Are Morkies a healthy breed?
Morkies are generally a sturdy, healthy small breed of dog but can be susceptible to some of the common health issues that affect their parent breeds:
- Portosystemic shunt (PSS): The hereditary condition, also known as PSS, obstructs proper blood flow to the liver. The liver detoxifies the body and, without proper blood flow, PSS sends the toxins in unfiltered blood to the heart, brain, and other body parts. It causes loss of appetite, hypoglycemia, jaundice, urinary tract problems, vision problems, and stunted growth. Antibiotics and diet changes can help in the short term, but surgery is the only permanent treatment for the problem. If not treated early, PSS can be life-threatening.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA affects the retina and will eventually cause blindness in both eyes. There is no effective treatment.
- Patellar luxation: Slight abnormalities in the knee joint cause it to slide in and out of place, causing pain and occasional lameness. Patellar luxation is also called “slipped kneecaps.” Most dogs don’t require treatment, but they may need surgery in severe cases.
It’s important to remember that even though this breed might have an increased risk for certain health conditions, they won’t necessarily develop them. Mixed-breed dogs are often more healthy than purebred dogs because of greater genetic diversity. Your veterinarian can help you keep an eye out for possible health problems with regular checkups.