All breeds of dogs are prone to an array of health problems, and so too are the
Chow Chows. The three most common are hip dysplasia, entropion and Luxating patella.
Hip dysplasia
This disorder is caused by a malformed hip joint that results in the head of the femur bone not fitting perfectly into the hip socket. It can lead to pain, lameness and arthritis. While it can be treated with surgery, it is best to try reduce the likelihood of your dog having hip dysplasia by getting him from a reputable breeder.
It is estimated that about 50 percent of all Chows suffer from hip dysplasia.
Before you sign on the dotted line, ask to see the sire and the dam, and ask to see the certificate stating that they have been checked and are clear of this condition. Also, ask the breeder he will guarantee a puppy against hip dysplasia for at least two years. If the sire and dam have not been checked or he will not guarantee his dogs, find another breeder.
Entropion
Another medical condition Chow Chows suffer from is entropion, the most common congenital defect of the eyelids. If your Chow has runny eyes, he may well suffer from entropion. This condition is caused by eyelid abnormality in which the dog’s eyelids are turned inwards rather than outwards. Entropion can also be caused by an eye injury or a long-standing eye infection. As this condition is not always evident in pups, ask to see the parents of the pup you are considering and check for sparkling eyes with no evidence of inflammation. Should your dog develop any eye irritation that causes the eyes to run or develop a crust, consult your vet as this condition can lead to serious problems it not treated.
Luxating patella
This is a fancy name for a dislocated kneecap. If your dog is running and suddenly yelps in pain and pulls his hind leg off of the ground for a few seconds, then limps around for a few minutes, the finally drops the leg back down to the ground and runs normally, he has probably just had an episode where he has dislocated the knee cap. If you see this begin to happen regularly, take him to the vet and have him checked.
