Health Issues In Chinese Cresteds
All of our dogs have been tested for over 200+ different genetic issues and all tested non affected.
We still offer an extended health guarantee that covers any genetic, hereditary, or congenital birth defects for the lifetime of your pet.
WE STRIVE TO BREED THE HEALTHIEST PUPPIES AVAILABLE!!!!
Like all breeds, there may be some health issues, like eye diseases. Some dogs face some of these health challenges in their lives, but the majority of Chinese Cresteds are incredibly healthy dogs compared to most breeds.
Working with a responsible breeder, those wishing to own a Chinese Crested can gain the education they need to know about specific health concerns within the breed.
Not all Cresteds will develop all of these conditions, and those who do will experience them to varying degrees of severity, but it is not uncommon for them to form at least one health condition.
Hyperlipidemia
In a word, Chinese Cresteds are predisposed to getting fat. High cholesterol means high levels of fat are in the bloodstream. Left untreated, this can lead to secondary conditions such as eye problems, pancreatitis, or even seizures. Feeding a healthy diet that does not contain high amounts of fat is essential.
Dental Problems
Chinese Cresteds, particularly the Hairless variety, are notorious for their dental issues. This breed often has fewer teeth than other dogs, leading to overcrowded or misaligned teeth and subsequently, periodontal disease.
Watch for bad breath, a common sign of dental disease. Other signs include a loss of appetite, excessive drooling, discolored teeth, and bleeding or inflamed gums. Regular veterinary dental check-ups, along with at-home tooth brushing, can help maintain good oral health.
Eye Disorders
Chinese Cresteds are predisposed to several eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and glaucoma. PRA causes a slow degeneration of the retina, resulting in eventual blindness, while glaucoma is characterized by increased pressure within the eye, causing pain and vision loss.
Signs of eye disorders may include redness, swelling, excessive tearing, cloudiness, changes in eye color, or your dog rubbing its eyes excessively. Changes in your dog’s behavior, such as bumping into furniture or difficulty navigating, may also suggest vision loss. Regular eye exams by your vet can aid in early detection and management.
All of our dogs are DNA tested for these before breeding so we can ensure our puppies will not have this issue.
Bladder & Kidney Stones
These can form anywhere in the urinary system. Stones are treated either medically or through surgical removal. Some people give bottled water or filtered water only because some tap water is terrible and filled with a substantial amount of minerals.
Embark tests for the hereditary version of this, so we know our dogs wont pass this on to there puppies.
Dermatitis
Cresteds tend to have allergic dermatitis, in which the skin develops an itchy rash after coming into contact with any variety of substances. It's also thought that their food is the number one source of skin allergies. So feeding a grain free healthy diet is very important. This allergic reaction can cause discomfort and appear unsightly but this otherwise does not interfere with health or life expectancy.
The Hairless Chinese Crested is particularly susceptible to a variety of skin issues due to their lack of protective fur. They can experience acne, dry skin, and sunburn, and are more prone to allergies and skin infections.
Signs of skin issues can include redness, itchiness, sores, patches of missing hair, and changes in skin color or texture. Regular grooming, including bathing and moisturizing, can help keep skin issues at bay. Additionally, using dog-safe sunscreens can protect against harmful UV rays.
Patellar Luxation
This condition, common in small dog breeds, occurs when the dog’s kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal anatomical position, leading to discomfort, lameness, and in severe cases, arthritis.
Signs include intermittent skipping or hopping on a hind leg, sudden lameness, or an unusual hindleg posture when standing. If you notice these symptoms, a visit to the vet is warranted for diagnosis and treatment options.
Canine Multiple System Degeneration (CMSD)
CMSD is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder exclusive to Chinese Cresteds. It typically presents between 8 months to 2 years of age, progressively worsening over time.
Signs can include an awkward gait, difficulty walking, tremors, and eventually, problems with swallowing. If you notice any of these signs, particularly in a young dog, immediate veterinary attention is necessary. Although there is no cure for CMSD, symptoms can be managed with supportive care to enhance the quality of life.
All of our dogs test clear of this so we know it wont be passed down to our puppies.
Liver Problems
This is not the most common health issue a Crested can have, but it is one of the worst ones that can happen. That is why we cover for this health issue in our lifetime health guarantee as well.
Chinese Cresteds can have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the organ of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream efficiently. If he develops symptoms such as stunted growth or seizures, your vet can test his blood and possibly conduct an ultrasound scan of his liver. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, it can be treated with medication.
Heart Disease
We cover any heart diseases that are hereditary/congenital or due to a birth defect in our lifetime health guarantee. Chinese Cresteds are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life. Early detection of heart disease often allows us to treat with a medication that usually prolongs your pet’s life for many years. Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease.