Chow chows exhibit a wide variety of health problems.  The variety of health difficulties has several causative factors:

1)  When chow chows became extremely popular in the 1980's, unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills had a means to make a quick buck. Supplying the demand at local pet shops meant far too many dogs were being bred that were extremely poor specimens of the breed. Many of these breeders did no research on the health and temperament issues surrounding the breed.

2)  Too many Chow chows are still being produced by people who are not striving to improve the breed.

        The safest means of obtaining a healthy sound chow chow is by dealing with a reputable breeder.  Be sure that the breeder can present proof of health certification on both parents - and that you will receive a written health guarantee with the puppy. Make yourself fully aware of health and temperament issues of the chow chow before looking at the adorable teddy-bear puppies. Know what to look for, and what to expect when you purchase a chow.
 

Intolerance to Anesthesia
     One of the largest problems facing chow owners can be complications from surgery, including death during surgery due to the chow chow's low tolerance to anesthesia. There are certain anesthetics that are safer, as well as methods, such as intubating, that will lower the risk of death. One theory concerning chows and death by anesthesia claims that chows have relatively small hearts compared to their body weight, and since anesthesia is dosed according to weight, some chows have been given too much and the heart stops. Whatever the reason, there is a connection and greater risk with chows than many other breeds. Greater success has been seen in the past with the use of isoflurane gas and intubation.

Ruptured or Torn Cruciate Ligaments
      Due to the Chow's straight rear legs, the lack of angulation makes them an easy target for torn cruciate ligaments. All it takes is a run up the stairs, or banging the knee against a step. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a tough, fibrous band that connects the shinbone (tibia) to the thighbone (femur). The ACL is the main stabilizing ligament of the knee, and its primary function is to prevent front-to-back movement of the knee joint while still allowing the joint to flex and extend. Typically, there are two different syndromes that can predispose a dog to an ACL rupture. The first syndrome is seen in the young active dog that ruptures the ligament during strenuous exercise. The dog may be chasing a ball, making quick stops and starts, and suddenly cry in pain and come up acutely lame. For a week or so the dog cannot even place weight on the leg. The other scenario is the older, overweight dog that ruptures the ligament due to chronic abnormalities in the leg. These animals usually can put a little weight on the bad leg, but sometimes they cannot. This lameness can often go on for extended periods of time before the owner realizes that this problem is not going to go away by itself and will require medical attention. In this category of injury, it is not uncommon at all eventually to have the other leg affected and require medical or surgical attention.
For more information, see: http://www.pettribune.com/1999/012099/dogtime.html

Hot Spots  (Acute Moist Dermatitis)
      A "Hot Spot" is an area of bacterial skin infection that increases through self-mutilation by the dog.  An area of skin is irritated (flea bite, allergy, soapy remnants after a bath, or other irritant), the dog scratches or chews the area enlarging the opening, the area becomes infected, thus begins the cycle. Hot spots are warm, swollen, painful patches of skin that exude pus and serum, and tend to give off a foul odor. These areas can appear suddenly, they tend to enlarge rapidly (especially in hot humid weather) and can reach a size of several inches in diameter.  Hair loss is rapid. Between the dog chewing or clawing the coat out and bacterial spread the progress can be significant within a matter of hours. Hot spots most often appear on the neck, ears, chest, rump, flanks, and back (areas of access to clawing or chewing). In breeds with double coats hot spots are most common just prior to shedding as the dog tries to relieve itself of the dead hair.
For more information please see : Medical Index/Hot Spots.

Entropion
       In lay-terms entropion is the inward rolling of the eyelid(s), usually resulting in the eyelashes or hair rubbing the surface of the eye. This rubbing can cause irritation, ulceration, or minor scratches.  This condition is serious.  The irritation can cause swelling which further complicates the condition, therefore early treatment is critical.  Surgical correction is the most common course of action.
For more information please see : Medical Index/Entropion.

Ectropion
        The lower eyelid protects the eye.  Age, excessive scaring, loose facial skin can each be causative factors resulting in the pulling or drooping of the lower eyelid away from the globe of the eye itself.  The punctum is the drainage hole on each lid near the nose.  As the lower eyelid droops the punctum is pulled away from its normal position.  Tears do not drain naturally.  As protection for the eye breaks down, irritation, inflammation, burning, itching and the deposit of debris will result.  The dog will experience discomfort and attempt to itch the eye.
For more information please see : Medical Index/Ectropion.

Elongated Soft Palate
       The soft palate is a continuation of the palate forming the roof of the mouth.  If a dog is born with  this structure being too long, it can restrict the airflow into your Chow's lungs.  This condition can be evaluated  under anesthesia by a veterinarian.  This condition can frequently be surgically corrected, however, you do risk the chance of losing your chow to anesthesia.
For more information please see : Medical Index/Elongated Soft Palate.

Hypothyroidism
         The thyroid gland produces a hormone which controls the metabolic rate of the animal.  Hypothyroidism (low thyroid production) displays a wide variety of symptoms ranging from dull thin hair to ear infections. Hypothyroidism can even be asymptomatic.  Blood test for thyroid function is the only positive means of determining hypothyroidism.
For more information please see : Medical Index/Hypothyroidism.

