Health Concerns Facing The Havanese: What Every Owner Should Know

It’s important to know about possible Havanese health problems before and after you decide to purchase one. At a glance, these are some of the health problems that have been identified by Havanese breeders and veterinarians: juvenile cataracts; progressive retinal atrophy; patellar luxation; hip dysplasia; deafness; ear infections; and eye infections. Haven’t brushed up on your medical terminology lately? We’ll explore what each one means and how it impacts Havanese care.

Juvenile Cataracts

Essentially, a cataract is a cloudy (also called opaque) spot on the clear part of the eye called the lens. Cataracts can be common in all older dogs, but can occur in young Havanese dogs. They may appear as visible cloudy areas in the dog’s eye or may be too small to be seen by the naked eye. Cataracts become problematic if they begin to substantially reduce a Havanese’s vision. Large, vision reducing cataracts can be removed surgically when necessary. Your veterinarian is an excellent source of information and can advise if and when surgery is needed.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

The retina is a layer of blood rich tissue at the back of the eye. If special receptor cells in the retina begin to degenerate—as they do in progressive retinal atrophy—then substantial sight loss or total blindness can result. While the condition is painless to the animal, this Havanese health problem has no cure, so prevention is key. A reputable Havanese breeder will certify that the parents of their puppies have had special eye testing that indicates that they are free of this heritable eye disease.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation refers to the tendency in some Havanese for the kneecap to “slip”, or luxate. Again, a reputable breeder will provide written documentation that his puppies have had their knees checked for this condition. Your veterinarian may recommend surgical correction if this condition becomes severe.

Hip Dysplasia

This condition is common to many breeds of dog. Hip dysplasia is caused when the hip joint is not properly formed. This can result in arthritis in the dog over time, but the condition is not always recognized because some dogs can still maintain a high level of mobility and still have some degree of hip dysplasia. Quality breeders will screen their animals for this condition, thus lessening the possibility of breeding puppies who may develop hip dysplasia.

Deafness

While this is a Havanese health problem identified by concerned breeders, its overall incidence is not known. Fortunately, a simple hearing test that can be performed on Havanese puppies can rule out this issue.

Ear Infections And Eye Infections

Like all floppy eared dogs, a Havanese can be prone to ear infections and should have its ears checked as part of a veterinary exam. Regular ear cleaning is also important to prevent infections. And, like most small dogs, a Havanese is more susceptible to eye infections.

Since you know some of the common health problems in the Havanese, now you need to know How to Choose a Vet for your Havanese.

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