There is a lot to love about the one-of-a-kind Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the Yorkie. But are Yorkies a healthy breed? While they are an undeniably adorable breed and live between 13 and 16 years on average, Yorkies are prone to several health conditions. If you are considering adopting a new pup or already have a Yorkie that is the center of your life, you need to know what to expect when it comes to their health. Sit back and dive in as I discuss the most common Yorkie health problems.
From The Veterinarian
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I asked Dr. Hannah Godfrey, BVetMed MRCVS, to explain a little about Yorkies’ health issues. Here’s what she had to say.
Yorkshire Terriers are prone to certain health conditions. One of these is tracheal collapse – a condition where the windpipe (trachea), which is already relatively narrow, folds in on itself instead of keeping a sturdy tubular shape. This can cause a honking cough, often making it sound like they’re struggling to get their breath. Sometimes, the condition can be managed with anti-inflammatories and other medications when needed, but occasionally, a stent needs to be placed to keep the airway open.
Yorkies are also prone to dental disease because they have a lot of teeth in such a small space, they often prefer soft food, and they may be more resistant to tooth brushing. Another condition that Yorkies are prone to is a luxating patella, where the kneecap is only loosely held in position, meaning it easily falls out of place, sometimes causing pain and affecting movement. If your dog is affected, you might notice them taking an occasional skip on their hind leg when they walk or run. Depending on the severity, a dog with a luxating patella may require no treatment, anti-inflammatory medication, or surgery.
–Dr. Hannah Godfrey, BVetMed MRCVS & Canine Journal Author
Dr. Godfrey adds, “To keep your Yorkie as healthy as possible, it’s best to keep them up to date with vaccinations and parasite control treatment, watch out for any limping, skipping, or mobility problems, and brush their teeth regularly. If they’ll eat it, feeding dry food rather than soft food will be helpful to maintain their tooth health for longer, but without toothbrushing, most dogs require veterinary dental treatment at some point in their lives.”
10 Common Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues
Yorkies are prone to several health conditions. While this list is not comprehensive, I discuss 10 of the most prevalent. It’s best to discuss major health concerns about your Yorkie with your vet; this article is for informative purposes only and offers general information, not advice for treating each dog’s individual health needs.
1. Hypoglycemia
Yorkies are prone to low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia. Not only is low blood sugar common among Yorkshire Terriers, but it is also something all toy breeds are prone to. When a dog has hypoglycemia, they will have a very sudden drop in their blood sugar levels.
Hypoglycemia is particularly common in tiny Yorkie puppies. In many cases, puppies will outgrow this condition, but it can also affect some adult dogs. It is essential to recognize the signs of hypoglycemia in a puppy, as this condition requires quick medical treatment. A sudden drop in a puppy or adult dog’s blood sugar can impact neurological function. While some simple cases of hypoglycemia can occur after overexertion or going too long between eating, hypoglycemia can also develop as a side effect of another condition, including Addison’s disease, tumors in the pancreas, liver disease, and other issues.
Symptoms
- Disorientation
- Tremors
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and weakness
- Incoordination
- Shaking and trembling
- Vomiting
- Muscle twitching
- Discoloration of skin and gums
- Seizures
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your veterinarian will likely thoroughly examine your pup and gather a medical history, especially if they develop chronic hypoglycemia. Tests that may be done include a complete blood count, blood glucose concentration, routine biochemistry, blood insulin concentration, and a urinalysis. An ultrasound may also be completed to rule out any tumor in the abdomen or pancreas.
A dog that appears extremely disoriented to the point of being in a stupor or coma must be immediately given sugar water or an oral glucose concentration like Nutri-Cal or corn syrup. If you have no other choice, put some drops of sugar water underneath your dog’s tongue.
If you own a toy breed like a Yorkie, it is best to keep a glucose source easily accessible, even when you are not at home. For some dogs, an oral glucose solution will be enough. For dogs that are affected more adversely, emergency care and hospitalization may be needed. Treatment of any underlying medical condition is also essential, especially if your dog has diabetes and is experiencing hypoglycemia. You’ll need to work with your vet to determine the cause and then work on preventing hypoglycemic episodes. A high-quality diet is crucial for Yorkshire Terriers because of their risk of hypoglycemia. Learn more about the best dog food for Yorkies.
2. Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse is not a medical condition you have likely heard of unless you have raised toy breeds like Pomeranians and Yorkshire Terriers. This condition occurs when the cartilage in the trachea collapses. Tracheal collapse is a progressive respiratory condition that can cause dogs to have breathing problems and develop a harsh, honking cough.
The cause of this condition is often unknown, but in many cases, it is a congenital disorder. Affected dogs develop a nonproductive cough without a fever. Everyday activities like exercise, drinking water, and getting excited can trigger respiratory issues. Even high or low temperatures or drastic temperature changes can trigger breathing issues.
Symptoms
- Respiratory difficulty
- Coughing when picked up or when pressure is applied on the neck
- Gagging, vomiting, or retching, along with coughing
- Unproductive coughing
- Turning blue
- Blue mucous membranes
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosing your Yorkie with tracheal collapse includes a physical examination and a detailed health history. Along with that, your veterinarian will likely do a chest X-ray, including a fluoroscopy, which is an X-ray that creates a real-time moving image as your dog breathes in and out. Other tests can include tracheoscopy and a bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. Your vet may also want blood tests, including a blood count, a chemistry panel, a urinalysis, and a heartworm test.
Treatment of tracheal collapse often involves medication as well as preventative care. Medications can include antibiotics, steroids, sedatives, cough suppressants, and bronchial dilators To help reduce inflammation and control coughing. Your vet may also recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss, using a harness for walks rather than a leash, and avoiding anything like close-fitting clothing that can irritate your pup’s airway.
3. Diabetes
Yorkies are more prone to diabetes than most other dog breeds. The condition means they cannot regulate their sugar metabolism and need daily insulin injections to maintain proper levels. It can be hard to identify and diagnose diabetes at first, as some of the symptoms look like other diseases. Along with that, diabetes often overlaps with other conditions, such as liver disease, hypothyroidism, and kidney issues. Diabetes is a serious condition, and Yorkies are genetically prone to it. With proper treatment, they can live long, very fulfilled lives.
Symptoms
- Increased urination
- Excessive thirst
- Uncontrollable appetite
- Losing weight
- Sweet-smelling breath
- Cloudy eyes and poor vision
- Dull skin and coat
- Tired and stiff
- Disinterest in normal activities
Diagnosis & Treatment
To diagnose your Yorkie with diabetes, your veterinarian will need to do a physical examination and look at the clinical science. Along with that, they will order blood work and a urinalysis. These tests will help determine if your pup has diabetes as well as any coexisting conditions. Once the diagnosis has been made, your veterinarian will provide a treatment plan, which will involve daily insulin injections at mealtimes.
Your dog must be on a consistent, healthy diet to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Along with daily insulin injections, you must monitor your pup’s blood glucose level to ensure they are getting the proper insulin dose.
4. Heart Disease
Unfortunately, Yorkshire terriers are susceptible to heart disease. In particular, a condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can affect them. PDA occurs when a small blood vessel of the heart does not close properly, disrupting blood flow between the two parts. Too much blood gets to the lungs, causing fluid buildup and strain.
Heart failure is one of the leading causes of death for Yorkies, especially in their senior years. Yorkies often develop heart valve disease, also called mitral valve disease. This is often indicated by a heart murmur. Identifying heart disease in dogs can be tricky. However, new heart murmurs, coughs, and excessive fatigue in older dogs are indicators of something that can be wrong.
Symptoms
- Heart murmur
- Persistent coughing
- Respiratory difficulty
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Intolerance to physical activity
- Blue or gray gums
- Collapse
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis of heart disease requires a physical examination where your veterinarian will listen to your dog’s heart and lungs. They will be looking for abnormal sounds or rhythms if there is a heart murmur or evidence of fluid in the lungs that is a sign of concern. They will also check the pulse and check for fluid buildup. Along with the physical examination, diagnostic testing is usually required, which can involve chest X-rays, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, blood pressure measurements, and heartworm tests.
