Common Diseases and Disorders
In general, the bichon is a healthy dog with few medical concerns. However, the following diseases or disorders have been reported:
Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that develops between the ages of 2 to 5 years.
Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to loose transparency and can result in blindness.
Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.
Urolithiasis is a condition affecting the urinary tract resulting in the formation of bladder stones.
Corneal dystrophy is a primary, inherited, bilateral (both sides), symmetrical condition of the cornea that is not accompanied by corneal inflammation or systemic disease.
Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas related to insufficient amounts of insulin production.
Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) is a congenital birth defect caused by a blood vessel that normally closes after birth, but remains open resulting in the passage of extra volumes of blood into the lungs.
Congenital hypotrichosis - is a congenital disease causing symmetrical hair loss.
Atlantoaxial subluxation is a condition in which the first two cervical (neck) vertebrae are not firmly attached. Dogs are born without ligament support to their atlantoaxial joint.
Patellar luxation is a disorder affecting the kneecap.
White shaker disease is a tremor condition seen in small white dogs.
Dermatitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the skin and can be caused by allergies, infections or even parasites such as mange.
In addition, bichons may also be prone to allergies and immune skin diseases.
Life Span
The average life span of the bichon frise is 12 to 15 years.
We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.
