Scottish Terriers—affectionately known as Scotties—are loyal, confident little dogs with big personalities. They’re spirited watchdogs, endlessly entertaining companions, and deeply devoted to their families. But like all purebred dogs, Scotties come with a few breed-specific health concerns that new and experienced owners should be aware of.

Understanding the most common Scottish Terrier health problems can help you spot early symptoms, talk confidently with your veterinarian, and support your Scottie’s long-term health. Below are five conditions more frequently seen in this breed and what they mean for your pup.

Pulmonic Stenosis

Pulmonic stenosis is a congenital heart defect that affects how blood flows from the heart to the lungs. In Scottish Terriers, this condition occurs more frequently due to inherited structural differences in the development of the right ventricle and pulmonary valve.

Because the valve doesn’t open normally, the heart must pump harder to move blood into the lungs.

Some Scottish Terriers with mild narrowing may show no obvious symptoms, while more serious cases can cause difficulty breathing, fatigue, reduced stamina, and fainting episodes, especially during exercise or excitement.

Scotties have a documented breed predisposition, which is why responsible breeders often screen heart health in their breeding pairs.

Veterinarians often detect this condition by noticing a heart murmur, followed by diagnostic tests such as ECGs, radiographs, or echocardiograms. Treatment varies depending on severity; in certain cases, surgery or balloon valvuloplasty may help improve blood flow and reduce strain on the heart.

Cushing’s Disease

While Cushing’s disease can affect any dog, it is diagnosed more frequently in certain small breeds, Scottish Terriers included. Scotties may have a higher tendency toward pituitary gland changes, which can lead to chronic overproduction of cortisol, the hormone responsible for regulating stress, metabolism, and immune function. 

Middle-aged and older Scotties may be at higher risk, and symptoms can appear slowly, making them easy to overlook at first.

Common signs include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Excessive appetite
• Thinning or patchy fur
• Lethargy
• Recurrent skin infections
• Pot-bellied appearance

Cushing’s can stem from a pituitary or adrenal abnormality. Treatment depends on the type and may involve medication, lifestyle adjustments, or surgery. With proper management, many affected Scotties live long, happy lives.

Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO)

Craniomandibular osteopathy is a rare but painful condition affecting the bones of the skull and jaw during puppyhood. It’s seen more often in small breeds, including Scottish Terriers, and usually appears between four and eight months of age.

CMO causes abnormal bone growth that may make it difficult or painful for a puppy to open their mouth, chew normally, or even pick up toys. Some pups run fevers or show reduced appetite because eating hurts.

While many grow out of the condition as the bones mature, supportive care is essential. Veterinarians may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or steroids to manage pain and reduce inflammation until the growth phase stabilizes.

Portosystemic Shunts (PSS)

Portosystemic shunts are congenital abnormalities where blood bypasses the liver instead of being filtered through it. Because the liver isn’t processing toxins or nutrients properly, affected dogs can develop serious metabolic issues.

The exact genetic mechanism isn’t fully understood, but Scotties appear more likely than the average dog to inherit this developmental anomaly.

Early signs may include stunted growth, poor weight gain, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, or even seizures. Some owners first notice their puppy acting abnormally after meals, since unfiltered blood can affect the brain.

Diagnosis typically involves bloodwork and imaging studies. Treatment often includes a prescription diet and medications like lactulose or antibiotics to help reduce toxin buildup. In many cases, surgery can improve or fully correct blood flow, giving affected dogs a much better prognosis.

Atopic Dermatitis (Skin Allergies)

Scotties are known for their charming beards and sensitive skin. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common Scottish Terrier health issues and can make your pup chronically itchy or uncomfortable.

Environmental allergens (dust mites, pollen, grasses) or food sensitivities can trigger inflammation. Because Scotties naturally produce thick, wiry coats and have a unique “bearded” facial structure, moisture and irritants may also contribute to flare-ups.

You may notice:

• Itchy paws, ears, armpits, belly, or muzzle
• Redness or irritation
• Frequent licking or chewing
• Secondary skin infections

A veterinarian may recommend allergy testing, medicated shampoos, lifestyle adjustments, or prescription therapies such as allergy shots or oral medications. In food-triggered cases, an elimination diet may help pinpoint the culprit.

Managing allergies often requires patience and ongoing treatment, but many Scotties improve significantly once the right routine is found.

Stem Cell Treatments for Canine Atopic Dermatitis

While current therapies can help manage symptoms, many dogs continue to experience flare-ups because most treatments don’t directly address the underlying immune imbalance that drives chronic itching.

This is one reason regenerative medicine is being explored. At Gallant, we`re studying uterine-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UMSCs)—a type of donor-derived stem cell collected humanely during routine spay procedures—for their potential to:

• Help regulate overactive immune responses
• Support healthier skin-barrier function
• Reduce inflammation associated with chronic allergies

In early studies, intravenous administration of allogeneic UMSCs was associated with improvements in itchiness and skin lesions in dogs with atopic dermatitis. These findings are preliminary, and larger studies are underway to better understand safety and potential effectiveness.

All of Gallant’s research is conducted under FDA oversight using cell products designed for consistency and quality and manufactured under current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) conditions. Stem cell therapy for canine atopic dermatitis remains investigational, but it represents a promising area of scientific exploration for dogs who struggle with long-term skin disease.