Additionally, if your veterinarian suspects heart disease, they will likely send you to a canine cardiologist. Treatment for heart disease is generally aimed at treating the underlying cause, such as heartworm. Some dogs may need treatment by surgical intervention like a pacemaker, cardiac shunt, stenosis, or valve repair. Medication is also often used to manage heart disease; the kind will be dependent upon the specific condition a pup has. These medications help the heart work to pump blood more efficiently, normalize the heart rhythm, and help remove excess fluid from the body. Along with medical treatment, your veterinarian will likely suggest weight loss and modifying your pup’s diet.
5. Luxating Patella
Patellar luxation, also called luxating patella or, in more familiar terms, kneecap dislocation, is quite common in smaller breeds like the adorable Yorkie. This condition occurs when the kneecap becomes loose and starts to slip out of its normal placement. The movement prevents a dog’s knee from properly extending and can impact their mobility. In some cases, they will have an odd gait, hold their leg up when walking, or simply use only three legs.
When the kneecap slips back into place, they walk normally. This condition can cause stiffness and ranges in severity. It can happen to dogs of any size or breed, but it has a genetic connection. The condition may be fairly obvious in some dogs; for others, there may be very few signs.
Symptoms
- Hopping
- Skipping
- Walking on three legs
- Stiff legs and gait
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis of a luxating patella will require a physical exam and X-rays to evaluate the affected limb. Some veterinarians may want further medical imaging, including a CT or MRI, depending upon your pup’s condition. Once diagnosed with patellar luxation, some dogs may not require any treatment other than maintaining an ideal weight and taking joint supplements. Pain medications may be needed, and exercise restriction periods for many dogs’ physical rehabilitation may also be suggested. Surgery may be recommended in more advanced cases where lameness is a possibility.
6. Bladder Stones
Bladder stones are another condition that Yorkies tend to have an increased risk of developing. Also known as uroliths, bladder stones can develop from bladder and urinary tract infections, often caused by bacteria. Struvite crystals build up and become very painful and impact your pup’s ability to urinate. These make up the majority of canine bladder stones. However, dogs can also develop calcium oxalate stones. These are the ones that most commonly affect Yorkies.
Symptoms
- Increasing urination frequency with little output
- Increased thirst
- Difficulty or straining when urinating
- Urination accidents inside the home
- Blood in urine
- Vomiting
- Excessive licking in private areas
- Abdominal pain
Diagnosis & Treatment
If you notice bloody urine, it’s best to contact your vet immediately. If your pup is not urinating at all, this is an emergency. Diagnosis of bladder stones involves physical examination, X-rays, as well as blood and urine tests. In some cases, a contrast X-ray or ultrasound may be needed in order to properly identify bladder stones. Once they have been diagnosed, treatment will depend on the severity, location, and type of stone.
Treatment involves dietary changes, surgical removal, non-surgical removal, and pain medication if needed. Calcium oxalate crystals will not dissolve on their own and will require treatment. Struvite stones may dissolve through dietary treatment. Your veterinarian will likely present you with treatment options that are non-surgical or surgical, depending upon your pup’s condition.
7. Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a disease that has no known cause. It often affects small-breed dogs. It is a very serious medical condition in which dogs present with a sudden onset of bloody diarrhea. This often appears like raspberry jam and can be accompanied by vomiting. This condition requires immediate treatment as it can cause life-threatening dehydration and shock. If you suspect your dog has this condition, seeking emergency veterinary care is best.
Symptoms
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Depression
- Large amounts of bright red diarrhea
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your veterinarian will complete a physical exam and then make a determination of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis based on your dog’s health history and current symptoms. This condition shares symptoms with other diseases, and as such, some other tests, including a complete blood count and urinalysis, may also need to be done. Once your veterinarian has determined that this is the cause, treatment often involves soothing the symptoms. Dogs will be given fluid, often intravenously, to prevent dehydration. If a dog has gone into shock, they may need to have steroids, and dogs who have lost a lot of blood may need a transfusion. Once in recovery, your dog may need limited food and water until the gastrointestinal tract heals.
8. Dental Disease
Smaller breeds are prone to dental issues and periodontal disease, and Yorkies are no exception. Smaller breeds have very crowded and often misplaced teeth, which leads to a multitude of oral health issues. These can include bad breath, tartar buildup, tooth decay, swollen gums, and more. Periodontal disease can cause serious problems and even take years off your dog’s life. Not only that, it can cause pain, as well as impact a dog’s overall health.
