CHINESE CRESTED HEALTH

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Health

Chinese Cresteds are Generally Healthy, but like all breeds, they can have certain health conditions. Not all Cresteds will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them.

You can expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip and elbow dysplasia; from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal; and from the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) which tests the dog's hearing status. Also tested is Patellar Luxation (PL) or bad rear knees.

Dental Issues: This is due to a genetic link that exists between dominant hairlessness and missing teeth. The Hairless Crested has small  teeth that can slope toward the front of the mouth and cause problems; the Powderpuff has normal toy breed dentition. The Hairless Cresteds often lose many teeth by the tender age of two or three. Some Hairless require canned food, while others eat kibble with no problem.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This family of eye diseases involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as surroundings remain the same.

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca: Known as "dry eye," is exactly what the name implies: an inflammation and dry eye. It occurs when there's a deficiency in the water portion of the tear film. The eye becomes dry and the membranes are left with only oil and mucus. The symptoms can be mistaken for conjunctivitis, which also has a gooey yellow discharge. Diagnosis is done with a Schirmer Tear Test. Treatment usually consists of eye drops and ointment.

Closed Ear Canal: Occasionally a Hairless Crested will be born with missing ear canals. This defect is common in hairless breeds, however a Crested with missing ear canals should not be used in a breeding program. [see pictures - Lynne Dauber]

Breeders will do their best to provide the healthiest of puppies, however one never knows exactly what is in store for a particular puppy's future. Therefore the best that can be done is to start out with Parents of good health status and as owners to be aware of health conditions, therefore if they should arise in your puppy's future appropriate action can be taken.