Clinical decision support tool. Does not replace professional veterinary judgment. Always verify recommendations with current references.
Shih Tzu
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🧬 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.
📋 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.