Boston Terrier Health Issues and How to Prevent Them

Boston Terriers are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. One of the most common health issues in Boston Terriers is brachycephalic syndrome, a breathing problem caused by their short, flat face.

Their large eyes are also a common source of concern, as they can be prone to proptosis, a condition where the eye bulges out of its socket. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics and injury.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential health issues early on, and preventative care such as keeping their eyes clean and free of debris can also help prevent problems.

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Any abnormal symptom in your Boston Terrier could be a sign of serious disease or just a minor or temporary problem. It's essential to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help.

Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Boston Terrier needs help. This means paying close attention to your dog's overall health and behavior.

Dental disease is a common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. Your Boston Terrier is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth.

Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth, which can lead to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. This can cause a range of serious health issues.

If left untreated, dental disease can lead to your dog losing her teeth and even damage to her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. In fact, it can cut her life span short by one to three years.

Regular teeth cleaning is crucial to prevent dental disease, and we'll work with you to keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy.

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Boston Terriers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, the same ones that all dogs can get.

Parvo, rabies, and distemper are some of the infections Boston Terriers can contract.

Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination.

We will recommend vaccination based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors.

Preventable infections can help keep your Boston Terrier healthy and happy.

Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently.

Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Boston Terrier needs help.

Any abnormal symptom requires a prompt veterinary visit to rule out serious diseases. Don't wait and see if the problem resolves on its own.

A combination of symptoms can be a clear signal that your dog needs help, so keep an eye out for patterns. For example, if your dog is vomiting and lethargic at the same time, it's a good idea to seek veterinary help right away.

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Boston terriers are prone to genetic and congenital issues that can affect their quality of life.

One of the most common genetic issues in Boston terriers is brachycephalic syndrome, a condition that affects their breathing due to their short, flat faces.

Boston terriers are also at risk for patellar luxation, a condition where their kneecap slips out of place.

This can be caused by a genetic predisposition or by injury, and it's essential to monitor their kneecap for any signs of slipping.

Boston terriers are born with a short, compact skull and a short, flat face, which can lead to breathing difficulties and other health issues.

Their large eyes and small jaw can also make them prone to eye problems, such as proptosis and entropion.

Boston terriers can also be born with a condition called cryptorchidism, where one or both of their testicles fail to descend.

This can increase their risk of testicular cancer and other health problems.

It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding stock to minimize the risk of these genetic issues in their puppies.

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Boston Terriers are prone to several eye and ear issues that can impact their quality of life. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Bostons, and surgery may be an option to restore sight.

Glaucoma is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea, and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners, but it can be severe.

Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is common in Boston Terriers. KCS reduces the amount of fluid produced by the tear glands, resulting in sore, itchy eyes and infections.

Here are some common eye injuries in Boston Terriers:

Deafness can be a sign of a more serious underlying issue, so it's essential to address it promptly. Heritable deafness has been noted in some Boston Bull bloodlines.

If your Boston Bull is ignoring you despite healthy ears, a more thorough hearing workup may be needed, including brainwave analysis if indicated. Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian right away to rule out a severe ear infection.

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Eye problems can have a significant impact on your dog's quality of life, and Boston Terriers are particularly prone to certain issues.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Bostons, and they can be treated with surgery to remove the cloudy lens and restore sight.

Glaucoma is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated, and it's essential to perform annual screenings to diagnose and start treatment as early as possible.

Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is a painful condition that can cause sore, itchy eyes and infections, and it's common in Boston Terriers.

Boston Terriers are more vulnerable to eye injuries due to their protruding eyeballs, and scrapes or punctures to the cornea are the most common injuries.

Here are some common symptoms of eye problems in Boston Terriers:

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek veterinary attention immediately, as some eye problems can lead to blindness or other serious complications.

Boston Terriers are prone to a few common bone and joint issues that can cause pain and discomfort. Patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, is one such issue. You might notice your pet suddenly picking up a back leg or skipping and hopping for a few strides.

This condition can be mild, requiring only arthritis medication, or severe, needing surgery to realign the kneecap. Young Boston Terriers may also be prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a painful degenerative hip condition that causes the femoral head to become brittle and fracture easily. This condition usually occurs between six and nine months of age and often requires surgery.

Hip dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and leads to arthritis, is also common in Boston Terriers. You may notice lameness in your pet's hind legs or difficulty getting up from lying down. Treatment typically involves taking X-rays to identify the disease early and treating the arthritis to avoid discomfort and pain. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

Boston Terriers are more likely than other canines to be born with spinal deformities, a condition called hemivertebrae, which may lead to spinal cord damage, instability, or disability.

We'll take X-rays when your pet is young to ensure that we identify problems early as symptoms can worsen with age, weight, and sometimes activity.

During his life, if he develops back problems, we'll rule out any other causes, such as a slipped spinal disc or arthritis.

If a deformity is diagnosed, we'll prescribe medication, acupuncture, or rehabilitation as needed.

Early detection is key, so regular check-ups with your veterinarian are crucial to identify any potential issues before they become severe.

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Boston Terriers are prone to several bone and joint issues that can cause pain and discomfort. Patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, is common in this breed.

You might notice your Boston Terrier suddenly picking up a back leg or skipping and hopping for a few strides while running. This is often a sign of patellar luxation.

If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication.

Surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap and prevent further luxation.

Young Boston Terriers may be prone to a painful degenerative hip condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

This condition is caused by a reduced blood supply to the hip, which causes the femoral head to become brittle and fracture easily.

LCP usually occurs between six and nine months of age and causes pain and lameness in one or both rear legs.

Surgery is often required to treat LCP.

Hip dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and leads to arthritis, is common in Boston Terriers.

You may notice lameness in your Boston Terrier's hind legs or difficulty getting up from lying down.

Early detection is key, and X-rays can help identify the disease as early as possible.

Arthritis treatment can be effective in preventing discomfort and pain, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering.

Demodex mites are a common issue in Boston Terriers, and some breeds, like your Boston, may develop an overabundance of these mites. Normally, a dog's immune system keeps them in check.

Mild cases of Demodex mange may cause a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions on the face or feet, which may or may not be itchy. Secondary skin infections can also occur.

Prompt veterinary care is essential to keep the disease from getting out of hand. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management.

Obesity can be a significant health problem in Boston Terriers, causing or worsening joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease.

It's tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, but it's not the best solution - you can "love her to death" with leftover people food and doggie treats.

Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. She'll feel better, and so will you!

Obesity is a serious disease that can have a significant impact on your Boston Terrier's health and wellbeing.

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Boston Bulls are prone to genetically patterned baldness, which means their hair will gradually fall out and not grow back.

This type of hair loss doesn't cause itchiness, but the skin can sometimes become dry.

Affected areas usually include the throat, chest, belly, and the insides of the legs.

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Boston Terriers are prone to respiratory and heart issues due to their unique physical characteristics. Many have a short nose, which can lead to breathing difficulties.

Short-nosed dogs like Boston Terriers have the same amount of tissue in their noses and throats as longer-nosed dogs, but with less area to contain it. This can cause the soft palate at the back of the roof of the mouth to be too long and hang down into the airway.

As a result, Boston Terriers may experience exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended to alleviate airway obstruction.

Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Boston Terriers in their golden years. Most heart disease in dogs is caused by the weakening or slow deformity of heart valves.

Pets with heart valve disease (sometimes called mitral valve disease) have a heart murmur, which can be detected through testing. If diagnosed early, medications can prolong a Boston Terrier's life for many years, and veterinary dental care, fatty acid supplementation, and weight control can also help prevent heart disease.

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Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a serious condition that affects dogs with short noses, like your Boston Terrier. It's also known as brachycephalic syndrome.

Short-nosed dogs have the same amount of tissue in their noses and throats as longer-nosed dogs, but with less area to contain it. This can lead to a narrow and obstructed airway.

Many dogs with short noses can barely breathe, and it's not uncommon for them to experience exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or even fainting.

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With a short nose, your pet is more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke.

In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended to alleviate airway obstruction. This can be a lifesaving procedure for dogs with this condition.

Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Boston Terriers in their golden years.

Most heart disease in dogs is caused by the weakening of a valve, which can lead to blood leaking back around the valve and straining the heart.

Pets with heart valve disease, also known as mitral valve disease, have a heart murmur.

If your dog has a heart murmur or outward signs suggesting heart problems, testing will be performed to determine the severity of the disease.

The same tests will need to be repeated at least every year to monitor the condition.

If heart valve disease is diagnosed early, medications may be prescribed to prolong your pet's life for many years.

Veterinary dental care and fatty acid supplementation can help prevent heart disease, and weight control can help diminish symptoms.

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Boston Terriers are commonly afflicted with idiopathic epilepsy, an inherited condition that's often a lifelong issue. This means your friend will need lifelong medication to keep seizures under control.

Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy.

If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause.

Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. This is crucial to ensure the medication is working as intended and to catch any potential issues early on.

If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but don't try to control his mouth or tongue. It won't help him, and he may bite you accidentally! Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital.

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Breeds with a large head and small pelvis are more prone to difficulties during the birthing process.

A C-section is often required for the health of the female and her puppies if she's unable to pass the puppies' heads due to her small pelvis.

If you're interested in breeding your Boston Bull, it's essential to speak with a professional first to make an informed decision based on the body conformations of both sire and dam.

A female Boston Bull's pelvis may be too small to pass the puppies' heads, leading to birthing difficulties.

A C-section is often necessary to ensure the health of the mother and her puppies.

Breeding a Boston Bull requires careful consideration of the body conformations of both parents to avoid birthing complications.

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Boston Terriers are known to be sensitive dogs and don't do well with harsh training methods or punishment; always end training on a positive note.

To keep your Boston Terrier happy and healthy, it's essential to supervise them as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and picking up after yourself to prevent them from getting into trouble.

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A proper diet and exercise routine are crucial for your Boston Terrier's health, so make sure to feed a high-quality diet appropriate for their age and exercise them regularly, but don't overdo it at first.

Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Taking care of your Boston Terrier's diet is crucial for their overall health. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age.

To keep your dog's teeth perfect, brush them at least twice a week. Boston Terriers generally have good teeth, and regular brushing can prevent dental issues.

Supervising your pet is essential, especially when it comes to preventing unwanted behavior. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary to keep your dog out of trouble.

A consistent diet is vital for your dog's health. Keep your dog's diet consistent and don't give her people food.

Regular exercise is essential for your Boston Terrier's physical and mental well-being. Exercise your dog regularly, but don't overdo it at first.

Here are some general guidelines for exercising your Boston Terrier:

Keeping your dog's coat clean and dry is essential for preventing infections. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly, and clean her facial and tail-base folds daily.

Your Boston Terrier can be sensitive to temperature extremes, so be aware of the signs of heat stress. Avoid prolonged weather exposure and keep an eye out for symptoms such as panting, drooling, and lethargy.

As a sensitive dog, your Boston Terrier doesn't do well with harsh training methods or punishment. Always end training on a positive note to ensure a happy and healthy relationship with your dog.

Spaying or neutering your Boston can significantly decrease the likelihood of certain types of cancers. In females, this means surgically removing the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means surgically removing the testicles.

Having your pet spayed or neutered eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. This is especially important if you don't plan on breeding your dog.

Spaying or neutering also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time—it’s more convenient for you and easier on your friend too.

Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Don’t worry; we’ll discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives.

As a Boston Terrier owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can arise in your furry friend. Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge can be a sign of an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Some common symptoms of emergencies in Boston Terriers include inability or straining to urinate, discolored urine, and cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes.

If you notice dry, scaly, sometimes itchy hairless patches on your Boston Terrier's face or paws, it's a good idea to schedule a vet visit to rule out any underlying conditions.

Other signs of emergencies include loud breathing, tires easily at exercise, coughing, especially at night or upon rising after sleeping, and rapid breathing at rest. Any abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremors also require immediate attention.

Here's a list of emergency symptoms to watch out for: