Papillon

Patellar Luxation

A condition where the kneecap (patella) slides out of its normal groove in the femur, causing intermittent or chronic lameness. Papillons are predisposed due to their small size and fine bone structure. The condition is graded from I (mild, manually luxatable) to IV (permanent luxation). Grades I-II may be managed conservatively, while grades III-IV typically require surgical correction to prevent progressive arthritis and lameness.

Typical onset: 1–4 years

Dental Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Papillons, like most toy breeds, are extremely susceptible to periodontal disease due to crowded teeth in a small jaw. Plaque and tartar accumulate rapidly, and without intervention, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, bone loss, and tooth loss. Advanced dental disease can seed bacteria into the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. By age three, most Papillons without dental care have significant dental disease.

Typical onset: 2–4 years

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A group of inherited degenerative diseases affecting the photoreceptor cells in the retina, leading to progressive vision loss and eventually blindness. In Papillons, PRA typically begins with night blindness as rod cells degenerate first, followed by gradual loss of daytime vision as cone cells are affected. The condition is painless but irreversible, and there is no treatment once it begins.

Typical onset: 3–7 years

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

Degenerative thickening and prolapse of the mitral valve in the heart, causing blood to leak backward (regurgitation) with each heartbeat. The heart gradually enlarges to compensate, eventually leading to congestive heart failure. MVD is the most common cardiac condition in small breeds and is a leading cause of death in older Papillons. The disease progresses slowly and can often be managed for years with medication.

Typical onset: 7–12 years

Open Fontanelle (Molera)

An incomplete closure of the skull bones at the top of the head, leaving a soft spot similar to that found in human infants. While some toy breeds retain a small fontanelle that eventually closes, a persistently open fontanelle leaves the brain vulnerable to injury from even minor head trauma. The condition is more common in very small or poorly bred Papillons and can predispose to hydrocephalus.

Typical onset: 0–1 years