Symptoms
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Loss of teeth
- Bad breath
- Plaque and tartar buildup
- Difficulty eating and chewing
- Excessive drooling
- Loose and missing teeth
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your veterinarian will perform an exam on your dog’s mouth and teeth and then provide treatment as needed. This may include deep cleaning or even removal of teeth if they are infected or broken. Your pup may also need medication to manage pain. The best kind of treatment for dental problems is prevention, so your veterinarian will likely recommend regular teeth cleaning, both at home and professionally. Additionally, dietary changes can help with bad breath and boost oral health.
9. Liver Problems
Yorkshire Terriers have a very high risk of developing a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). They are one of the breeds at most risk of developing this condition. PSS is a genetic condition that affects the blood supply to the liver. Liver disease is a big concern for this little breed as they are at elevated risk for developing multiple types. Your pup will need treatment and regular monitoring to keep them as healthy as possible.
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increase in thirst
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Behavior changes, high irritability, depression
- Lethargy
- Jaundice
- Blood in the urine or feces
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your veterinarian will need to do a physical examination as well as some medical tests in order to diagnose a liver disease or disorder. A liver function test and standard blood panel will likely be done. A urinalysis will need to be done to evaluate the health and function of the kidneys and liver, and blood tests will need to be done to check proteins, enzymes, and other liver-produced substances. In some cases, your veterinarian may also want ultrasound and X-rays in order to look for cysts, stones, or cancer in the liver, and in severe cases, a biopsy may need to be done.
Liver disease treatment often focuses on managing the symptoms as well as treating the underlying cause. Your veterinarian may recommend medications to control symptoms, as well as antibiotics. Fluid therapy or surgery may also be recommended. Dogs who suffer from chronic liver disease may need a dietary change to either a prescription food or another formula that promotes liver health.
10. Eye Health
Sadly, Yorkies are at risk of inheriting a number of eye health concerns. While not all are serious, some can lead to blindness if they are not treated promptly, so it’s important to keep this in mind. These eye conditions include cataracts, cherry eye, corneal abrasions, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcerations, distichiasis, ectopic cilia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), retinal dysplasia, and chronic dry eye. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in senior Yorkies, and many dogs also suffer from dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS. This condition can be quite painful and cause your pup’s eyes to be sore, itchy, and dry.
Symptoms
- Frequent blinking
- Thick yellow or green discharge
- Squinting
- Excessive tearing
- Light sensitivity
- Rubbing on their eyes
- Pain
- Watery or red eyes
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis and treatment will depend on the specific eye disorder or disease your Yorkie has. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough eye examination as well as medical tests if necessary. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment often involves supportive care such as topical antibiotics, eye drops, protective collars, medication, or removal of affected areas in the eye. Some Yorkshire Terriers require the use of artificial tears throughout their lives to prevent and manage some of these eye conditions.
Recommended Health Tests For Yorkshire Terriers
Because Yorkies are prone to so many different health conditions, it is important to have your pup go through health testing. It is especially important as this can help identify any inherited genetic diseases or health concerns. It is highly recommended that all Yorkies have a patella evaluation as well as an ophthalmologist’s evaluation.
You can also consider DNA testing, which can offer more information but is not yet available for all medical concerns or conditions. If you’re interested, learn more about at-home DNA tests in our detailed guide.
Average Cost For Yorkie Health Issues
Treating your Yorkie’s health issues can become extremely expensive. Along with the initial costs, some of these medical conditions can develop and be costly to treat. For example, a collapsed trachea can cost a few hundred to close to $5,000 to treat and patellar luxation can run over $1,200.
According to Fetch Pet Insurance, the three most common Yorkie health issues parents file claims for are oral inflammation, walking abnormality, and liver disorder. Associated costs for these health problems over a lifetime are as follows:
- Oral inflammation: $1,330 to $1,954
- Walking abnormality: $2,591 to $3,429
- Liver disorder: $2,793 to $4,380
How Pet Insurance Can Help
Unfortunately, Yorkies are a breed prone to several serious health conditions. With a lifespan of 11 to 16 years, these medical costs can add up quickly. Of course, you can always pay for care out of pocket, but you can also consider getting pet insurance coverage for your Yorkie.
