Living with Your Tibetan Mastiff
TM Health Concerns

HEALTH CONDITIONS AFFECTING TMs

TMs are generally a hardy, healthy breed, living an average of ten years or more. However, as in ourselves, health conditions are always a concern. The following conditions are known to have affected the TM. Please discuss them with your breeder and consult your veterinarian for more information.

Auto immune Hypothyroidism -- This is the most common endocrine condition found in large breed dogs and the TM is no exception. Signs to look for are mental dullness manifested as decreased activity and interest in playful activities, increased sleeping, weight gain, poor skin and coat condition-flaking and scaling, and reoccurring ear infections. Once diagnosed however, this condition can be very effectively and inexpensively treated with dail thyyroid supplementation. Although the mode of inheritance is not known, because of the familial nature of the disease, hypothyroidism is thought to have a genetic component. Breeders should screen their breeding stock and avoid breeding hypothyoid dogs.

Hip Dysplasia -- This condition has been found in most breeds of large dogs and involves the hip joint. The hip joint is composed of the head of the femur (ball) and acetabulum (socket). This ball and socket must have a very tight fit or the ball will dislocate and cause pain and eventually arthritis. The first sign, a bunny hopping gait or limp, usually appears around four to nine months of age. Hip dysplasia is thought to be a result of both genetic and environmental factors. Rapid growth and weight gain have been linked to the condition. Do not allow your puppy to become over weight and do not supplement him with calcium unless directed by your veterinarian. Feed a high quality, large breed, puppy food with a calcium content of less than 1.2%. There are both medical and surgical treatment options available for this condition. Conscientious breeders routinely xray their breeding stock, have those xrays rated by the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals and breed only animals with sounds hips. Ask your breeder what policies they follow.

CIDN or Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy is an inherited condition that affects the nervous systems of Tibetan Mastiff puppies. It was first detected and diagnosed in the late 1970's by researchers at Cornell University. Puppies are normal at birth but by six weeks of age begin to show rear leg weakness that gradually progresses to complete paralysis of the hind quarters. There is no treatment for this condition. However, through cooperation with researchers at Cornell University, breeders have been able to significantly reduce the probability that any Tibetan Mastiff puppy will be born with the condition.

Other Conditions That May Affect the Tibetan Mastiff

Osteochondrosis Dessicans -- This condition is the result of an underlying bone defect where the cartilage lifts off the bone and creates a flap. The cartilage becomes thickened and cracked, causes inflammation and pain and can eventually lead to degeneration of the joint. The most frequently diagnosed site is the shoulder but the elbow, hock and stifle may also affected. Bilateral joints are often involved and male dogs are more often affected. Heredity and environmental influences may be involved. Keep your puppy lean, do not supplement with calcium or over exercise. Left untreated, prognosis of the disease can be variable. Surgery is often recommended. Affected dogs should not be bred.

Elbow Dysplasia refers to malformation of the elbow joint possible due to different growth rates of three bones found in the joint. Surgical treatment or medical management with anti-inflammatory meds is available. Elbow dysplasia is an inherited condition and may have environmental influences. Follow the same guidelines for diet and weight control as with hip dysplasia.

Panosteitis is an inflammation of the long bones, that occurs in young, large breed dogs. Lameness will appear suddenly without reason and shift from leg to leg. The disease is self limiting and resolves on its own over time. Pain medication can be prescribed during periods of lameness.

Seizures -- TMCA is currently investigating incidents of seizures in Tibetan Mastiffs.