Whispering Pines Treasures Havanese

Common Havanese Health Concerns

Portosystemic shunt- In Havanese with a portosystemic shunt (PSS) there is abnormal blood flow in the liver. Blood should flow from the digestive tract to the liver via the portal system into the blood vessels of the liver, and then to the caudal vena cava which is the large blood vessel carrying blood back to the heart. In a portosystemic shunt, as the name implies, portal blood by-passes the liver and goes directly to the systemic venous circulation (caudal vena cava). One important function of the liver is to clear toxins, many of which are by-products of protein digestion, from the blood. In PSS, these toxins are not cleared, and instead they circulate in the body. This causes the clinical signs associated with PSS, many of which are neurological.

Certain shunt configurations can be corrected surgically. Usually the shunts most amenable to surgery are extrahepatic (outside the liver) and single (only one blood vessel involved.) A device (amuretic ring) can be placed on the shunt which causes it to gradually close, during which time the liver is able to adjust to the increased blood flow through it.

Chondrodysplasia- Literally, this is “faulty cartilage”, and it can be manifested in a variety of ways. It can be characterized by premature closure of the growth plates of long bones either symmetrically, or asymmetrically. This can result in short legs (dwarfism) that are straight or bowed either unilaterally or bilaterally. Chondrodysplastic dogs can also have legs of normal length but which are deviated unilaterally or bilaterally. The length of leg is dependent on how prematurely the growth plates close. The degree of deviation depends on how evenly the growth plates close (ie, if a growth plate closes on one side earlier than the other, the bone will continue to grow on the open side resulting in bowing of the bone. If one of the bones of the foreleg (either the radius or the ulna) closes before the other, the bone that continues to grow will bow as the closed bone prevents the leg from lengthening. In cases where the deviations are severe enough to interfere with your pet's daily functions, surgical correction may be needed to straighten the leg. There are a variety of surgical options available depending on the extent and severity of the deviation!

Deafness- Both complete (bilateral) and partial (unilateral) deafness have been found in Havanese. The mode of inheritance is unknown at this time. The incidence of deafness in Havanese is also unknown at this time because testing has not been widespread or consistent.

Cardiac Problems- There appear to be a significant number of heart murmurs showing up in Havanese. Each side of the heart has a valve to keep blood from going backward from the ventricles to the atria. The valve between the left atrium and left ventricle is called the mitral valve. Because of the very large pressure created when the left ventricle contracts, the mitral valve wears out in many dogs. This wearing out process begins with a small leak that gradually gets more severe. As animals age, the heart valves age as well, which can result in inefficiency and incomplete closure. Turbulence of the blood flowing through the faulty valve results in noise which is heard as a murmur. Sometimes there is a genetic predisposition for premature aging of the valve which results in murmurs at a younger than anticipated age. Infections in the mouth from poor oral health and hygiene can also have a deleterious effect on the heart valves and kidneys because there is a constant shower of bacteria from infected teeth and gums. These bacteria are absorbed into the bloodstream through inflamed gums and can seed the heart with infection. Left untreated, dysfunction of the heart valves can lead to cardiomyopathy and heart failure. If murmurs are found on auscultation, which should be part of every one of your pet's veterinary exams, then an echocardiogram can be done to further diagnose the specific cause of the murmur so that treatment can be instituted to prevent, or delay, further deterioration of the heart. Treatment of cardiac problems may include drugs (to strengthen and regulate the heart muscle and heart rhythm, diuretics to remove fluid build-up, alter blood pressure, etc), change in your pet's diet, and/or surgery if needed.

Low blood sugar crashes

Most toy breeds are at risk for this occurrence. Low blood sugar crashes usually occur until puppies are 16 weeks of age. Sugar crash is not the same thing as hypoglycemia, which lasts the dog's lifetime, this type of low blood sugar condition will go away once your pet is old enough to intake enough calories to last for longer periods of time. Sugar crashes are the result of a puppy not having adequate blood sugar. The most important things to do to are to always supervise your puppy and ensure that he or she has access to fresh food and water at all times, be familiar with the signs that proceed sugar crashes, and have supplies on hand for your puppy in case it occurs to ensure a speedy recovery. Some warning signs that your puppy may be having a sugar crash are: he or she looks lethargic, is too sleepy to wake up, wobbly on his or her feet, or swaying and stumbling. If you see these signs in your puppy, you will need to give your puppy some nutrients quickly. I recommend using Nutri-Cal. You will want to give this to your puppy by placing a small amount on your finger and rub it across your pet’s lips so that he or she licks it. Nutri-Cal is inexpensive and can be obtained from your veterinarian. It is important to treat your puppy as soon as possible after noticing that he or she is having a sugar crash to ensure that he or she makes a recovery. The results of not treating your pet’s sugar crash are possible seizure, coma, or even death in some instances. Please be aware of sugar crashes and be proactive by keeping Nutri-Cal on hand for your puppy in case it is needed!

Miscellaneous problems-Other conditions found in Havanese, but with lower incidence include seizures, cataracts, kidney dysplasia, hypothyroidism and skin problems including sebaceous adenitis.

*We recommend that you do not use Revolution heartworm and flea medication on your Havanese because there have been many adverse reactions to this product which can result in death to your Havanese! There are alternatives available! Please ask your veterinarian for his/her recommendations.