Seborrhea
        Chow chows are occasionally seen with seborrhea (seborrhea oleosa), particularly older dogs.  Symptoms include: yellow to yellow-brown scales, greasy coat and skin, itchy skin, skin infections and a rancid odor.
For more information please see : Medical Index/Seborrhea.

Demodectic Mange
Chows have a moderate incidence of demodectic mange, especially when they are under stress.  Mange does require a veterinarian to treat it. Demodectic mange is a skin condition caused by a tiny mite, Demodex canis, too small to be seen without a microscope.  Most dogs acquire Demodex mites from their mothers shortly after they are born.  Demodex mites are found on the skin of most animals, and yet these animals do not have a problem.
       When demodectic mange occurs it may take one of two forms.  The localized, squamous form usually occurs in dogs under one year old.  It causes small (about one inch diameter) patches of hair loss exposing healthy looking patches of skin. These patches often occur on the face or forelegs.  Hair loss around the eyes may also be seen, The hair loss appears gradually, and after the patches have reached their maximum size, hair begins to regrow in about a month.  It is imperative that caution is exercised : localized Demodex and ringworm may be confused, and some cases of localized Demodex progress to the generalized form.
       Generalized cases of demodectic mange may occur in dogs of any age. Instead of a few small patches of hair loss, as is seen in the localized form, the loss becomes a large area and the exposed skin often becomes infected with bacteria. Generalized demodectic mange can be extremely difficult to treat and in some cases can be fatal. It is a very debilitating disease, extremely painful.  Professional  veterinary help is needed if you suspect your dog might have this type of mange.
For more information please see : Medical Index/Demodectic Mange.

Heat Exhaustion or "heat stroke"
      Due to their cobby build and dense double coat, every chow is a potential victim of heat stroke if left for prolonged periods in temperatures in excess of 80 degrees. The leading cause of heat exhaustion, and its advancing into heat stroke; is leaving a dog in a hot car.  Even on a mild day (75-80 degrees F), the temperature inside a car can raise up to 130 degrees rather quickly.  Leaving a window slightly open will not prevent heat build-up.  Leaving a dog in a car on a warm day is a risk to the dog's life. Chows may also fall prey to stress-induced heat stroke. If they become tense or nervous, panting excessively, and cannot maintain a normal body temperature, even in cooler weather, they have been known to heat stroke. This condition can be fatal!
For more information please see : Medical Index/Heat Exhaustion.

Canine Hip Dysplasia
       The hip joint is a ball and socket connection.  If the joint is malformed the head of the femur will not properly align with the cup of the hip socket.  This misalignment can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, with proper diet and exercise the animal can lead a full and active life. In more severe cases surgical correction or euthanasia are the only alternatives.  The most common indications of hip dysplasia, in small dogs, is when the dog older.  Generally with this late-life onset surgical correction is never required. Your veterinarian can X-ray your dog's hips for evaluation.
For more information please see : Medical Index/Hip Dysplasia.

Elbow Dysplasia
      Elbow Dysplasia is a developmental degenerative joint disease.  This condition is the result of one or multiple disorder(s) (ununited anconeal process, fragmented medial coronoid process, or osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle).  These disorders can either be genetic or environmentally initiated.  As is the case with other developmental bone disorders, (such as hip dysplasia) elbow dysplasia is most often found in large dog breeds.
        Affected dog usually begin to show lameness at about six to seven months of age.  Indications of pain can range from mild limping when trotting, altered stance (holds elbow(s) outward from chest), enlargement of the elbow joint, and unable to bear weigh on the affected leg.  Rest and pain relievers can occasionally help to lessen the symptoms, as well as the newer glucosamine/ condroiton combinations.
For more information please see : Medical Index/Elbow Dysplasia.

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus - Bloat
        As is the case with so many dogs Chows are prone toward Bloat.  They are deep chested and tend to swallow a great deal of air while eating. Also known as bloat and torsion, the stomach fills with air or the dog drinks too much water after a meal of dry food, causing the food to swell. At some point, and this varies from individual to individual, the stomach may suddenly twist on its long axis.  If the stomach twists 180 degrees or less, this condition is called torsion.  Should the stomach twist in excess of 180 degrees, the third condition is referred to as volvulus.
        The initial indications of torsion and/or volvulus are the same as acute gastric dilatation, except that the distress displayed by the dog is more severe.  The "prayer position" may be assumed by the dog due to it not wanting to stand or walk.  [The "prayer position" is when the dog places its paws and chest on the ground and the hind quarters are raised.]  The dog will breathe rapidly, the mouth membranes will be cold and pale, and the dog may collapse.  RUSH YOUR DOG TO A VETERINARIAN CLINIC NOW!!  The only  thing that can save your dog now, is prompt medical treatment by a veterinarian.
For more information please see : Medical Index/Bloat.

Inguinal hernia
     An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring.  Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the groin.  They can be bilateral, involving both sides, or unilateral, involving only one side.
For more information please see : Medical Index/Hernia.