Chihuahuas Are Tiny Dogs with Big Problems
Luxating patella. Peanut's kneecap was dislocating constantly. Grade 3 out of 4.
The vet said most Chihuahuas develop kneecap problems. Their legs are so small and delicate.
Kneecap Surgery at Two Years Old
Peanut needed surgery to deepen his knee groove and tighten the joint capsule.
Luxating patella surgery cost $2,800. Plus post-surgical X-rays and pain management.
Recovery was scary because Peanut is so small. Anesthesia is risky for tiny dogs.
He had to be confined for six weeks. No jumping, running, or playing.
Physical therapy cost $95 per session. Peanut needed eight sessions to regain full mobility.
Six months later, his other knee started dislocating. Same surgery, same cost.
Now both of Peanut's knees have been rebuilt. $5,600 total for two knee surgeries.
The surgeon said Chihuahuas often need both knees done eventually.
Some dogs need revision surgeries if the repairs fail. More money.
Peanut's knees will always be weak. I watch him constantly for signs of re-injury.
Dental Disaster in a Tiny Mouth
Peanut's teeth were crowded and crooked from the beginning. Chihuahuas have big teeth in tiny mouths.
By age 3, Peanut had severe dental disease. Gingivitis, loose teeth, infections.
Dental cleaning under anesthesia cost $850. Plus extractions for damaged teeth.
Peanut had 8 teeth extracted. $150 per extraction.
Now he eats soft food only. His remaining teeth can't handle hard kibble.
Prescription dental food costs $65 for bags that last one week. Peanut barely eats anything.
He needs dental cleanings every six months now. $850 twice yearly.
The vet said many Chihuahuas lose most of their teeth by age 8.
Dental surgery is risky for tiny dogs. Anesthesia complications are more common.
Hypoglycemic Emergencies
Peanut collapsed during a walk. Just fell over and started shaking uncontrollably.
Blood sugar was dangerously low. Emergency glucose injection saved his life.
Emergency vet visit cost $650. IV fluids, glucose monitoring, overnight observation.
Hypoglycemia is common in tiny Chihuahuas. Their blood sugar drops fast.
Now I carry glucose gel everywhere. Emergency treatment for low blood sugar episodes.
Peanut needs to eat small meals every few hours. Can't skip meals ever.
Stress can trigger hypoglycemic episodes. Vet visits, travel, excitement.
Each emergency episode costs $400-800. IV fluids, monitoring, medications.
The vet said Peanut will always be at risk. It's a lifelong management issue.
What Chihuahua Insurance Really Needs
Peanut's medical bills taught me that Chihuahua insurance needs to cover small breed problems and emergency care.
Orthopedic Surgery Coverage
Luxating patella surgery is expensive and often needs to be done on both knees.
Peanut's knee surgeries cost $5,600 total. Many Chihuahuas need the same procedures.
Some policies have low limits on orthopedic surgery or exclude hereditary conditions.
But luxating patella in Chihuahuas is genetic. It's a breed predisposition.
Find a policy that covers hereditary orthopedic conditions with high limits.
Peanut's insurance covered 80% of his surgery costs. Saved us thousands.
Dental Coverage for Small Mouths
Chihuahua dental problems are expensive and ongoing. Multiple cleanings, extractions, special diets.
Peanut's dental care costs about $2,500 per year. Cleanings, extractions, prescription food.
Many policies have low dental limits. Like $500 per year.
But that doesn't even cover one dental cleaning for a Chihuahua.
Look for policies with at least $2,000 annual dental coverage.
Emergency Coverage for Tiny Dogs
Small dogs have big emergencies. Hypoglycemia, anesthesia complications, injury from falls.
Peanut's hypoglycemic emergency cost $650. Could happen anytime.
Emergency care for tiny dogs is expensive. They need intensive monitoring.
Make sure your policy has high emergency limits and covers specialty care.
Small dog emergencies often require specialist hospitals with experience treating tiny breeds.