Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems: From Dental Disease to Lymphoma

Like many small breeds, Yorkshire Terriers are generally long-lived, often thriving well into their teen years. However, their long lifespan also means they have a higher chance of developing age-related conditions, including certain types of cancer. While hearing that your Yorkie could face a health challenge can feel daunting, it’s important to remember that early detection, veterinary advances, and attentive care can make a world of difference. 

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General Health Concerns for Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terriers are generally sturdy little dogs, but like all breeds, there are certain health conditions that they’re more prone to. Because of their small size and delicate build, many of these issues relate to their bones, teeth, and internal organs. Understanding what to watch for can help Yorkie parents catch potential problems early and keep their pups thriving. 

Dental Disease

One of the most common issues in Yorkshire Terriers is dental disease. Their tiny mouths can lead to crowded teeth, which trap food and bacteria. Without regular dental cleanings, this can cause gum disease, tooth loss, and infections that affect the heart and kidneys. Daily tooth brushing and professional dental care go a long way in prevention.^1,2  

Luxating Patellas 

Yorkies are also at a higher risk for luxating patellas, where the kneecap slips out of place, causing lameness or hopping. Many of these tiny terriers with mild patellar luxation only show brief signs, such as hopping for a few steps before returning to normal movement. In moderate or severe cases, though, the condition can cause pain, stiffness, or reluctance to run and jump. Over time, repeated luxation can also contribute to arthritis in the affected knee. Mild cases are often managed with joint supplements, maintaining a healthy weight, and gentle exercise to strengthen surrounding muscles, while more serious cases can benefit from corrective surgery.^1,2,3 

Tracheal Collapse

Another frequent concern is tracheal collapse, a condition where the windpipe weakens, leading to coughing and breathing difficulty. This is common for smaller dogs because their bodies have a smaller amount of support around their tracheas. Using a harness instead of a collar helps protect their airway over the span of their life.^1,2,3,4 

Hypoglycemia 

Especially in puppies, Yorkies are slightly more prone to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Because Yorkies are such a small breed, their bodies have very little fat reserve to store energy. This means their blood sugar levels can drop quickly, especially if they miss a meal, get overly excited, or exercise too much. If their blood sugar falls too low, you might notice symptoms like weakness, tremors, confusion, or even collapse.^2,4 

Liver Shunts 

Liver shunts or portosystemic shunts, is a condition where blood bypasses the liver instead of flowing through it for detoxification. The liver’s job is to filter out toxins and process nutrients, so when this detour happens, harmful substances can build up in the bloodstream and affect the brain, digestion, and overall metabolism. Treatment options depend on the severity and type of shunt. Some can be managed with a change in diet and addition of medicine, while others may require surgery. With early detection, many Yorkies with liver shunts go on to live full, happy lives.^2,3,4 

Bladder Stones

Bladder stones, also called uroliths, are another health concern that can affect Yorkshire Terriers more often than some other breeds. These hard mineral deposits form in the bladder and can cause frequent urination, blood in the urine, straining, or accidents in the house. Treatment depends on the type and severity—ranging from a prescription diet to dissolve certain stones, to surgical removal in more serious cases. Regular veterinary checkups, urinalysis, and ensuring your Yorkie stays hydrated are all key steps in preventing bladder stones and keeping your pup comfortable.^1,3

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Common Cancers in Yorkshire Terriers

In general, Yorkshire Terriers are quite healthy and often live well into old age. Of the various dog breeds, Yorkies are one of the least likely to develop any kind of cancer in their lifespan. Their small size helps to lower their risk of the disease, though that doesn’t make them immune to cancer or to other health challenges. For those Yorkies that do face a diagnosis, there are a few cancers that are more prevalent in this breed than in others. But with awareness and early detection, many Yorkies continue to enjoy bright, comfortable lives even after a diagnosis.⁵ 

Mammary Gland Tumors

One of the most common cancers seen in Yorkshire Terriers is mammary gland tumors, especially in females who haven’t been spayed. Spaying before the first or second heat cycle can dramatically reduce this risk. Regularly checking for small lumps or bumps around the chest and belly area can also help catch these tumors early when treatment is most effective. 

