Toy Poodles are the smallest variety among the Poodle dog breed. Toy Poodles should measure ten inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. The breed is elegant, lively, small dog that is sensitive yet highly intelligent that responses well to training. Depending on the dog’s lines in the poodles pedigree and the health condition of a particular dog, a Toy Poodle has the average lifespan of 14 to 15 years. Like all other dog breeds, the Poodle is prone to some diseases that is detrimental to the health. The Toy and Miniature seems to suffer the same problems, while the Standard Poodle has different.
Cataract. Cataract is one of the most common problems affecting the eyes of the dog. Literally means, “to break down”, cataract affects all types of dogs but some dogs are more prone to the disease than the others. This breakdown means that there is a disorder in the arrangement of the lens fibers or its capsule. This disorder can make a dog’s vision to deteriotate. As of now, there is no other option for treating this problem but surgery. However, there are several techniques used to remove the affected lens; removal of the entire lens and surrounding capsule, removal of the lens only, phacoemulsification of the lens and aspiration and desication of the lens.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Pra is a disease of the retina which can occur in both eyes simultaneously. Early stage of PRA is characterized by difficulty seeing in dim light which can be detected shortly after birth. Night blindness occurs from one to five years and can later progress to total blindness. ERG (electroretinograph) should be done to confirm that the dog has PRA. Currently, there is no treatment that could stop the disease, but the deterioration of the retina can be slowed down with the help of nutritional antioxidant supplementation for retinal health.
Entropion. Entropion is another eye disease affecting the eyelids. It is a disease in which the top or the bottom of the eyelids are turned inward thus the eyelashes irritate the eyeball itself because of constant rubbing. Though it is usually inherited, entropion may also occur because of eye injury or infection. Tearing, squinting, rubbing eyes and thick discharge from the eyes are signs of entropion. Careful examination of the eye, more particularly of the eyelid is done to diagnose the presence of Entropion. Just like cataract, surgery is necessary to correct the problem.