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Shih Tzu have a lifespan that ranges from approximately 12 to 16 years old with the average age being 14 years. Theres good news and bad news for this condition.
Warning Signs that Your Shih Tzu has a Heart Problem While these symptoms are rather obvious that something is wrong there are other symptoms that are more subtle.
How long can a shih tzu live with a heart murmur. Pets with early or mild mitral valve disease often have a heart murmur that a veterinarian can auscultate hear with a stethoscope. Heart murmurs range on a scale of Grade 1 mild to Grade 6 severe. Early in the disease there might be no audible murmur however a Grade 1 murmur can.
I have a shih tzu and she has a heart murmur. Last time she went TO our Vet they said it sounded like it was getting worse and I need to be prepared for what may happen. SHE WILL BE 8 YEARS OLD IN DECEMBER AND SHES PART OF OUR FAMILY.
Its really hard to say it depends on what grade the murmur is. Ive had dogs live to a very old age with a heart murmur but every case is different. Certain breeds are more susceptible to heart disease such as Great Danes German Shepherds Labrador Retrievers Boxers Cocker Spaniels and Rottweilers.
However Shih Tzus can also be at risk for heart issues. What Causes Heart Issues with Shih Tzus. There are a number of different causes of heart issues in Shih Tzus.
Pandagirl - Hi I replied to your earlier post some time ago about shih tzus and mentioned there that they can be prone to heart problems. Both my 2 that I had when I was a teenager had heart murmers both lived to a fairly good age - about 10 and 11. Heart disease affects many shih tzus.
According to Pet Care heart disease is a leading cause of death in older shih tzus and 75 percent of heart disease is the result of heart valve deterioration. To complicate matters their exercise must be minimal because shih tzus overheat easily. Our Shih Tzu Daisy was diagnosed with a heart murmur during a routine checkup when she was 10yrs old.
She was a very active healthy dog loved her best friend Burt an Australian Shepardshe had been with him since we got her everyday she attacked her food twice a day as if it were the best food in the whole world. These include too much of the hormone thyroid heart worms a fever an infection or being pregnant or obese can also cause a dogs heart to murmur. There may be a genetic aspect as well.
Small breed dogs such as Yorkshire terriers dachshunds shih tzu Pomeranians or Chihuahuas are prone to getting leaking mitral valves as they age. Shih Tzu live for 13 years on average. Factors which affect how long Shih Tzu live include their genes and the lifetime care they receive.
Shih Tzu lifespan compares well to the average lifespan of all purebred dogs taken together but some hereditary health conditions mean that a long life doesnt always equal good quality of life. Can a dog with a stage 3 heart murmur and an enlarged heart die young or they live a normal lifewhat are the cheapest medications for enlarged heart Im sorry to hear about your dogs heart problem - I see that he is only three years old. Warning Signs that Your Shih Tzu has a Heart Problem While these symptoms are rather obvious that something is wrong there are other symptoms that are more subtle.
In many cases there is no dominant symptom but rather two three or more that combine to tell you something may be wrong with the dogs heart. Ive got a Shih Tzu who is 15 years old with a grade V heart murmur that hes had for the majority of his life after heart worm treatmentIn the past 2 months hes started breathing extremely heavy. Anemia can cause turbulent flow because the blood is thinner than normal.
Extreme excitement can cause turbulent flow as the heart pumps harder and faster than usual. Puppies can have soft murmurs which disappear by 15 weeks of age. The cause of these is not known but the important fact is that they go away completely.
Can dogs live with enlarged hearts. Theres good news and bad news for this condition. On the negative side theres no cure for an enlarged heart - but luckily with the right treatment careful diet and exercise and the right regimen of medicine your pup can still live a long and happy life.
Shih Tzu have a lifespan that ranges from approximately 12 to 16 years old with the average age being 14 years. Most Shih Tzu will live into their early teen years and are considered a senior dog between 9 and 10 years old. Whether youre thinking about getting a Shih Tzu or already sharing your life with one of these lovable companions its only natural that you would want your best friend to be around for as long.
Many dogs will go on to live for years with few or even no outward signs. Fortunately with proper diagnosis and monitoring todays medications do a wonderful job for those with a severe murmur. Although an acquired heart murmur in an older dog can be associated with other types of heart disease in most cases it is a condition in and of itself and most dogs do very well.