Understanding the health and care of your Volpino Italiano

Quick answer

The Volpino Italiano is a spirited, loyal, and intelligent companion known for its alert nature and strong bond with family members. While generally robust, the breed is associated with specific health conditions, namely Primary Lens Luxation and patellar luxation. By staying observant of your dog's movement and eye health, and maintaining a lean body condition, you can effectively manage these risks and ensure your pet remains comfortable throughout its life.

Primary Lens Luxation

Primary Lens Luxation, or PLL, is a condition where the lens of the eye shifts from its normal position. This is well recognised in the breed. Owners may first notice their dog squinting, pawing at the eye, or showing signs of discomfort such as increased tearing or redness. In some cases, you might observe a visible change in the appearance of the eye, such as the lens appearing displaced or cloudy.

When you visit the vet, they will perform a thorough ophthalmic examination. This often involves using specialized lights and magnification to look deep into the eye structure. The test that settles the diagnosis is a slit-lamp examination, which allows the veterinarian to see the position of the lens clearly. If you notice any sudden change in your dog's vision or signs of pain in the eye, this is a matter of urgency, as the displacement can lead to secondary complications like glaucoma, which can be painful and threaten sight.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap, or patella, slips out of its normal groove. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. At home, you might notice your dog suddenly skipping a step while running, holding a back leg up for a few seconds, or displaying an unusual gait. Often, the dog will stretch the leg out or shake it to pop the kneecap back into place, and then continue moving as if nothing happened.

During a physical examination, the vet will palpate the knee joint to check for instability. They will attempt to move the kneecap manually to see if it glides out of its groove. This physical manipulation is usually sufficient to identify the condition. While some cases are mild, others can lead to chronic lameness or arthritis if left unmanaged. The most common mistake owners make is ignoring these intermittent skips, assuming the dog is just being playful, which can delay necessary support for joint health.

Daily care and management

Beyond specific health conditions, the Volpino Italiano thrives on structured, consistent care. Because they are highly intelligent, they require mental stimulation, but keep training sessions short to avoid frustration. Their loyalty is a hallmark of the breed, but their wary nature toward strangers means early socialization is beneficial.

Managing their physical environment is essential. As they are small, ensure they have good traction on slippery floors to protect their joints. Because they are sensitive to temperature, plan your outings carefully to avoid extreme heat or cold. Most importantly, keep your dog at a lean body condition. Excess weight places significant, unnecessary strain on the joints and can exacerbate existing predispositions.