The main Yorkie health issues are either genetic or not determined by a genetic component. The most common genetic health conditions that affect Yorkshire Terriers are Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease, luxating patella, bladder stones, retinal dysplasia, liver shunts, tracheal collapse, hypoplasia of dens, hydrocephalus, and distichia. Other common non-genetic diseases Yorkies are prone to include cataracts, hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, allergies, and periodontal disease.
Yorkshire Terriers are preferred by many people because of their size and hypoallergenic traits. But are they healthy? How do the health conditions they are susceptible to affect their well-being?
This article explores the main genetic disorders Yorkies can inherit. You will also find out which are the most common health issues that Yorkis have a higher risk of developing.
Genetic Health Problems in Yorkies
Genetic disorders in Yorkshire Terriers are caused by harmful changes to genes, also known as mutations. They can also be caused by damage made to chromosomes. These disorders are passed on by the parents. Some diseases require both parents to carry the gene, others need only one.
Here are 9 genetic disorders Yorkshire Terriers have a predisposition for:[?]
- Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (LCPD)
- Distichia
- Hydrocephalus
- Luxating Patella
- Hypoplasia of Dens
- Bladder Stones
- Tracheal Collapse
- Retinal Dysplasia (RD)
- Liver Shunts
1. Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (LCPD)

What It Is
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease causes necrosis of dogs’ femur head[1]. This means the part of the femur progressively deteriorates and dies.
LCPD is degenerative. Yorkies with this disease experience an incremental decrease in well-being. The area affected by necrosis deteriorated over time.
The cause of LCPD is unknown. A disrupted blood flow in the hip area caused by clots is suspected to lead to the disease.
Symptoms
Yorkshires with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease limp but do not always show they are in pain. Some of them cry when they use the affected leg, others avoid using it. This leads to a decrease in muscle mass in the specific leg.
In the advanced stages of the disease, Yorkshires move as little as possible, which leads to several health issues related to lack of exercise, including obesity and heart problems.
Here are the symptoms of LCPD in Yorkies:
- Pain
- Mobility issues
- Limping
Tests
X-rays are the main testing method for LCPD. Yorkies sometimes need multiple X-rays to confirm the diagnosis.
This disease does not show significant changes in the femur head on X-rays in the initial stage. As a result, annual tests are recommended for breeds predisposed to LCPD, such as Yorkshire Terriers.
Treatment
Pain caused by LCPD is kept under control with pain medication. This does not solve the problem, it only helps dogs live with the condition.
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is cured with surgery. The procedure consists in removing the dead tissue and waiting for scar tissue to form. The scar tissue takes the place of the bone and acts like a false joint.
Yorkies who undergo this surgery can walk again 1 or 2 weeks later.
2. Distichia

What It Is
Distichia is characterized by the abnormal growth of eyelashes. In this case, eyelashes grow in the opposite direction than normal and damage the surface of the eyeball[2]. This can lead to infections, inflammation, ulceration, and abrasion. In severe cases, it leads to partial blindness.
Symptoms
Yorkies with distichia experience:
- Eye pain
- Redness
- Irritation
- Swelling
- Small bumps on the eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
- Vision loss
Tests
The diagnosis of distichia is made by physical examination. Genetic tests are not available for this condition. As a result, Yorkies who suffer from this condition should not be used for mating.
There is no breeding protocol yet to prevent this from happening.
Treatment
Because their eyelashes are soft, Yorkshire Terriers don’t need extensive treatment because their lashes don’t produce major damage. In other cases, the use of a lubricating gel is enough to soften eyelashes.
In severe cases, the eyelashes are plucked.
3. Hydrocephalus