Pet insurance can help cover the cost of medical care and sometimes be the difference between picking the best care for your pet or simply what you can afford. Generally speaking, pre-existing conditions are not covered, so getting covered for your Yorkie when they are a puppy will offer you the most benefit. Learn more about pet insurance and what it covers in our is pet insurance worth it guide, as well as the specific providers that offer the best insurance coverage for Yorkshire Terriers. Use our quote form below to see what insurance might cost you.
Fetch Customer Testimonial For Yorkie
I am pleased to have chosen Fetch as our pet insurance for my little Yorkie, Ruthie, for many reasons. She has medical complications I’ve never experienced with other dogs. Having this insurance has given me peace of mind to financially move forward in the care she needs for her condition. It has been easy to submit paid invoices and the doctor’s notes online on the Fetch website. Fetch lets me know it’s received, and I can speak to a person if I choose. The insurance payment goes directly into my bank account. The turnaround time from submitting a medical claim to receiving funds is timely. I switched my other Yorkie from a different pet insurance company to Fetch. Fetch has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my dogs.
– Barbara H., Fetch customer
Other Health Conditions That Affect Yorkies
I’ve covered some of the most prevalent health conditions and diseases Yorkies are at risk for. However, I have not covered all of them. Because they are small, these dogs are also prone to fracturing bones, Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease, allergies, bone and joint health issues, obesity, and parasitic infection, just to name a few.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m sure there are still plenty of questions unanswered about health conditions that impact the adorable Yorkshire terrier. I’ve covered a few of the most often asked Yorkie health questions below, but if I didn’t get to yours, let me know in the comments.
Is It Common For Yorkies To Have Stomach Issues?
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers often develop stomach issues. They can develop food sensitivities, allergies, pancreatitis, diarrhea, and more. Adding a bit of pumpkin puree or sweet potatoes to your dog’s diet can help with some of these digestive issues and promote healthy bowel movements.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Yorkie?
Yorkies live between 13 and 16 years on average. Learn more in our article on the Yorkie’s lifespan and the factors that affect how long they can live.
What Is The Most Common Cause Of Death In Yorkies?
Heart failure is one of the most common causes of death for the breed. Because of this, it is important to pay attention to your pup’s health and keep up with preventive appointments.
What Age Is Considered Old For A Yorkie?
Yorkies are considered senior dogs between seven and eight years old. Generally, a Yorkie between eight and ten years old is a senior and needs senior dog food, as well as possible supplements and activity modification to accommodate their changing body and needs.
Keeping Your Yorkie Healthy
Keeping your Yorkie healthy is a big task despite this dog’s tiny size. Adopting a Yorkie means welcoming a tiny ball of fluff with an enormous heart to your life. However, it is also a big commitment to keeping them healthy. Because they have an elevated risk of developing several different medical issues, it is important to do your best to provide them with the healthiest lifestyle you can. This means keeping up with regular veterinarian checkups beyond just the necessary puppy ones.
Along with that, a healthy diet from day one is incredibly important. Yorkies do not need the same kind of food as large dogs, and puppies will require different nutrition than seniors and active adults. Along with a healthy diet and keeping up with regular and preventative veterinary appointments, the proper amount of exercise and physical play is also vital to keeping your pup mentally and physically healthy.
Need Gear For Your Yorkie Pup?
Our team here at Canine Journal has spent a significant amount of time researching the adorable Yorkshire Terrier. You can learn more about the breed as well as what they need, including the best brushes for Yorkies, the best crates for Yorkies, and the best Yorkie dog beds. If you want more information, check out our Yorkie growth chart, which will walk you through your Yorkie’s first year of life, including important growth and development milestones.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Danielle is a lifelong animal advocate and pet parent. She has over three decades of experience caring for dogs, including those with special medical and behavioral needs. Danielle has a particular passion for rescuing animals and has given several a loving home. She is a dedicated researcher who is committed to providing up-to-date, accurate, and relevant information to help other pet parents give their dogs the best life possible.