Maltese dogs are adorable little furballs who have been favored by royalty and regular folk alike over the years. They are known to have originated from the island of Malta in Italy, hence their name. Maltese dogs are small, energetic, and playful dogs that are considered hypoallergenic, making them a preferred dog breed for owners with allergies.
Maltese dogs are a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of more than 12 years. However, just like most dogs, Maltese can be at risk for a variety of health complications. Here, we discuss 12 common health problems that you must watch out for with your Maltese!
The 12 Common Health Problems in Maltese Dogs
1. Obesity
Like all dogs, Maltese can be at risk for obesity. The Maltese is a small breed, meaning they need less time for exercise and a smaller amount of food throughout the day. Because of this, it is easy to get carried away and overfeed your Maltese. Obesity can put your dog at risk for a variety of health complications in the long run, such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and even muscular and skeletal problems.
Health complications, including obesity, can be prevented with exercise in combination with a healthy and balanced diet. Maltese dogs require about 20–30 minutes of exercise a day—be it short walks or even simple physical activity through play at home!
2. Dental Issues
Most small dog breeds are susceptible to dental issues, and the Maltese is no exception. Tartar and plaque can easily build-up on their teeth if their mouth is not kept clean. Tooth decay and bacterial build-up can even find its way into the blood stream, causing a variety of other infections. Some Maltese dogs can even lose their teeth at an early age!
Proper dental hygiene is recommended. High-quality teeth biscuits can be used to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy, and can even serve as a treat! Teeth cleaning can also be performed during their routine veterinary check-ups.
3. Canine Asthma
Maltese dogs can be at risk for a variety of respiratory issues that cause difficulty breathing, with the most common cause being canine asthma. Canine Asthma is also known as allergic bronchitis, which is the constriction of the airway due to inflammation. This is triggered by allergens in the environment and is more common among smaller dogs than larger dogs. If your Maltese has asthma, you may observe them wheezing, coughing, and experiencing laborious breathing.
Asthma is not known to be fatal if it is detected and proper medication prescribed as soon as symptoms are shown. If you observe your Maltese showing signs of difficulty breathing, consult with your veterinarian immediately.
4. Collapsed Trachea
Collapsed trachea is a common issue among toy dog breeds caused by weak or damaged tracheal rings, resulting in collapse. The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, consists of rings of cartilage that hold the pipe open for air to pass. If these rings of cartilage are damaged or weak, they will collapse and result in dry coughs and difficulty breathing.
This condition is known to be genetic or idiopathic and can be treated through medication and preventive care. Like asthma, it is important to consult with your veterinarian immediately after observing signs of breathing difficulties.
5. Aberrant Cilia
Aberrant Cilia, to put in simple terms, is the abnormal growth of eyelashes. If growth of these eyelashes is left unchecked, they can eventually grow into your Maltese’s eye and potentially cause pain and corneal ulcers. This can potentially damage their eyesight and must be treated immediately to prevent any further damage.
Treatment for the abnormal growth of the eyelash would include eradicating the faulty eyelashes at the level of the follicle through a process similar to electrolysis. Anti-inflammatory and pain medication can be prescribed for corneal ulcers to ease your Maltese’s discomfort while the abrasion heals.
6. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Another eye problem that Maltese dogs can experience is a degenerative eye condition called, progressive retinal atrophy. This is an inherited or genetic condition that involves the progressive deterioration of the retina, which contains the eye’s photoreceptors, eventually leading to blindness. Progressive retinal atrophy is considered an autosomal recessive genetic condition, which means the recessive gene can be inherited from both parents.
To date, there is currently no gold standard of treatment for this condition. Although not proven effective, veterinarians can prescribe vitamins and supplements to help prevent the progression of this disease upon diagnosis. Proper exercise and a healthy diet is also recommended.
7. Heart Failure
Poor diet, lack of exercise, and old age can lead to congestive heart disease in Maltese dogs. Congestive heart disease can lead to failure when blood circulation is halted due to the difficulty of the heart to pump blood to the body.
Healthy diet and exercise can prevent congestive heart failure in your Maltese, so be sure to maintain a health lifestyle to ensure a healthy heart!
8. White Dog Shaker Syndrome
White Dog Shaker Syndrome is a neurological health condition almost exclusively among white dogs, including the Maltese. It is characterized by tremors and uncontrollable shaking of the dog’s body. It is thought to be a mild central nervous system disease and is also considered as hereditary and autoimmune, although not yet established.
Treatment for White Dog Shaker Syndrome involves corticosteroids to reduce the inflammatory response of the body causing the tremors.
9. Colitis
Colitis is quite common among Maltese, but is not considered a cause for alarm. Colitis is the inflammation of the large intestine, which can cause diarrhea or even dark stool with blood. This can be treated by increasing their fiber intake and a healthy diet.
Consultation with a veterinarian is recommended for proper diagnosis and further intervention if the colitis is caused by an underlying condition.
10. Liver Shunts
Portosystemic shunts, more commonly known as liver shunts, is a congenital disease that affects the flow of blood into the liver. These shunts are characterized by abnormal connections of blood vessels, which disallows blood to enter the liver for filtration of metabolic wastes.
Symptoms of liver shunts can include poor growth, poor appetite, weight loss, dehydration, and even vomiting and diarrhea. More severe cases of liver shunts can show disorientation and seizures. If you suspect any symptoms, consultation to your veterinarian is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.
11. Bladder Stones
Maltese dogs are also at risk for bladder stones, which are the formations of crystal-like minerals in the urinary bladder. These stones can range from singular to multiple and can also vary in size. Clinical signs can include difficulty urinating—and for more severe cases, blood during urination.
Upon consultation, your veterinarian can recommend surgical removal, urohydropropulsion, and also dietary dissolution depending on the severity of the case. Proper hydration and a healthy diet are recommended to prevent bladder stone build-up.
12. Luxating Patella
Like other dog breeds, like the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian, the Maltese is predisposed to luxating patella. Luxating patella is a condition on a dog’s knee characterized by malformation of the knee bones, causing the kneecap to slip and out of place.
Mild cases of luxating patella can simply slide back in place, but more severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Final Thoughts
The Maltese, while a generally healthy breed, are predisposed and at risk for a variety of health conditions. As owners of these adorable pups, it is important to be aware and to take precautions should your Maltese develop any of the above conditions. Proper exercise, hydration, a healthy and balanced diet, and routine check-ups are important to ensure your Maltese stays healthy and happy!
Featured Image Credit: Creativa Images, Shutterstock