What It Is
Hydrocephalus is a congenital disease that some Yorkie puppies are born with. It consists of abnormal accumulation and expansion of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain cavities[3]. This condition is most prevalent among toy breeds.
Symptoms
Yorkies with hydrocephalus display as a dome-shaped skull with a large fontanel on top. The dog’s eyes appear to always be gazing downward.
Here are other clinical symptoms of hydrocephalus:
- Changes in behavior (overexcitability, inappropriate vocalization)
- Spastic walking
- Falling on one side
- Circling
- Failure to learn basic commands
- Seizures
- Brain dysfunction
- Visual problems, sometimes blindness
In really young Yorkies with hydrocephalus, the clinical symptoms are not always present.
Tests
If the skull has the specific shape that hydrocephalus gives, a vet is 99% certain of the diagnosis. Still, other tests are needed:
- Ultrasound evaluation
- CT or MRI
- EEG
Treatment
The treatment for hydrocephalus targets the underlying cause. The goal of the treatment is to stop the disease from progressing. Not all Yorkies with hydrocephalus who undergo treatment return back to their normal state.
This condition is treated with medication that reduces the production of cerebrospinal fluid. The more severe cases require surgery to remove the excess fluid. The chances of success vary between 50% and 90%.
4. Luxating Patella

What It Is
Luxating patella means the kneecap is out of place[4]. Patella is another name for kneecap, while a luxation consists of dislocation or misalignment.
The evolution of luxating patella consists of four grades:
- Grade I – the patella gets out of place under pressure but gets back instantly.
- Grade II – the patella gets out of place under pressure and returns only when positioned back.
- Grade III – the patella is out of place but returns under manual pressure.
- Grade IV – the patella is out of place and doesn’t get back into its normal position with manual pressure.
Symptoms
Yorkshire Terriers with luxating patella experience limb skipping or lameness in the affected leg. They sometimes lock their leg in an awkward position.
During the early stages of the disease, the leg returns to its normal position when the kneecap returns to its place.
Tests
Luxating patella testing consists of manual manipulation of the knee to identify if it is out of place and can be placed into its initial position. To exclude other conditions, diagnostic imaging is needed.
Treatment
Luxating patella does not put Yorkshire’s life at risk, but it can alter their well-being. Surgical treatment is recommended only if the dog has persistent lameness or experiences related knee injuries. This usually happens in grades II to IV.
Postoperative recovery is fast and sometimes requires pain medication within the first days.
5. Hypoplasia of Dens

What It Is
Hypoplasia of dens consists of a malformation of the second cervical vertebra’s pivot point. This means the pivot point does not form properly. As a result, spinal damage occurs.
Symptoms
Yorkies with hypoplasia of dens can experience:
- Neck pain
- Weakness
- Leg paralysis
Tests
Hypoplasia of dens is diagnosed with radiography, CT scans, MRI scans, or fluoroscopy.
Treatment
The pain caused by hypoplasia of dens in dogs is treated with pain medication. Still, this does not resolve the issue, it only targets symptoms.
Surgery is the only medical procedure that solves the problem. The costs for treatment range from $5,000 to $8,000.
6. Bladder Stones

What It Is
Brader stones are mineral formations in the gallbladder. They vary in size and can form a gathering of small stones that have sand like appearance.[5]
Symptoms
The first sign of bladder stones in Yorkies is blood in their urine (hematuria) and the fact that they strain when urinating (dysuria).
Yorkies that experience bladder stones are often in pain when urinating.
Tests
To diagnose bladder stones, vets use radiography or ultrasonic imaging. Some gallstones are made of minerals that don’t reflect X-ray beams. This is why vets use a contrast material for X-rays or use ultrasound imaging.
Treatment
Gallstones need to be removed. This is either done with surgery or by using non-invasive methods, such as Uro hydro propulsion or dietary dissolution.
7. Tracheal Collapse

