Shih Tzu Health Guide
Back to Shih Tzu OverviewUnderstanding the health profile of the Shih Tzu helps owners make informed decisions about screening, insurance, and preventive care. Like many pedigree breeds, the Shih Tzu is prone to certain hereditary and acquired health conditions, most notably Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Lifespan varies considerably — from 10 to 16 years — and is strongly influenced by diet, weight management, and early veterinary screening. Smaller breeds often enjoy longer lifespans but can be prone to dental disease and patellar luxation; regular dental care and weight monitoring are particularly important.
Conditions Affecting Shih Tzus
- Category: Orthopedic Typical onset: 1-2 years Est. treatment cost: £1,500-£6,000
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, causing the ball and socket to not fit together correctly. This leads to joint deterioration, pain, and arthritis over time.
Key symptoms: Difficulty rising · Reluctance to jump · Bunny-hopping gait · Loss of thigh muscle · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment - Category: Eye Typical onset: 3-8 years Est. treatment cost: £0 (management only)
PRA is a group of hereditary diseases causing progressive degeneration of the photoreceptor cells in the retina. It leads to night blindness first, followed by complete blindness. There is no treatment, but DNA tests exist for many forms.
Key symptoms: Night blindness (early sign) · Reluctance to enter dark rooms · Dilated pupils · Reduced daytime vision · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment - Category: Urinary Typical onset: Under 2 years Est. treatment cost: £1,000-£3,000/year
Renal dysplasia is a hereditary condition where the kidneys develop abnormally, with immature or disorganised tissue. Affected puppies develop progressive renal failure at a young age. The severity varies from subclinical to fatal early-onset kidney failure.
Key symptoms: Failure to thrive · Increased thirst and urination · Vomiting · Poor coat · +2 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment - Category: Orthopedic Typical onset: 4 months - 6 years Est. treatment cost: £1,500-£3,500
Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal groove in the femur. It can be medial (inward) or lateral (outward) and ranges from grade 1 (occasional slipping) to grade 4 (permanent dislocation).
Key symptoms: Intermittent skipping on hind leg · Sudden leg lifting · Bunny-hopping · Hind limb lameness · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment
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