Bichon Frisé - Health Characteristics
Dog Breeds
Although Bichons are often considered a hypoallergenic breed for people prone to dog allergies, Bichons themselves are unusually prone to allergies. Other health issues unusually common in Bichons include dental disease, patellar luxation, and cruciate ligament tears, along with bladder and kidney stones.
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Common Health Problems
Although Bichons are often considered a hypoallergenic breed for people prone to dog allergies, Bichons themselves are unusually prone to allergies. Between 25 percent and 50 percent of Bichons have skin problems and allergies, including atopy.
Other health issues unusually common in Bichons include dental disease, patellar luxation, and cruciate ligament tears, along with bladder and kidney stones.
Bichon frisés, like many other dogs with fluffy, flapping ears, are prone to ear mites and usually need constant care around the ears.
Lifespan
Bichons have an average life span of about 15 years. Bichon's longevity is similar to other breeds of its size and a little longer than for purebred dogs.
In a 2004 U.K. Kennel Club survey, the leading causes of death were old age and cancer.
AIHA and ITP
Because autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA, also called immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, or IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) are responsible for many premature Bichon deaths, Bichon owners should be particularly alert to the symptoms of these conditions. In AIHA, the dog's immune system attacks its own red blood cells, leading to severe, life-threatening anemia. Symptoms include weakness, loss of energy, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, dark urine and pale or yellow gums.
In ITP, blood platelets (which cause blood clotting) are destroyed. The most common clinical signs are hemorrhages of the skin and mucus membranes. Owners of Bichons showing suspicious symptoms should seek immediate veterinary care as these diseases can strike with little or no warning and kill very quickly.