Top 10 Most Common Maltipoo Health Issues

Maltipoos are small dogs, ordinarily weighing from five to twenty pounds, and standing about eight to fourteen inches tall. Their coats might be wavy or quite curly, and their all or mostly hypoallergenic status means that they’re great pets for people with allergies.

These charming small dogs do suffer from several health issues. In this article, we will dig into the most common of these health problems. We’ll discuss how to spot symptoms as well as how to treat the issues.

Common Maltipoo Health Problems

Here are the Top Ten Maltipoo health problems, as well as insights on how you can identify these issues, treatment options, and prevention.

#1 Patellar Luxation

Luxating patella occurs when a dog’s kneecap is dislocated and slips out of its place. Some dogs are genetically more likely to have this condition. A study of more than 90,000 dogs showed that hybrid vigor—which is the element of crossbred dogs having fewer health problems— didn’t apply to Patellar Luxation.

In other words, this condition occurs with hybrid dogs like Maltipoos just as much as with purebreds. In fact, the incident rate of Patellar Luxation among Toy Poodles and Maltese is high.

When It Develops

Signs of Luxating Patella may be visible in puppies as young as 4 months old. Basically, this is a condition that can occur at any stage of the Maltipoo’s life, as it can be brought on by trauma.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of Patellar Luxation in Maltipoos include:

• Hold the leg up in an odd position
• Limp, favoring a particular leg
• Let out a cry of pain when running or doing a certain physical activity
• In severe cases, try to drag themselves with just their front legs
• Drag the leg while walking

This condition can be a challenge for owners to identify simply because the dog may be perfectly fine one minute, cry out in pain the next, refusing to put any weight on a leg, then fine again a moment later. If in doubt, take your Maltipoo to a vet to be checked.

Treatment

If Patellar Luxation isn’t treated promptly, ridges of the patellar areas in the dog’s knee will begin to wear down. This means that the condition will become progressively worse for the dog as arthritis starts to affect the knee. This can cause permanent swelling that makes it difficult for your Maltipoo to move normally and walk.

Treatment in mild cases consists of anti-inflammatory medications and bed rest. In more severe cases, surgery called a Trochlear Modification is done that basically tacks the kneecap into place to prevent slippage.

Prevention

Here are some measures that might prove helpful in preventing Patellar Luxation in Maltipoos.

• Responsible Breeding: Patellar Luxation seems to be genetically influenced in Maltipoos, so not breeding a dog with this problem is best.
• Healthy Weight: A healthy weight and exercise are key to managing or preventing this condition.
• Nutritional Supplements: Supplements such as Glucosamine or Chondroitin might be helpful in alleviating pain and keeping this condition from getting worse.
• Vet Check-ups: Early detection of Patellar Luxation is vital to a better outcome for your dog, so that treatment can begin before the kneecap incurs more severe damage.

#2 Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

This is a genetic, inherited condition that affects the retina of a dog’s eyes. In this serious condition, both eyes are affected at the same time. There’s a degeneration of both retinas. Thankfully, your Maltipoo doesn’t have any pain. But this disease is progressive, and your dog will eventually lose their eyesight and progress to total blindness over time. PRA may affect all breeds, but it’s unusually prevalent in miniature Poodles. As Maltipoos are half Poodle, this puts them at risk, too.

When It Develops

Progressive Retinal Apathy in dogs may begin developing at various ages depending on the specific type. Some types of PRA can show up in puppies as young as 6 months, while others may not show signs until as late as 7-8 years old.

Maltipoos, since they have inherited genetic traits from both Maltese and Poodle parents, may have varying onsets of this condition.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Maltipoos:

• Night blindness
• Dilated pupils
• The dog’s eyes might look shinier than usual.
• Daytime vision starts to deteriorate..
• Cataracts may develop, but aren’t the reason for vision loss.

Treatment

Sadly, there’s no treatment for PRA at this time. Studies are currently underway to find an answer to this condition. There seems to be some promise that a particular supplement— antioxidant supplements for retinal health—.might slow down the progressive loss of sight.

Prevention

Since a cure for Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Maltipoos seems unlikely to come along any time soon, prevention is the best course of action for the time being. The American Kennel Club has funded eight research projects with a combined budget of over $650,000.00 that has gone toward researching the genetic marker for this disease.

Because of these programs, tests are now available for both the Poodle and the Maltese to check for this hereditary trait before breeding one of these breeds, including Maltipoos. So, responsible breeding is the only way to prevent PRA for now.

#3. Epilepsy In Maltipoos

Seizures are one of the most common health issues in Maltipoos. There are several types of seizures:

• Tonic-clonic: These are the most common type of seizures in dogs, also known as a grand mal seizure. Your dog will display symptoms of a seizure, such as shaking limbs and/or muscle spasms. These seizures typically involve loss of consciousness. They might last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.
• Petit Mal: A short duration seizure with loss of muscle control accompanied by a period of blank staring.
• Focal seizure: These affect only one side of your Maltipoo’s body. They may present with strange, repetitive actions such as barking, circling, barking, and biting the air. They normally only last a few seconds but it is possible for a focal seizure to develop into a generalized seizure.
• Status Epilepticus: This is the most serious and rare type. It might last for half an hour and can lead to irreversible brain damage or even death. Status Epilepticus may be caused by such things as a dog consuming large amounts of toxic substances like toilet cleaner, chocolate or other things toxic to canines.

There are two types of Epilepsy: Idiopathic Epilepsy, which has no known cause, and Symptomatic Epilepsy which has a known medical cause, like kidney failure.

When It Develops

Idiopathic Epilepsy is generally found in dogs that are between 6 months and 6 years old. Symptomatic Epilepsy can occur at any age.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of epilepsy or seizures in Maltipoos include:

• Tremors
• Muscle spasm
• Uncommon or weird movements
• Dribbling
• Becoming unconscious and collapsing
• Visible confusion
• Blankly staring
• Lack of response
• Stiff limbs
• Shortness of breath

Treatment

In cases where your Maltipoo had one or two seizures and no more, the vet probably won’t prescribe any treatment. But, if your dog has had repeated seizures, the medications will be anticonvulsants…specifically either Phenobarbital or Potassium Bromide. Phenobarbital is effective but can cause liver damage. Potassium Bromide doesn’t cause any kind of damage, but is slower acting.

Prevention

Prevention of Epilepsy in Maltipoos involves a mixture of management strategies, genetic considerations, and good care. While it can possibly have a genetic component and therefore isn’t always preventable, there are certain steps you can take to minimize the risk:

• Only purchase a Maltipoo from a reputable breeder who practices responsible breeding practices, meaning genetic testing to not perpetuate diseases like Epilepsy.
• Feed a healthy diet and avoid foods or ingredients that are known to sometimes trigger seizures. This means no artificial colorings, preservatives or flavorings.
• Provide regular, moderate exercise which can lessen stress that may cause seizures.
• Regular check-ups with the vet to monitor your Maltipoo’s condition overall.
• Avoid triggers like flashing lights, stressful situations or environmental factors.

#4 Addison’s Disease

Addison’s Disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a common disease in Maltipoos, believed to be inherited from their Poodle parent. In a dog with Addison’s Disease its ability to produce enough hormones…particularly cortisol, the stress hormone…in the adrenal gland is faulty. It may be brought on by certain medications, genetics, autoimmune conditions, or stress.

If your Maltipoo has been diagnosed with Addison’s Disease in a timely manner, it’s entirely possible for it to live a long, happy life. However, if this disease is left untreated, it could be fatal. Currently, it isn’t really known why some dogs develop this condition. There’s a school of thought that believes the cause is genetic, so most reputable breeders test their breeding dogs for this disease.

When It Develops

Addison’s disease can develop at any age, but it’s usually diagnosed in dogs between four and seven years of age.

How To Spot Symptoms

There are many possible symptoms of Addison’s disease, which can make the diagnosis and treatment that much more difficult. Some of the symptoms include:

• Increased urination and thirst
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Irregular heartbeat and weak pulse

Treatment

There are several treatments used for Addison’s Disease:

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy: The administration of medications to replace deficient hormones, such as prednisone for cortisol and fludrocortisone or DOCP injections for aldosterone. These medications will be a lifelong, ongoing thing.
2. Regular Monitoring: Regular veterinary check-ups along with blood tests to monitor hormone levels and adjust your Maltipoo’s medication dosages as necessary.
3. Stress Management: Minimizing your dog’s stress and providing a calm, stable environment will help manage symptoms of Addison’s Disease.
4. Emergency Preparedness: You should have an emergency plan in place that provides access to emergency vet care, in case your Maltipoo experiences an Addisonian crisis.

Prevention

Although Addison’s disease can’t typically  be prevented, early detection and proper management can greatly improve the quality of life for your Maltipoo. Staying alert to symptoms, regular vet visits, along with genetic screening if you’re considering breeding, can help manage the risk.

#5  White Shaker Syndrome

This disease is found almost predominantly in pure white dogs, although over the last ten years or so, a few more cases have come up with dogs of a different coat color. White Shaker Syndrome causes tremors all over the dog’s entire body. The tremors don’t seem to be painful to the affected dogs. There are ongoing studies being conducted to try and ascertain why this happens almost always to white dogs.

Currently, the theory is that it might be some sort of autoimmune reaction. Tremors begin over the dog’s full body. In nearly all cases, once the tremors start, they become more serious over the course of the first three days. From day four on, the tremors will remain at the same strength until treatment is received. The prognosis for this disease is quite favorable. Many dogs recover completely after a round of medications.

When It Develops

If a Maltipooo develops White Shaker Syndrome, it will typically begin to show up between the ages of six months to three years of age.

How To Spot Symptoms

A Maltipoo with White Shaker Syndrome will display some or all of these symptoms:

• Tremors that may vary from mild to severe, to such an extent that the dog can’t walk.
• Tremors may be more intense when your Maltipoo gets excited, like when you get back home after being gone a while.
• The Maltipoo may have more tremors when they’re trying to do a certain thing, such as fetching a toy on command, or listening to your commands like “Sit” or “Stay.”
• If your dog does have White Shaker Syndrome, the tremors usually disappear or become significantly milder when the dog is resting, relaxed, and in a stress free environment.
• Brisk eye movement may occur simultaneously with the tremors.

Treatment

Treatment of White Shaker Syndrome in Maltipoos ordinarily consists of medications to control the tremors. These may include Corticosteroids such as Prednisone, and/or Benzodiazepines, which are a fast acting anti-anxiety drug.

Prevention

Even though White Shaker Syndrome can’t always be prevented, you should know that early detection and treatment, along with proactive management, can greatly improve your dog’s quality of life. By working closely with your veterinarian, you can help reduce the risk as well as the impact of this condition on your Maltipoo.

#6 Allergies

Allergies in maltipoos are one of the most challenging health issues to deal with. Many of the allergens are entirely too small to see, and then, too, the symptoms your Maltipoo has may not fit the classic signs. Besides that, reactions may come and go at random, making it difficult to pinpoint triggers.

But there’s good news, too: It’s possible to keep allergies in your Maltipoo under control using treatments with fast but long lasting results. Any dog can have allergic reactions, but Maltipoos are prone to them.

When It Develops

Allergies in Maltipoos may develop at any point in the dog’s life, even in early puppyhood. Later on, as the dog gets older, it may develop allergies due to prolonged exposure to specific allergens.

How To Spot Symptoms

The major symptoms of allergies in Maltipoos are:

• Itchy Skin: This is the number one sign that your Maltipoo is experiencing an allergic reaction. It might be shown in a number of ways, such as scratching at parts of their body, rubbing against surfaces, or licking and/or chewing at their paws.
• Skin Reactions: Another common symptom of allergies, this one includes hot spots, rash, thinning or balding hair, or excessive dryness of the skin.
• Coat Issues: Not as common, it typically occurs when your dog has had a problem with its skin for a while. It might show up as thinning hair or poor coat texture.
• Respiratory Issues: Uncommon but it does occasionally happen, and includes symptoms like wheezing, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, weepy eyes, congestion and intolerance of exercise.
• Gastrointestinal Distress: This is not a sign of seasonal or contact allergies, but a sign of food allergies.

Treatment

Treatment for allergies in Maltipoos consists of topical as well as oral medications to alleviate discomfort and itching, shampoos to help prevent loss of hair, and possibly Corticosteroids to alleviate discomfort.

Prevention

It’s often hard to isolate the specific allergen that is triggering your Maltipoo’s reactions. But, by a process of trial and elimination, you can hopefully be able to figure out some of the causes for your dog’s symptoms. Food allergies, for example, need to begin with adding and eliminating various foods and watching for an allergic reaction.

Environmental allergens aren’t quite that simple, but as a general rule you should avoid things like carpet freshener powders, aerosol sprays, air fresheners, even scented candles. All these and more household products are known to cause allergic reactions in pets. Avoid having your dog in dusty environments or anywhere there is mold and mildew.

#7 Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s Disease, also referred to as hyperadrenocorticism, is a common endocrine disorder in dogs. It’s caused by a prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, a hormone that regulates a number of functions in the body. The disease may cause a variety of symptoms and can be a challenge to manage and diagnose. Maltipoos, due to their Poodle lineage, might be predisposed to certain conditions, including Cushing’s Disease, although it can affect any breed.