What It Is
Tracheal collapse is a condition specific to small dog breeds. It occurs when the cartilage rings of the trachea weaken. As a result, the trachea collapses on inhalation in the windpipe. This disease is diagnosed between the age of 5 and 7 in most dogs.
Symptoms
Here are the symptoms of collapsed trachea in Yorkshire Terriers:
- Difficulty breathing
- Turning blue or coughing when excited
- Wheezing during inhalation
- Exercise intolerance
- Dry harsh cough
- Fainting
Tests
Your vet can tell if your Yorkie has a collapsed trachea by pressing pressure on the trachea during the physical exam. If the dog coughs or has difficulty breathing, they have to conduct other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests include X-rays, endoscopy, or bronchoscopy.
Treatment
Tracheal collapse treatment has the purpose of limiting the progression of the disease. In some cases medical management and medication is enough. In more severe cases, surgery is required.
8. Retinal Dysplasia (RD)

What It Is
Rational dysplasia consists of the presence of round folds or clumps within the retina. This is known as a malformation of the retina.[7]
RD is not a disease but a secondary lesion that causes various inconveniences in Yorkies.
In healthy dogs, the retina (a layer of cells located in the back of the eye) has the role of transmitting light signals to the brain. These signals help form the image in your mind. When this process is disrupted by a malformation in the retina, Yorkies experience vision impairment.
Symptoms
Detecting vision impairment in dogs is sometimes difficult. Several factors suggest a retinal dysplasia diagnosis:
- Changes in behavior
- Difficulty recognizing people
- Fear of jumping down
- Bumping into objects
- Reluctance to walk on stairs
- Eye color changes
Tests
RD diagnosis is done within an ophthalmological examination with an ophthalmoscope. An ophthalmology evaluation is recommended only after the age of 12 weeks.
Treatment
RD doesn’t have a cure. Antioxidants are sometimes recommended to reduce the progression of retina degeneration. All you can do is help your Yorkie live with vision impairment and make their life easier.
9. Liver Shunts

What It Is
A liver shunt consists of a connection between the portal vein and another blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the liver. This is usually a congenital health issue[8] which is present at birth. In some cases, cirrhosis or other liver disease is to blame.
Symptoms
Here is a list of the clinical symptoms of liver shunts in Yorkies:
- Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
- Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
- Weight loss
- Poor growth
- Increased urination and thirst
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in the urine
- Mental dullness
- Circling
- Poor vision
Tests
Liver shunt symptoms are not specific only to this disease. As a result, a vet cannot diagnose the disease only by observing the symptoms and usually performs other tests:
- Blood work
- Urinalysis
- Bile acid tests
- Ammonia blood levels
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
Treatment
Liver shunts are treated with surgery. When surgery is not an option, medical management is used. This includes a low protein diet and medication. Don’t try this unless recommended by a vet.
Common Yorkie Health Problems
Yorkshire Terriers suffer from various diseases other than the ones they inherit from their parents. These diseases are not specific only to Yorkies and other breeds are also prone to them. Because of their size, Yorkies can develop health conditions specific to small breeds.
Here is a list of five common health problems in Yorkies:
- Hypoglycemia
- Periodontal Disease
- Allergies
- Pancreatitis
- Cataracts
1. Hypoglycemia

What It Is
Hypoglycemia is a condition that consists of low blood sugar. Toy dog breeds, such as Yorkies, have a predisposition for this health issue and can die if treatment is not immediately provided.[9]
Yorkies are considerably small but have a lot of energy. When they are excessively active and there is a long time frame between their meals, their blood sugar levels decrease.
Yorkshire Terrier puppies younger than three months can experience juvenile hypoglycemia.
Here are the possible causes of juvenile hypoglycemia in Yorkies:
- Inability to regulate blood sugar levels
- Intestinal parasites
- Malnutrition
- Cold
- Stress
Symptoms
Yorkies with hypoglycemia experience:
- Lethargy
- Trembling
- Muscle twitching
- Lack of coordination
- Weakness
- Skin and gum discoloration
- Lack of appetite
- Seizures
Tests
Hypoglycemia is usually diagnosed with bloodwork and urinalysis but many vets recognize the condition by observing the symptoms.
When testing for the cause of hypoglycemia, vets usually conduct a thorough analysis of the dog’s medical history. Ultrasounds are needed to detect possible pancreatic tumors that may cause the condition.
Treatment
The treatment for hypoglycemia needs to be applied immediately. Rubbing honey, glucose syrup, dextrose, or corn syrup on the mouth tissues of the dog is recommended. This is followed by helping your dog ingest a part of the solution. After this, take them urgently to the vet.
2. Periodontal Disease

