This document discusses common health problems in Yorkshire Terriers, including hypoglycemia, hydrocephalus, and portosystemic shunts. It notes that these issues are often fatal or life-threatening if untreated and are seen more frequently in Yorkshire Terriers due to overbreeding. Responsibly bred Silky Terriers do not typically experience these same genetic health problems. Buyers are encouraged to research common breed health concerns and purchase puppies only from breeders who guarantee the health of their dogs.

1. Heath Problems Associated
with Yorkshire Terriers
People confuse Silky Terriers with Yorkshire
Terriers . The heath problems listed are NOT a
problem with responsibly bred Silky Terriers
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2. Reason for this Presentation
Frustration. I have bred the Silky Terrier since 1969. In the last 4 or
5 years I am finding many Yorkshire Terrier “sellers” are calling
their oversized Yorkshires the Silky Terrier variety and even
calling them Silky/Yorkies. They are not the same breed. They
are very similar in looks but are separate breeds.
There are approximately 35,000 litters of Yorkshire Terriers born in
the USA annually . Silky Terriers about 400.
Because of over breeding and indiscriminate breeding the
Yorkshire has serious health problems that we do not see in the
Silky. The Yorkshire is the number one choice of the illegal
puppy importers, followed by the Maltese, Shih Tzu and their
mixes.

3. Hypoglycemia : Low Blood Sugar
 Seen in puppies 6 to 9 weeks
 Can be fatal . Often occurs without warning.
 Causes : Stress, missing a meal, chilling, too much play and
upset stomach.
 Typical signs: listlessness depression, staggering gate, muscle
weakness, and tremors especially in the face
 Severe sugar drop seizures develop, or puppy become
stuperous and goes into a coma and without help dies.
 Sometimes a puppy appears fine and goes into a coma
 Prolonged or repeated attacks can cause brain damage
 A Veterinarian can rule out other cause such as liver shunt,
infections, or an enzyme or hormone deficiency

4. Prevention : Treatment
 Feed 5 meals a day , It must be top quality high in protein, fat and
carbohydrates. Your Veterinarian will recommend the food.
 Make sure they do not become chilled or over tired.
 Many outgrow hypoglycemia but for some it is a lifelong problem.
 If puppy is having an attack, is awake and can swallow, give him corn
syrup or sugar water in a syringe. Tilt the chin upward and slowly
administer into the cheek pouch which is in the back between the
molars and cheek. He will swallow the liquid . Your Veterinarian can
show you how to do this. If this is the first attack, put the syrup on the
gums and take him to the Vet
 If the puppy is unconscious do not give liquid. Rub some corn syrup on
the gums and take him immediately to a Veterinarian . He will need IV
treatment and possibility treatment for brain swelling
 Other breeds affected: Chihuahuas, Maltese, Shih Tzu and Pomeranian
and their mixes.

5. Hydrocephalus
 Excessive cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain
 Causes seizures, partial or complete blindness, and dementia
Treatment includes corticosteroids and diuretics ,sometimes
surgery. Must be done prior to brain damage
 Hydrocephalic dogs often appear dull and have limited ability to
learn.
 Other breeds at risk : Maltese, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle,
Chihuahua, Lhasa Apso, Pug
 Pictures of puppies with Hydrocephalus Yorkshire, Chihuahua
and Pug

6. Portosystemic Shunts
 Abnormal veins that lets the blood from the intestine bypass the liver
causing ammonia and other toxins not to be metabolized or removed
from circulation causing hepatic encephalopathy .
 Usually symptoms develop around 6 months of age. Sometimes not
until middle or old age.
 Yorkshires are at increased risk for congenital shunts outside the liver
 Cornell University is doing research on liver shunts hoping to isolate
the DNA and eventually have a blood test to eliminate carriers in
breeding programs. They included , Maltese, Cairn Terriers, Papillion,
Havanese, Miniature Schnauzer. Tibetan Spaniel, Yorkshire and
Norfolk Terrier
 Below is a link to a letter sent to the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America.
The prevalence of PSVA or MVD varied 18 to 100% with a medium of
60% ( 24 separate families.)
 http://www.ytca.org/health_centermessage.pdf

7. Symptoms
 Signs may be quite vague, can include:
 Loss of appetite
 Lethargy
 Weakness
 Poor balance
 Disorientation
 Blindness
 Seizures
 Coma
 Slow growth in a puppy
Surgery is usually required.

8. In Conclusion
 The three health concerns mentioned are all seen in young puppies. They are all
life threatening. A good breeder would not sell a puppy with hypoglycemia or
hydrocephalus. They would know they had it prior to selling Unfortunately liver
shunt will not show up for several months.
 I don’t know of any Silky Terrier being bred by responsible breeders having any
of these concerns. Having bred Silkies for 43 years have never had
Hydrocephalus or Hypoglycemia. I guarantee my puppies for 1 year against
major genetic health concerns and have never seen nor had any claim for liver
shunts.
 That being said, any dog purebred or mix can have genetic problems. You
need to be educated on the problems and choose a good breeder. Many states
including California have puppy lemon laws. In most cases only Pet Shops and
dog breeder who sell 3 or more litter are required to stand behind the health.
Occasional breeders (1or 2 litters per yr) , puppy brokers and illegally imported
puppies offered for sale in private residences are exempt.
 I have enclosed a link to a very good site. You can see what problem may occur
in any breed of dog. The more popular the breed the more likely a problem might
occur. For instance the Silky Terrier list 7 health concerns the Yorkshire 21 .
Only buy a puppy from a breeder that will guarantee their puppies in writing. If
looking at mixes combine both breed concerns.
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