When It Develops

Cushing’s Disease usually develops in Maltipoos between the ages of 6 and 10.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease in Maltipoos include:

• Increased thirst and appetite
• Thinning hair, especially over the back
• Pot belly
• Weak muscles

Treatment

Treatment is based on the cause along with the severity of this disease:

• Medications: Trilostane (Vetoryl) is a commonly administered medication for Cushing’s Disease in Maltipoos. It inhibits production of cortisol, which helps to manage the condition. Mitotane is also in use to treat this disease. It destroys part of the adrenal cortex to decrease cortisol production, and is prescribed less frequently because of potential side effects.
• Surgery: In cases of adrenal tumors, surgical intervention with removal of the affected adrenal gland may be required.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation can be used to reduce tumor size and control hormone production in pituitary tumors.

Prevention

Although Cushing’s disease is not completely preventable, early detection and management may greatly improve the outcome and quality of life for your Maltipoo..  Providing a balanced diet, keeping your dog at a healthy weight, and regular vet check-ups can help to identify and manage the condition.

Being aware of the symptoms and working closely with your vet, you’ll be able to manage Cushing’s Disease effectively, ensuring that your Maltipoo has a good quality of life.

#8 Femoral Head Necrosis

Femoral Head Necrosis, also referred to as Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease, sometimes occurs in small breed dogs like Maltipoos. It’s caused by a loss of blood supply to the femoral head, which is part of the dog’s hip joint. Femoral head necrosis is an extremely painful, crippling disease. The deterioration typically follows disrupted blood supply to the affected bone, which causes death of the bone.

Continued use and weight of the pet on the joint then causes deterioration to the area, and eventually the femoral head collapses with the result that osteoarthritis develops. Contributing parents in Maltipoos are both their Poodle parent as well as their Maltese parent. It’s an inherited abnormality, further described as being an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.

When It Develops

Maltipoos usually begin showing some symptoms of lameness due to Femoral Head Necrosis at about four months to one year of age. The average age of diagnosis is generally five to eight months old.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of Femoral Head Necrosis in Maltipoos:

• Abnormal gait
• Swaying or staggering
• Progressive hind leg lameness, often begins slowly and progressive to non-weight bearing
• Reluctance to run and jump
• Shortened leg or noticeably small muscles in the affected leg due to muscle atrophy
• Discomfort when attempting to lie down or stand up

Treatment

Treatment of Femoral Head Necrosis in Maltipoos depends on the severity of the condition, the dog’s age and overall health, and financial considerations. A disease like this is when you’ll feel lucky if you have a good pet insurance policy in place for your Maltipoo. Dealing with a beloved pet’s debilitating disease is bad enough, without having money worries thrown in.

Medical treatments often include weight loss if the dog is obese, anti-inflammatory medications, and moderate exercise. In many cases, though, these palliative methods don’t do enough to alleviate your Maltipoo’s pain. In that event, surgery will be needed to correct the problem.

A femoral head and neck ostectomy is ordinarily the treatment of choice for small dogs like Maltipoos. For bilateral disease, when both hind legs are affected, the surgery can be done on both legs at the same time, or scheduled for 2 to 6 weeks apart.

 Prevention

Femoral Head Necrosis is not really preventable except through responsible, selective breeding that doesn’t use dogs with this condition for breeding purposes.

#9 Portosystemic Shunt

PSS, or Portosystemic Shunt, is a condition in which there’s an abnormal connection between the portal vein and the systemic blood supply that enables a dog’s blood to bypass its liver. This is typically the result of a congenital malformation, but other problems such as a damaged liver can also cause it.

This condition prevents the blood from having toxins filtered out by the liver, and can lead to all manner of health problems. Maltipoos, as are many other small breeds, may be prone to congenital PSS.

When It Develops

PSS is a congenital condition, present at birth. However, if it’s in the 20% of cases caused by underlying health conditions involving the liver, it may develop at any time later in the dog’s life.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are common signs of Portosystemic Shunt in Maltipoos:

• Seizures
• Increased thirst and urination
• Poor growth or stunted growth
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) in severe cases
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
• Failure to thrive or gain weight
• Behavioral abnormalities such as lethargy, disorientation, or circling

Treatment

Treatment for Portosystemic Shunt in Maltipoos may include a medical as well as surgical approach in some instances:

The treatment for a portosystemic shunt depends on its type and severity:

• Ameroid Constrictor: A device that is  placed around the shunt that gradually causes it to close.
• Ligation: Closing the shunt surgically is sometimes the best option for congenital PSS and is generally successful.
• Medical Management: For dogs that aren’t good candidates for surgery, medical management might include:
• Medications: Lactulose helps reduce the absorption of toxins. Antibiotics are prescribed to reduce intestinal bacteria that produce toxins.
• Dietary Changes: A low-protein diet will help reduce production of toxins that the liver would filter if it was normal.

