Health of the Bichons

The Bolonka is a Toy breed with dark eyes and a long silky, curly coat. His profuse coat will need dedicated grooming every day to keep it in good condition – this is not a dog for anyone who does not have the time to do this.

• Heart disease: Myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve (can lead to heart failure)
• Heart disease: Patent ductus arteriosus (duct between aorta and pulmonary artery fails to close after birth – causes gradual heart failure, progressive discomfort and distress)
• Shaker dog – or acquired tremor syndrome (tremors in young adult dogs; cause unknown)
• Necrotising meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain causing weakness and seizures in young dogs, often fatal) (autoimmune disease)
• Portosystemic shunt (an abnormality of the blood circulation, resulting in blood from the heart bypassing the liver and entering the general circulation)
• Patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap)
• Hydrocephalus
• Cataract
• Entropion (inward turning eyelashes)
• Deafness
• The long and profuse coat can be a welfare problem for this breed. It will tangle and collect dirt and debris easily. It will impede his movement and cover his eyes unless trimmed.
• Hypothyroidism (under-activity of thyroid gland (causes lethargy, coat changes, obesity)