The Shih Tzu and Renal Dysplasia
Hard to detect and difficult to treat, Renal Dysplasia is a genetic defect of the kidneys that is always irreversible and affects Shih Tzus more than any other breed. Identifying the disease is challenging because it is often slow to develop, sometimes not showing symptoms for several years. Mildly affected dogs can live a normal life, virtually symptom-free, quietly passing the disease down to the next generation. More severely affected dogs will have a shortened life due to progressive kidney failure.