What It Is
Periodontal disease is a dental issue characterized by an inflammation of the bone and gum surrounding Yorkies’ teeth. In severe cases, the gum retracts and their teeth fall out.[10]
Symptoms
Here are the most common symptoms of periodontal disease in Yorkshire Terriers:
- Bad breath
- Irritability
- Bleeding gums
- Inflamed gums
- Weight loss
- Bloody saliva
- Loss of appetite
- Chewing on a preferred side
- Discolored teeth
Tests
Vets perform a dental examination and might require a complete dental X-ray test.
Treatment
The treatment of periodontal disease in Yorkies consists of a medical procedure to clean or remove diseased gum.
Because of this predisposition, Yorkies need daily toothbrushing.
3. Allergies
What It Is
Yorkies have a predisposition for skin allergies. Allergies occur when the immune system perceives something as a threat and tries to get it out of the body. This can cause various mild symptoms but can also lead to anaphylactic shock, which can be deadly if treatment is not provided immediately.
Yorkshire Terriers can experience allergies to:
- Fleas
- Pollen
- Food[11]
- Mould
- Pollen
Symptoms
Here are the symptoms of allergies in Yorkshire:
- Itchy skin
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- Hives
- Itchy ears
- Runny and itchy eyes
- Constant licking
- Inflamed red skin
Tests
The most conclusive allergy tests in dogs consist of bloodwork. If you suspect a certain allergen you can eliminate it and see if the symptoms persist.
Treatment
Here are the treatment options for Yorkies with allergies:
- Shampoo therapy
- Anti-inflammatory therapy
- Desensitization therapy
4. Pancreatitis

What It Is
Pancreatitis is the name for the inflammation of the pancreas. This can happen to all dogs but some breeds are more susceptible than others. These breeds include Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, and Cocker Spaniels. Females and middle-aged Yorkies have a higher risk for pancreatitis.
Here is a list of the main causes of pancreatitis in Yorkshire Terriers:[12]
- Bacterial infections
- High blood calcium levels
- Trauma
- A high-fat diet
- Cancer
- Liver inflammation
- High cholesterol levels
Symptoms
Yorkies with pancreatitis experience several symptoms:
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Lack of energy
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Difficulty breathing and abnormal heart rate (in severe cases)
- Bronchitis
Tests
The diagnosis of pancreatitis is made using blood work and urinalysis. Abdominal imaging is often recommended.
Treatment
Pancreatitis is treated with medication. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove tumors, abscesses, dead tissue or cysts.
5. Cataracts
What It Is
Cataracts is an eye condition that causes the blooming of the natural lens of the eye. It usually affects one eye at a time.
Yorkshire Terriers usually experience this condition in old age and it can lead to blindness. Some of them can inherit the disease from their parents. This is rarely the case, as the breeding of dogs with congenital cataracts is not recommended. If your Yorkie suffers from cataracts from birth or at an early age, the disease is hereditary.
Symptoms
Here are the symptoms of cataracts in dogs:
- Discoloration of the pupil
- Impaired vision
- Thirst, weight loss, and increased urination when it is secondary to diabetes.
Tests
Yorkshire Terriers need periodic ophthalmological testing to detect cataracts at an early stage. Vets can detect cataracts by examining your dog’s eyes with a magnifying glass and a bright light.
Treatment
Cataracts is treated through surgery. The natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial one. The procedure is quick and the recovery is fast.[13]
Here is a list of other Yorkshire Terriers’ health problems:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Ear infections
- Car sickness
- Shaking
- Sleep Issues
Conclusion
Yorkshire Terriers have a predisposition for various diseases. Some of the Yorkie health issues are genetic. They can inherit them from one or both parents. Other diseases are not specific to Yorkies but affect them more than other breeds.