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Thank you for visiting Blackberry Ridge Chihuahuas! Here is some information we believe will be helpful.

Common Health Concerns for Chihuahuas

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Chihuahua Health Information

Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar and is a common problem in the Toy Breeds. Although most of them grow out of this before they are old enough to leave the breeder, it can be dangerous throughout their lives. Symptoms include staggering, glassy eyes and sometimes they will become lethargic (limp). If the dog does not receive immediate help, he can suffer seizures, unconsciousness, and finally, DEATH. You MUST get this dog some sugar, NutriCal, corn syrup. I keep NutriCal on hand at all times. NutriCal can be purchased at well stocked pet store. Give them a few moments to snap out of this, but if they don't-GET YOUR DOG TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY. If they do snap out of it, then you need to get them to eat. Raw hamburger or boiled chicken or a better grade of lunch meat is good. Once they are better offer them their regular meal. To much sugar in your pet food can trigger this condition. Feed them good quality food such as Royal Canin to help prevent attacks. Avoid treats with sugar.

There is no such thing as a Teacup, Mini, Pocket Size or any other term used by some breeders to describe the size of a Chihuahua. This term is not recognized by the Chihuahua Club of America.

• Chihuahua Club of America

Drinking to fast or excitement can cause reversed sneezing. It is a common trait in the toy breeds. This is not life threatening although it appears to be scary. It only lasts a few seconds and can be ended by rubbing your pet's neck and throat encouraging the pet to swallow.

The Chihuahua's molera (a.k.a. fontanel) is considered a breed characteristic and not a defect. 80 to 90 percent of the Chihuahua breed have a molera/soft spot on the top of their head. Although it usually shrinks as the dog matures and ends up very small, it will not be a problem as long as you are gentle when petting or handling their head. In rare cases, the molera remains quite large and can be a sign of a serious problem called hydrocephalus. The symptoms of hydrocephalus include depression, severe loss of movement coordination, eye abnormalites, seizures, vision problems, and skull enlargement. Young affected puppies often show unthriftness-slow growth as compared to their littermates.

The patella or kneecap is a small bone buried in the tendon of the extensor muscles (the quadriceps muscles) of the thigh. The tendon is a band of tough, inelastic tissue that connects a muscle with its bony attachment. With this condition, the kneecap may slip out of the tendon and then slip back. Patellar Luxation is graded 1 to 4 based on the severity of the defect, 1 being occasional mild lameness.