Common Health Issues in Maltese: A Complete Guide

This comprehensive guide outlines the common health issues seen in the Maltese, breed-specific genetic conditions, preventive screenings, lifespan factors, and practical veterinary recommendations to help owners maintain long-term health in their Maltese.

Overview

The Maltese is a small, long-coated toy breed known for its white silky coat, bright eyes, and lively personality. Maltese typically weigh between 4 and 7 pounds (1.8–3.2 kg) and stand about 7 to 9 inches at the shoulder. Their small size and distinctive coat come with specific health risks and management needs. This guide reviews the most common health issues that affect Maltese, breed-specific genetic considerations, recommended preventive screenings, and practical steps owners and veterinarians can take to maximize a Maltese's lifespan and quality of life.

Lifespan and general longevity factors

• Average lifespan: 12 to 15 years; many Maltese live into their mid-to-late teens with good care.
• Factors that influence lifespan: genetics, weight management, dental health, early detection of disease, quality of diet, regular exercise, and preventive veterinary care.
• Small-breed resilience: generally robust if dental disease, infections, and congenital conditions are managed.

Common health issues in Maltese

Dental disease (periodontal disease)

Dental disease is arguably the single most common health problem in Maltese. Their small jaws often lead to crowding of teeth, which predisposes them to plaque accumulation, gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and early tooth loss.

Veterinary recommendations:

• Begin home dental care early: daily brushing is ideal. Use canine-formulated toothpaste and a soft brush.
• Professional dental scaling and polishing under anesthesia as needed. Many Maltese require at least yearly dental cleanings after 2–3 years of age.
• Regular oral exams during wellness visits; treat periodontal pockets and extractions when necessary.

Patellar luxation

Luxating patella (kneecap slipping in and out of place) is common in small breeds including the Maltese. Grades range from mild (intermittent skipping) to severe (permanent luxation causing lameness).

Veterinary recommendations:

• Annual orthopedic checks; palpation of the stifle to detect luxation.
• Weight management to reduce joint stress.
• Surgical correction for moderate to severe cases or chronic lameness; consult a veterinary surgeon.

Collapsing trachea and airway sensitivity

Small toy breeds can develop cartilage weakening of the trachea leading to a collapsing trachea. Maltese may present with a chronic honking cough, especially with excitement, pressure on the neck, or during exercise.

Veterinary recommendations:

• Use a harness rather than a neck collar to avoid pressure on the trachea.
• Medical management: cough suppressants, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatories, and weight control.
• Severe cases may require stenting or surgical intervention after specialist evaluation.

Eye problems: tear staining, cataracts, progressive retinal disease

Because of their facial structure, Maltese commonly show tear staining (dark reddish-brown staining from porphyrin in tears) and irritation from excessive tearing. They are also at risk for cataracts and some forms of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) though PRA is less common than in some other breeds.

Veterinary recommendations:

• Regular ophthalmic exams by your veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist.
• Routine cleaning of the periocular area with veterinarian-approved wipes; treat underlying causes such as entropion or blocked tear ducts.
• Early referral if vision changes or cloudiness of the lens is noted.

Portosystemic shunt (congenital liver shunt)

Small white breeds, including Maltese, can have congenital portosystemic shunts. A shunt allows blood to bypass the liver, leading to accumulation of toxins and signs like poor growth, neurologic signs, vomiting, and urinary stones.

Veterinary recommendations:

• Consider screening with bloodwork (bile acids, pre- and post-prandial) in puppies with poor growth, neurologic signs, or persistent gastrointestinal signs.
• Medical management vs surgical correction depends on the anatomy and severity; surgical attenuation of the shunt often offers best long-term outcome.

White Shaker Dog Syndrome (Corticosteroid-Responsive Tremor Syndrome)

Maltese are one of the breeds predisposed to the so-called White Shaker Dog Syndrome, a condition causing generalized tremors, often responsive to corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive treatments.

Veterinary recommendations:

• Prompt veterinary assessment if generalized tremors develop.
• Diagnosis via clinical signs and response to therapy; other causes of tremor should be ruled out.
• Tapered corticosteroid therapy under vet supervision is often effective.

Hypoglycemia in puppies

Toy-breed puppies, including Maltese, can be prone to hypoglycemia, especially if they have not been eating well. Signs include weakness, tremors, seizures, and collapse.

Veterinary recommendations:

• Feed frequent, calorically dense meals to growing Maltese puppies; watch for signs of lethargy or inappetence.
• Emergency treatment for symptomatic hypoglycemia: oral or IV glucose under veterinary supervision.

Skin and coat issues

Maltese have a single-layer, long, silky white coat that can predispose them to tear staining, matting, and certain skin sensitivities. Allergic skin disease and topical irritations can occur.

Veterinary recommendations:

• Routine grooming and regular bathing with gentle, hypoallergenic shampoos.
• Manage matting proactively: daily brushing and professional grooming when needed.
• Address allergic triggers and manage secondary infections promptly.

Preventive screenings and recommended checks

• Annual wellness exam including dental check, weight measurement, and joint assessment.
• Routine bloodwork (CBC, chemistry panel) starting annually from middle age (6–8 years) or earlier if clinically indicated.
• Thyroid testing if clinical signs of hypothyroidism or dermatologic disease develop (though hypothyroidism is less common in Maltese than in some medium/large breeds).
• Routine ophthalmology checks and prompt evaluation for any vision changes.
• Pre-anesthetic bloodwork for any procedure requiring sedation or anesthesia; small-breed anesthesia carrying higher relative risk and requires careful dosing and monitoring.
• Consider DNA screening panels to identify breed-relevant genetic risks and inform breeding or management decisions.

Vaccinations, parasite control, and general preventive care

• Keep vaccines current following your veterinarian's schedule (core vaccines: rabies, distemper/parvovirus). Adjust for lifestyle and travel.
• Year-round flea and tick prevention and appropriate heartworm prevention per local risk.
• Parasite screening (fecal exam) at least annually or as advised by your veterinarian.

When to see the veterinarian urgently

• Acute onset of severe vomiting or diarrhea, collapse, seizures, or difficulty breathing.
• Sudden lameness or inability to use a limb (possible luxation or fracture).
• New or worsening cough, especially if noisy or productive.
• Sudden cloudiness in the eye, severe tearing, or loss of vision.

Nutrition and lifestyle considerations linked to health

• Maintain appropriate body condition; obesity exacerbates joint problems and respiratory compromise.
• Dental-friendly diets or dental chews can help, but brushing remains the gold standard for plaque control.
• Keep puppies warm, fed regularly to avoid hypoglycemia, and monitor for failure to thrive in very small individuals.

Summary and actionable steps for owners

• Schedule initial and then annual wellness exams; include dental assessments.
• Start home dental care early and plan for professional cleanings when advised.
• Use harnesses instead of collars to protect the trachea.
• Keep a close eye on the eyes and periocular area for staining, irritation, or vision changes.
• Discuss genetic screening and breed-specific risks with your veterinarian, particularly if you plan to breed a Maltese.

FAQ

• Q: Are Maltese prone to heart disease?

• Q: How often should a Maltese have dental cleanings?

• Q: Is the Maltese at high risk for genetic diseases?

• Q: Can a Maltese with a luxating patella lead a normal life?

• Q: What is the most important health care tip for Maltese owners?

Frequently Asked Questions

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