Clinical decision support tool. Does not replace professional veterinary judgment. Always verify recommendations with current references.
Havanese
DOG· SMALL· Lifespan: 14-16 years
Thinking about this breed for your home? Read the owner suitability guide
📋 Breed Predispositions
| Condition | Prevalence | Onset | Severity | Screening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Congenital Portosystemic Shunt | Over-represented | Under 1 year, often under 6 months | SEVERE | Pre- and post-prandial bile acids in any small-breed pup with stunted growth, post-meal dullness, copper-coloured irises or a slow anesthetic recovery. Low BUN with microcytosis on a routine panel is the quiet tell. |
| Patellar Luxation | Elevated | 4-6 months | MODERATE RISK | Orthopedic exam at 6 months and annually. |
| Cataracts (Hereditary) | Elevated | 1-5 years | MODERATE RISK | Annual CAER exam from age 1. |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease | Elevated (toy-breed pattern) | 4-11 months | MODERATE RISK | Hip radiographs for progressive unilateral hindlimb lameness in a young dog. |
| Congenital Deafness | Elevated | Congenital | MODERATE RISK | BAER test where available, particularly in dogs with extensive white markings. |
| Chondrodysplasia (Short-Limbed Conformation) | Breed-typical conformation | Congenital | MILD | No screening needed for the conformation itself; it is noted because it changes the baseline for interpreting limb radiographs. |
🏥 Anesthesia Considerations
⚠ Toy Breed — Hypoglycemia and Hypothermia
Fast no more than 4-6 hours, check blood glucose before induction, have dextrose available. Active warming from before induction; monitor core temperature continuously. Weigh in grams and calculate every drug precisely. Congenital portosystemic shunt is over-represented — screen bile acids before elective anesthesia if growth is poor or recovery from a previous sedation was slow.