses, your vet will likely use blood work and imaging, such as an ultrasound, to investigate the liver. A definitive diagnosis usually requires a biopsy. Early detection is key, so report any persistent changes in your dog's energy levels or eating habits to your clinic without delay.

Portosystemic Shunt

This condition involves an abnormal connection between the portal vein and the systemic circulation, which allows blood to bypass the liver. In the Shih Tzu, this is a recognised tendency rather than a proven one, specifically regarding extrahepatic shunts. How this passes down is not settled.

Owners often notice that a dog with a shunt is smaller than their littermates or seems to have poor growth. You might also observe neurological signs, such as disorientation, pacing, or even seizures, particularly after eating. The vet will use blood tests to look for markers of poor liver function and diagnostic imaging to locate the abnormal vessel. This is a condition that requires specialized veterinary care to manage or correct.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

This condition involves the degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae, which can lead to pain or nerve damage. In the Shih Tzu, this is a recognised tendency rather than a proven one, specifically involving Hansen Type I disk extrusion. How this passes down is not settled.

At home, you may notice your dog is reluctant to jump, climb stairs, or play. They may hold their neck or back in a rigid position, yelp when picked up, or show signs of weakness in their limbs. Your vet will conduct a neurological exam to localize the problem. If you notice your dog dragging their feet or struggling to stand, this is an urgent situation that requires immediate veterinary attention. Preventing obesity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the strain on your dog's spine.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. In the Shih Tzu, this is a recognised tendency rather than a proven one, with a slight genetic predisposition for T-cell lymphoma. How this passes down is not settled.

Often, the first thing an owner notices is a firm, painless swelling under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees, which are areas where lymph nodes are easily felt. Other signs include unexplained weight loss or fatigue. Your vet will perform a physical exam and likely use fine-needle aspiration to sample the lymph nodes for testing. Because this is a systemic disease, treatment usually involves a structured approach to manage the cancer and maintain the dog's quality of life.

Chronic Kidney Disease

This condition refers to the gradual loss of kidney function over time. In the Shih Tzu, this is a recognised tendency rather than a proven one, and it is associated with renal dysplasia. How this passes down is not settled.

Early signs are often subtle, such as increased thirst and more frequent urination. As the condition progresses, you might notice a decreased appetite, vomiting, or a dull coat. Your vet will use blood and urine tests to evaluate how well the kidneys are filtering waste. While this is a chronic condition, early diagnosis allows for dietary changes and medical management that can support your dog's comfort and health for as long as possible.

Mitral Valve Dysplasia

This is a congenital heart defect affecting the valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle. In the Shih Tzu, this is a recognised tendency rather than a proven one. How this passes down is not settled.

During a routine wellness exam, your vet may hear a heart murmur, which is often the first indication of a valve issue. At home, you might notice your dog tires more easily than usual or develops a cough. The vet will use tools like an echocardiogram to visualize the heart and assess the severity of the valve deformity. Monitoring your dog's breathing rate while they are resting can be a helpful way to track their heart health at home.

Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease

This is a common degenerative heart condition where the mitral valve thickens and leaks over time. In the Shih Tzu, this is a recognised tendency rather than a proven one. How this passes down is not settled.

Similar to other heart conditions, this often presents as a heart murmur detected during a physical exam. Owners should watch for signs of exercise intolerance or a persistent cough. Your vet will monitor the progression of the disease through regular exams and imaging. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is essential, as excess weight places unnecessary stress on the heart.