Choosing an Airedale

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Choosing an Airedale

By: Dr. Dawn Ruben

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Health Concerns

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

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

Hot spots are areas of itchy moist inflamed skin.

Demodectic mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by a mite. Hair loss and itchiness are common signs of this disease.

Melanoma is a tumor arising from melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment.

Hyperadrenocorticism is a disorder affecting the adrenal glands. When overactive, the adrenal glands secrete excessive cortisol, resulting in illness.

Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland does not function adequately. Without enough thyroid hormone, illness can occur.

Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball.

Pannus is a disease of the eye resulting in inflammation.

Progressive retinal degeneration (PRD) is a disease that causes nerve cells at the back of the eye to degenerate. The condition can lead to blindness.

Corneal dystrophy is a primary, inherited, bilateral (both sides), symmetrical condition of the cornea that is not accompanied by corneal inflammation or systemic disease.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart condition that results in a large, thin walled heart muscle.

Von Willebrand's disease is a disorder that results in the inability to clot blood. Affected animals will bleed extensively following trauma or surgery.

In addition, the Airedale is prone to lymphoma and umbilical hernia.

Life Span

The average lifespan of the Airedale terrier is 10 to 13 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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