5 Common West Highland White Terriers Health Concerns
These dignified dogs were originally bred to hunt down rats and other rodents.
These spirited pups are sure to keep you on your toes with their larger than life personalities. However, before you bring one of these compact cuties into your life, it’s important to have a firm understanding of the breed’s health history. Below, we’ll share 5 of the most common West Highland White Terrier health concerns.
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
This breed specific disease is sometimes referred to as “Lion’s jaw” which is caused by excessive bone swelling in dogs between 3 and 8 months old. Craniomandibular Osteopathy can be incredibly painful for your pooch, and dogs will experience irritation when barking, opening their mouths, or chewing. Thankfully, most dogs grow out of this condition, so it is self correcting. That being said, your Westie may take steroids or other pain medications to help deal with the associated symptoms. Dogs with this condition should not be bred.
Luxating Patella
Luxating patellas or patella luxation is more common in small breeds like West Highland White Terriers. This condition is caused by the dislocation of kneecaps and can make it difficult for your dog to put weight on his affected leg(s). Luckily, the condition isn’t life threatening, and many pups live long fulfilling lives even with luxating patellas. Depending on the severity of your dog’s case, your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication or recommend surgical intervention. You’ll want to set up an appointment if you see your pooch struggling to put weight on one or multiple legs.
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
This disease is defined by the spontaneous degeneration of the head of the femur. This can lead to inflammation, pain, arthritis, and collapsing of the hip in some cases. You may notice your dog limping, or even experiencing lameness in the affected area. Mild cases of this disease can be treated with pain medication to cope with the associated pain. Some dogs may require a hip replacement or femoral head removal.
Obesity
Obesity is caused by excessive body fat and is especially important to monitor in smaller dogs like the West Highland White Terrier. On its own, obesity can drastically shorten a dog’s lifespan. Obesity can also exacerbate pressure on your dog’s joints, exacerbate other health conditions, and make it difficult for your pooch to carry out his daily tasks. You’ll want to make sure that your dog is kept on a preferred diet and exercise schedule. Should your dog show signs of putting on excessive weight, be sure to consult your veterinarian in order to modify your pup’s lifestyle accordingly.
Dental disease
Dental disease is unfortunately one of the most common conditions seen by veterinarians. While few dogs show signs of dental disease, about 80% of dogs older than 3 are affected by the condition. As a proactive pet owner, the best thing you can do is brush your dog’s teeth on a nightly basis in order to prevent tartar and plaque buildup. Dogs with broken or chipped teeth should be seen immediately, as this can lead to other health issues. Your pooch will also need routine dental cleanings to keep him healthy.
Just like any other dog, Westies come with their own set of health concerns that should be taken into consideration. However, with proper care and proactive learning, these spirited pups are sure to live long, happy lives. Enjoy spending time with your larger than life West Highland White Terrier!
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