Dr. Rosie DVM

🧬 Genetic Drug Sensitivities

🔴 RENAL_DYSPLASIA (Familial renal dysplasia predisposition)

Prevalence: Unknown

Familial renal dysplasia is breed-associated and often subclinical in young dogs. NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin-dependent renal perfusion, which a dysplastic kidney tolerates poorly. Check urine specific gravity with creatinine and SDMA before chronic dosing, and maintain perioperative blood pressure and fluids if used around anesthesia.

MONITORMeloxicam→ Alternatives: Grapiprant, Gabapentin

📋 Breed Predispositions

Condition	Prevalence	Onset	Severity	Screening
Familial Renal Dysplasia	Breed-associated	Under 2 years	LIFE THREATENING	Urine specific gravity with creatinine and SDMA in any young Shih Tzu with polyuria/polydipsia, poor growth or unexplained vomiting. Dilute urine in a young dog is the early finding.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)	Very common — conformational	1-4 years	SEVERE	Assess respiratory noise, exercise tolerance and sleep posture at every visit — snoring is a clinical sign, not a breed trait. Surgical correction is most effective before secondary laryngeal collapse develops.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (Hansen Type I)	Elevated — chondrodystrophic, CDDY-carrying breed	3-7 years	SEVERE	Acute back or neck pain, ataxia or reluctance to jump warrants same-day neurolocalisation. Loss of deep pain sensation is a surgical emergency.
Corneal Ulceration and Proptosis	Common — shallow orbits and prominent globes	Any age	SEVERE	Fluorescein-stain any squinting or red eye the same day. Proptosis after even minor head trauma is a true emergency in this conformation.
Congenital Portosystemic Shunt	Over-represented	Under 1 year	SEVERE	Pre- and post-prandial bile acids for stunted growth, post-meal dullness or a slow anesthetic recovery.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)	Common	4-8 years	MODERATE RISK	Schirmer tear test annually and before starting any ocular treatment for "recurrent conjunctivitis".

🏥 Anesthesia Considerations

⚠ Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction

Pre-oxygenate 5 min. Minimal sedation (avoid heavy acepromazine). Rapid IV induction with propofol. Intubate immediately — have multiple ETT sizes ready. Keep intubated until swallowing and fully able to protect the airway. Monitor for post-extubation obstruction for at least 2 hours in a cool, quiet, observed area.

⚠ Brachycephalic Regurgitation and Aspiration

High baseline rate of gastroesophageal reflux under anesthesia. Consider pre-operative omeprazole and maropitant. Intubate with a cuffed tube promptly, keep the head elevated, and suction the pharynx before extubation. Prominent globes and shallow orbits — lubricate the corneas and protect the eyes during positioning.