Prevention

Congenital PSS is the most common type in dogs of all breeds, including Maltipoos. 80% of dogs with PSS are born with it, so prevention isn’t really on the table. Of the other 20% of dogs with Portosystemic Shunt, it’s caused by underlying health conditions like cirrhosis of the liver or other serious liver disease. These cases of PSS are called Acquired Portosystemic Shunts.

#10 Mitral Valve Disease

This is a common heart condition in small breeds like Maltipoos. It involves the degeneration of the mitral valve, which separates the left atrium and left ventricle in the heart, leading to improper blood flow and heart function. Here’s a detailed look at mitral valve disease in Maltipoos:

Causes

• Genetics: Inherited factors play an important role in Mitral Valve Disease, especially in small breeds that are predisposed to heart disease.
• Age: The likelihood of developing MVD increases as a dog ages.
• Infection: Chronic infections or tooth disease may contribute to MVD by allowing bacteria to reach the Maltipoo’s heart.

When It Develops

MVD will typically begin to show symptoms in middle-aged to older dogs, usually around seven years old or older. However, this condition may possibly start earlier, depending on the overall health of the Maltipoo and genetic factors.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of Mitral Valve Disease may range between mild to severe, and may include the following:

• Difficulty Breathing: Rapid or labored breathing.
• Fatigue: Less tolerance for play or exercise.
• Coughing: Especially at night or after exercise.
• Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss in spite of normal eating habits.
• Heart Murmur: May be detected during a vet examination.
• Loss of Appetite: Decreased interest in food.
• Fainting: Collapse or fainting, especially after exertion.

Treatment

Although Mitral Valve Disease can’t be cured, with proper management, you can improve the quality of life for your Maltipoo.

Medications

• Beta-blockers: Slow the heart rate along with reducing blood pressure.
• ACE Inhibitors: Helpto relax blood vessels as well as reduce the workload on the Maltipoo’s heart.
• Diuretics: Remove excess fluid that builds up in the lungs.
• Pimobendan: Helps strengthen contractions of the heart and improve blood flow, also.

Dietary Management

• Low-Sodium Diet: Helps decrease fluid retention and reduce the workload on the dog’s heart.
• Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids and related supplements. that support heart function.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Moderate Exercise: Moderate, regular exercise will help your dog maintain a healthy weight and good muscle tone.
• Stress Reduction: Minimize stress to lessen symptoms.
• Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Ongoing monitoring of heart function and medication adjustments as needed.

Prevention

While genetic predisposition of Mitral Valve Disorder in Maltipoos can’t be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk and properly manage the disease:

• Healthy Diet and Weight Management: Keep your Maltipoo at a healthy weight to help lessen strain on its heart.
• Regular Veterinary Exams: Routine check-ups can mean early detection and treatment.
• Avoiding Exposure to Toxins: Limit exposure to toxic substances such as cleaning products or mold that can exacerbate heart conditions.
• Dental Care: Good oral hygiene helps prevent bacterial infections that may affect your dog’s heart.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Common Maltipoo Health Issues?

Yes, most pet insurance policies will cover common health issues of Maltipoos. If you’re looking around to find a good pet insurance policy for your Maltipoo, be sure to check coverage details to see if genetic and inherited conditions are included.

You should realize that there is a difference between hereditary conditions and conditions that are pre-existing. Most pet insurance won’t cover pre-existing conditions. It’s wise to look at reimbursement percentages, benefit limits, and waiting periods, too.

There are a wide variety of types of pet insurance available. You might decide that a policy with coverage for injuries and accidents only will best serve your needs. Or, you might rather have a policy that provides coverage for health problems along with accidents or injuries. When you begin researching pet insurance, you’ll find policies that offer coverage such as the following:

• Routine wellness examinations
• Surgery
• Prescription meds
• Prescription food and/or nutritional supplements
• Blood and lab tests
• Diagnostic tests
• MRIs
• Alternative treatments
• X-Rays
• Behavioral therapy

While pre-existing conditions aren’t generally covered, there are pet insurance providers that do offer this coverage. The policies will almost always cost more, but will include extra benefits if you need them for your Maltipoo.