http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bichon_Fris%C3%A9Mortality (Longevity and Causes of Death)
Bichon Frisé in (combined) UK and USA/Canada surveys had an average life span of about 12.2 years, with Bichon Frisé in the UK tending to live longer than Bichon Frisé in the USA/Canada.[4] This breed's longevity is similar to other breeds of its size and a little longer than for purebred dogs in general.[5] The longest lived of 34 deceased Bichons in a 2004 UK survey died at 16.5 years.[3]
The oldest Bichon Frisés for which there are reliable records in various USA/Canada surveys have died at 19 years.[2] In August 2008, a Bichon Frisé from Illinois named Max died at the age of 20 years and 3 months.
In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the leading causes of Bichon Frisé death were old age (23.5%) and cancer (21%).[3] In a 2007 USA/Canada breeders survey, the leading causes of death were cancer (22%), unknown causes (14%),
hematologic (11%), and old age (10%).[2] Hematologic causes of death were divided between
autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP).
AIHA and ITP were responsible for the greatest amount of Bichon Frisé "years lost." "Years lost" is a measure of the extent to which a condition kills members of a breed prematurely. While cancer is a more common cause of death than AIHA/ITP, Bichon Frisés that died of cancer died at a median age of 12.5 years.[2] Hematologic deaths occurred at a median age of only 5 years. Bichon Frisés in the UK survey had a lower rate of hematologic deaths (3%) than in the USA/Canada survey (11%).[3]
[edit] AIHA and ITP
Because autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA, also called immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, or IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) are responsible for premature Bichon Frisé deaths, Bichon Frisé owners should be particularly alert to the symptoms of these conditions. In AIHA, the dog's immune system attacks its own red blood cells, leading to severe, life-threatening anemia. Symptoms include weakness, loss of energy, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, dark urine, and pale or yellow gums.[6] Thrombocytopenia often accompanies AIHA.[7] In ITP, blood platelets (which cause blood clotting) are destroyed. The most common clinical signs are hemorrhages of the skin and mucus membranes.[7] Owners of Bichon Frisés showing suspicious symptoms should seek immediate veterinary care
as these diseases can strike with little or no warning and kill very quickly. Mortality rates of 20% to 80% are reported.[6]