‍You can learn more about mammary gland tumors in our post here.

Hemangiosarcoma

While generally less likely than in other breeds, Yorkies may develop hemangiosarcoma, a type of cancer that develops in the cell lining of blood vessels, at a higher rate than other cancers. Because these cells are found throughout the body, this cancer can appear in several organs, most often the spleen, heart, liver, or skin. While it’s more common in large breeds, Yorkshire Terriers can still be affected, particularly in the skin form of the disease. Routine vet checkups, bloodwork, and imaging—especially in senior Yorkies—can help catch potential problems sooner. 

‍You can learn more about hemangiosarcoma in our post here.

Melanoma 

Another cancer that is seen in some Yorkshire Terriers is melanoma, which is a cancer of skin cells that can often be found around the mouth or on the skin itself. Melanoma often appears as a dark-colored lump or growth, but not always. Some tumors are pink or flesh-colored, making them easy to overlook. Regular grooming and close attention during brushing or teeth cleaning sessions can help pet parents spot these changes sooner. Oral melanoma is more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early, while skin melanomas are more mild and may remain benign, and can be removed completely with surgery if discovered early. 

Regular veterinary exams combined with prompt attention to any new lumps or changes in behavior give Yorkies the best chance for early diagnosis and effective care. 

‍You can learn more about melanoma in our post here.

Lymphoma in Yorkshire Terriers 

Outside of hemangiosarcoma, melanoma, and mammary gland tumors, the next most common type of cancer in Yorkies is lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which plays a major part in the immune system.  Because it can appear in different parts of the body, symptoms vary—from swollen lymph nodes to changes in appetite or energy.

In Yorkshire Terriers, the most frequently diagnosed form of lymphoma is multicentric. This type of cancer primarily affects the lymphatic system, which leads to swelling in multiple lymph nodes throughout the body. These enlarged nodes are most often noticeable around the jaw, shoulders, armpits, groin, and behind the knees. Because yorkies are such small dogs, even subtle swelling can be easier to feel during grooming or cuddling—making at-home monitoring especially useful for early detection.

While multicentric lymphoma is the most common, Yorkshire Terriers can also develop alimentary (gastrointestinal), mediastinal (chest), cutaneous (skin), and other less common extranodal forms of lymphoma. Each type affects different parts of the body and can cause a wide range of symptoms. Some Yorkies may seem perfectly healthy aside from swollen lymph nodes, while others may show tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, digestive upset, increased thirst or urination, or breathing changes. 

You can learn more about the different types of lymphomas in our blog here. 

And you can learn about the side effects and symptoms of the different forms in more detail here. 

Veterinarians typically confirm a lymphoma diagnosis through a fine needle aspirate (FNA) of an enlarged lymph node. This quick and minimally invasive test allows specialists to examine the cells and identify whether cancer is present. While lymphoma is not curable at this time, with prompt diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, many yorkies with lymphoma can maintain a good quality of life for months or even years. 

You can learn more about how lymphoma is diagnosed and how patient-specific treatment plans are chosen in our post here.

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How ImpriMed Helps Your Yorkie Get One-Of-A-Kind Lymphoma Treatment

When it comes to cancer care, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, especially for breeds like Yorkshire Terriers whose individual traits can influence how they respond to treatment. While many veterinary approaches rely on general guidelines, that can leave pet parents wishing for more personalized answers.

ImpriMed changes that by giving veterinarians the ability to use treatment plans that are specifically designed for your dog. Using cutting-edge technology and an extensive library of real canine lymphoma data, ImpriMed provides a Personalized Prediction Profile unique to your Yorkie. 

This detailed profile helps your oncologist identify which anticancer drugs are the most likely to be effective for your dog’s particular cancer cells. The result is a tailored treatment plan that’s based on data, giving your veterinarian a clearer path toward achieving remission and maintaining your Yorkie’s quality of life. 

Learn more about how ImpriMed can help your Yorkshire Terrier receive individualized, science-driven care for a lymphoma diagnosis.