Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems - Tracheal Collapse in Yorkies

Like all purebred dogs, Yorkshire terriers are predisposed to inheriting certain genetic diseases and defects.

One of these is tracheal collapse in Yorkies, and knowing how to take care of a Yorkie means learning to cope not only with tracheal collapse, but other Yorkshire terrier health problems.

Most reputable breeders will avoid mating Yorkies which have genes for Yorkshire terrier health problems, and some of these genetic defects can be tested for in advance of a mating.

Good breeders will also see to it that their pregnant females get the best of prenatal care, and that the newborn puppies receive the best nutrition and medical attention before they are sent to their permanent homes. But even with all the precautions, tracheal collapse in Yorkies still occurs, even when it is not inherited. Why?

Because of its tiny size the trachea, or windpipe, of a Yorkshire terrier tends to suffer from weakened cartilage as the animal ages.

Once this happens, the rings of cartilage which make up the trachea become flaccid, causing tracheal collapse in Yorkies and obstructing their air intake. The first indication that a Yorkie is suffering from a collapsed trachea will be a deep, "honking" cough which develops after the dog has been exercising, but may become nearly constant if the condition is left untreated.

Collapsed tracheas can sometimes lead to other Yorkshire terrier health problems.

The effort to breathe around the collapsed tissue, for instance, may lead a dog to develop chronic lung disease. Treating the collapsed trachea as early as possible, if it can be done, is always advised. Tracheal collapse in Yorkies can sometimes e corrected surgically, but at the very least an affected dog can be prescribed cough suppressants.

If you have an overweight Yorkie, you can expect its tracheal collapse to create more severe discomfort than one of normal weight.

Knowing how to take care of a Yorkie properly will prevent your dog from becoming too heavy, so if you're not sure what you your dog should be eating nor how active he or she should be, it's time to consult with your vet!

Below you will find more articles discussing Yorkie Health Info.

• Yorkie Dogs Health Issues - Allergies
• Dealing With Your Yorkshire Terrier's Anal Sacs
• Important Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues
• About Yorkies And Some Very Important Health Issues
• Choosing A Vet For Your Yorkshire Terrier - What You Need To Know
• Yorkie Health Info How to Manage Yorkshire terrier Hypoglycemia
• Understanding Kennel Cough in your Yorkshire Terrier
• Common Yorkshire Terriers Illnesses And What You Need To Know
• Taking Good Care of your Yorkie to Prevent Health Problems
• The Yorkie's Heat Cycle and the Yorkshire Terrier Newborn Puppy
• Luxating Patellas In Yorkshire Terriers : Serious Or Not?
• Evaluating the Medical Concerns of the Yorkie Dog
• The Most Common Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems!