Choosing a Cairn Terrier

Choosing a Cairn Terrier

By: Dr. Dawn Ruben

Health Concerns

In general, the Cairn Terrier is a healthy dog with few medical concerns. However, the following diseases or disorders have been reported:

  • Cataracts cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.

  • Atopy is an itchy skin disease of animals that is caused by an allergy to substances in the environment.

  • Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum.

  • Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas related to insufficient amounts of insulin production.

  • Glaucoma is a painful and serious condition that causes pressure within the eye to increase. It can lead to blindness if not treated early.

  • Patellar luxation is a disorder affecting the kneecap.


  • Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a malformation of the blood flow associated with the liver. The blood is shunted away from the liver, resulting in accumulation of blood toxins and subsequent profound illness.

  • Inguinal hernia is condition in which abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal ring, which is located at the inner fold of the rear leg close to the body wall "groin area".

  • Lens luxation is a dislocation or displacement of the lens within the eye.

  • Polycystic kidney disease is progressive, irreversible, inherited kidney disease in that can result in renal failure

  • Renal dysplasia is a disease in which development of the kidney tissue is abnormal which can cause renal failure.

    Life Span

    The cairn terrier can live up to 14 to 16 years.


    We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.

     
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