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![]() Chin Health
The Japanese Chin is a fairly healthy breed with a typical life
expectancy of 10-12 years; some live to be 15 years of age or more. The
majority of problems seen in the Chin are common to toy dogs in general.
Among the most common are luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps),
cataracts, and early-onset heart murmurs. Reputable breeders attempt to
breed from stock that are free of major health defects in hopes their
progeny will have a better chance at a healthy life. The Japanese Chin Club of
America recommends that all Japanese Chin breeders follow the health testing
recommendations of the
Orthopedic Foundation For
Animals (OFA) to screen systematically for congenital conditions involving
the Eyes, Heart, and Patellas, and include DNA testing for the GM2 mutation.
In an effort to raise awareness of health problems in toy breed dogs,
the JCCA Health Committee sponsors health
clinics, inviting veterinary specialists such as ophthalmologists,
cardiologists, and orthopedists to examine breeding stock. The club
also supports studies by AKC Canine
Health Foundation.
If you have specific questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact the
health committee.
Health IssuesSeries of Articles by Leanne Bertani, MD
New Approach to Vaccination of the CanineFor years, it was believed that annual vaccinations for viral diseases were necessary to keep our beloved companions out of harm's way. But we have recently come to a turning point in vaccination of the canine. While we are grateful for protection from diseases such as distemper and parvovirus, there is growing realization that vaccination is not always benign. article in MS Word format Endocardiosis In The Toy Dog (Mitral Valve Disease) Atrioventricular Endocardiosis, or Myxomatous Valvular Disease, is a chronic degenerative disease affecting the mitral and tricuspid valves of the heart. It is the most common cardiac disease in small-breed dogs, and has a hereditary predisposition. article in MS Word format Cataracts in Canines A cataract is any opacity in the lens of the eye or the lens capsule. The cause, size, location and severity of a cataract may vary. They can be caused by trauma, inflammation, diabetes or other metabolic disease, retinal atrophy, persistent pupillary membranes, hyaloid remnants, nutritional deficiencies, congenital abnormalities, or heredity. article in MS Word format Primary Epilepsy in the Toy Dog Primary Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by recurrent seizures. article in MS Word format Atlantoaxial Subluxation Atlantoaxial Subluxation is an instability of the first and second vertebrae in the neck. article in MS Word format Heart-Screening in the Japanese Chin, Cavalier and English Toy Spaniel List of board-certified veterinary cardiologists by state (also includes Canada, Brazil, Switzerland). Japanese Chin Coat Color Study By Leanne Bertani, Adrienne Wilder, and JP Yousha. Published in the December 2007 Chin Chit Chat. Purina Parent Club Partnership ProgramThe JCCA is a member of the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program. Collect weight circles (proofs of purchase) from bags of participating Purina brand dog foods and help fund breed-specific health studies through the AKC Canine Health Foundation.![]() | |||||
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