The bichon frise is a toy dog characterized mainly by its white, curly fur coat and cheerful disposition. It is the descendant of the water spaniel and its playful nature made it a prominent breed among the French nobility in the 16th century and continued to be one of the popular breeds even to this day. Bichons are highly trainable and can get along well with other dogs and pets in a household. They are also good around kids and are even suited living with seniors because they do not require rigorous exercise. Bichons are also good watchdogs as they show only mild aggression toward strangers.
Like most breeds, bichons are susceptible to medical problems, particularly in the leg area. And though not all bichons experience limping in their lifetime, it is still advisable for prospective owners to know its common ailments before purchasing or adopting one.
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Patellar Luxation
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Patellar luxation is the shifting of the knee position because of the misalignment of tendons or by the weakening ligaments that keep the knee in place. It is a hereditary trait and owners can detect this medical condition when they observe their dog experiencing pain in the hind leg and resorting to walking on three legs, keeping the affected hind leg up. It is important that owners consult a veterinarian immediately after noticing the symptoms before it becomes severe and affects both hind legs. Surgery is often required for severe cases.
Spinal Disk Degeneration
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Spinal disk degeneration is considered as the second-most frequent leg ailment for bichons. This commonly occurs in heavy dogs and is genetically acquired. One of its symptoms is the weakening of the dog̵7;s rear end muscles, which is probably caused by the disruption of the nerve function from supporting all the extra weight. Paralysis in the hind legs often occurs if this condition remains unchecked. One of the most effective methods in preventing this disease is to stop the breeding of bichons with long bodies, short legs and bigger or heavier than its normal size. Watching the dog̵7;s diet also helps because obesity also contributes to this disease.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome
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This disease affects the hip joints of dogs and is noticeable when the dog is around 4 to 8 months old. It is characterized by the deformation of the femur head that connects to the pelvic socket. Typical symptoms include restricted joint movement and shrinking of the affected leg. The recommended treatment for mild cases is complete rest and prescription of non-inflammatory drugs. Severe cases often require surgery followed by physical therapy. Dog exercises are not recommended in this case because it would just worsen the leg̵7;s condition. If left untreated, the inadequate supply of blood to the bone will cause the bone to die and leave the dog immobile.
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