Do Shiba Inus Have Health Issues?
The average life expectancy of Shiba Inus is up to 15 years. This breed is generally healthy.
The health issues that Shiba Inus can are susceptible to are the following:
Skin problems
Ear problems: ear infections, ear mites
Dental problems: dental disease, malocclusion (overbite, underbite), oligodontia, misaligned teeth
Orthopedic issues: hip dysplasia, arthritis, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation
Eye problems: cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), distichiasis, persistent pupillary membrane (PPM)
Heart defects
Hormonal problems
Cancer
Obesity
Allergies
Seizures
Epilepsy
Testicular anomalies:
After birth over a period of approximately two weeks, the testicles start descending (dropping) into the scrotum through a narrow channel called the ‘inguinal canal’. This is why the veterinary surgeon or registered veterinary nurses will usually have a feel of this area in your puppy in for their health check and vaccinations.
It has sometimes happened to check the presence of the testicles up also to three months old, and then suddenly one is no longer in the scrotum... this happens because the dog grows but the spermatic cord unfortunately remains shorter.
The process of their testicles descending can take a little longer in some dogs. But if both testicles haven’t dropped after around 6-8 months old it may be the case that they never will. Your vet will discuss the next action but this likely means surgery to go and find the missing testicle/testicles!
The above-mentioned health issues are not ranked according to any special criteria, which means that there is no higher risk for diseases that are at the top of the list and vice versa.
It is not possible to predict if any of the above-mentioned health problems will occur in a Shiba Inu.
One reputable breeder makes ever the Hip controls and the check for the eyes and the diseases that can be tested on parents, but this does not completely exclude that a problem may arise once even with very healthy parents and relatives!