Choosing a West Highland White Terrier

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Choosing a West Highland White Terrier

By: Dr. Dawn Ruben

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Common Diseases and Disorders

In general, the West Highland white terrier is a healthy dog with few medical concerns. However, the following diseases or disorders have been reported:

Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is the presence of increased fibrous (scar) tissue in the lungs as a consequence of lung tissue injury.

Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) - is an inflammation of the jawbones. This disease is temporary and occurs in juveniles. It is commonly referred to as Lion's jaw. Affected dogs will not eat because opening the mouth causes severe pain.

Malassezia Dermatitis - is a yeast infection of the skin caused by Malassezia pachydermatitis.

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

Food Allergy affected pets develop skin allergies due to a variety of food ingredients.

Chronic hepatitis is a chronic and progressive inflammation of the liver of dogs that leads eventually to the replacement of normal liver tissue with scar tissue.

Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head is a progressive deterioration and collapse of the femoral head, cause is unknown

Cutaneous histiocytoma - is a benign tumor of the skin that can affect young dogs.

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.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a disorder of the eye that results when tear production is decreased.

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

Patellar luxation is a disorder affecting the kneecap.

Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, lameness and arthritis.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that results in a large, thin walled heart muscle.

Congenital deafness can be present at birth.

white shaker disease is a disease that causes generalized muscle tremors of unknown cause.

In addition, although these occur infrequently, the following disorders have also been reported:

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) a congenital defect of the ventricular septum of the heart.

Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital condition that includes 4 heart abnormalities: pulmonic stenosis, ventricular septal defect, dextrapositioned aorta and right ventricular hypertrophy.

Life Span

The lifespan of the West Highland white terrier is 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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Choosing a West Highland White Terrier

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