Author:		Jérôme Camus
Posted:		4/9/02; 11:52:15 AM
Topic:		Health Care
Msg #:		10 (top msg in thread)
Prev/Next:		9/11
Reads:		10282

Shiba is born strong, sturdy and agile. Preventive health care logically means giving shiba the possibility to maintain these skills. The possibility to exercise vigourously is a must; who wants a flabby shiba?

Hip problems, as with most breeds, is a possibility. A good breeder will avoid puppies taking any risks in this area, i.e. avoiding stairs and jumping off the furniture.

Patellar luxation leading to loose kneecaps is a hereditary defect. It can easily be corrected by surgery with no visibly side effects.

Various allergies can also crop up. Check the food chain and find out if shiba's been in contact with cats (especially those who like the outdoors).

Without getting into the specifics of veterinary science, have a vet check out shiba's overall condition, the heart for possible murmurs, the eyes for possible hereditary defects and stool samples for parasites. Puppies are vulnerable to exposure to other dogs and their feces until the vaccination process (against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and coronavirus) is complete; not to be messaed around with.

Another concern for the vet is with shiba's metabolism. Leptospirosis can lead to a reaction similar to a severe allergy; immediate administration of epinephrine is required. If surgery is required, ensure the vet has prior knowledge about the dosage of anaesthetics: you can easily kill an akita and do harm to a shiba with inappropriate dosage.