Scottie Dog Health Issues and Their Causes

Scottie dog health issues can be a concern for many owners. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in Scottish Terriers, caused by a genetic mutation that affects the hip joint.

Scottie dogs can be prone to eye problems, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, due to their brachycephalic skull structure. This can lead to vision loss and blindness.

Scotties are also at risk for patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, often caused by a shallow patellar groove.

Scottish Terriers are prone to certain health issues that their owners should be aware of. Regular vet check-ups are crucial to monitor their health.

Some common health issues in Scottish Terriers include patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, and hip dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly.

It's essential to keep an eye out for any abnormal symptoms, such as a change in appetite or water consumption, tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth, itchy skin, lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes, and lumps or bumps.

Epilepsy in dogs is often an inherited condition, and Scottish Terriers are commonly afflicted.

There are three types of seizures: reactive, secondary, and primary. 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.

Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

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 a veterinarian or an emergency hospital.

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Scottish Terriers are more likely to develop kidney and bladder stones than other breeds. This can lead to blood in the urine and straining to urinate, which is a medical emergency.

Routine urine tests can catch these problems early on, so it's essential to keep up with vet appointments.

Scottish Terriers are prone to various bone and joint issues that can cause discomfort and pain. One common problem is patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, causing your pup to hop or skip for a few strides.

If your Scottie is experiencing mild patellar luxation, arthritis medication might be all that's needed. However, severe cases may require surgery to keep the kneecap in place.

Hip dysplasia is another inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly, leading to arthritis in Scottish Terriers. You may notice lameness in the hind legs or difficulty getting up from lying down.

Early detection is key in treating hip dysplasia, and X-rays can help identify the disease as early as possible. Surgery may be considered in severe and life-limiting cases.

Craniomandibular Osteopathy, or CMO, is a temporary overgrowth of bone that develops in the jawbone or head, often causing difficulty chewing or swallowing. This condition usually resolves on its own by 12 months of age, but pain medication and a soft food diet may be necessary in the meantime.

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Spaying or neutering your Scottie is a crucial step in maintaining their health and well-being. It decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers.

Performing the surgery also gives your veterinarian a chance to identify and address diseases your dog is likely to develop, such as hip problems. This is a convenient time to do so, as your dog is already under anesthesia.

Routine blood testing prior to surgery helps identify common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This ensures your veterinarian can take necessary precautions to keep your dog safe.

Scottish Terriers are generally robust dogs with a lifespan of 12-15 years, but like all dogs, they have specific health concerns that require regular vet check-ups.

Their breed makes them highly susceptible to various cancers, which is why it's essential to stay on top of their health.

Many Scottish Terriers will have elevated liver enzyme results on routine blood screening, even if there's no significant liver pathology.

To prevent periodontal disease, brush your dog's teeth daily.

This can be a simple habit to get into, and it's a great way to show your dog you care about their health.

Scottish Terriers are prone to muscle cramps, which can be caused by a genetic mechanism that's not yet fully understood.

High doses of Vitamin E have been effective in reducing the frequency of attacks, and maintaining a diet high in tryptophan can also be helpful.

If your Scottish Terrier experiences seizures, it's essential to know that there are different types, and lifelong medication may be necessary to keep seizures at bay.

To keep track of seizures, note the length and frequency, and consult with your vet regularly.

Here are some common symptoms to watch out for in your Scottish Terrier:

Scottie dog owners need to be aware of some common eye problems that can affect their beloved pets. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Scotties, where the lenses of the eyes become more opaque and cloudy.

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Regular eye checks are essential to catch and treat these issues before they get out of paw. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Scottish Terriers are more likely to develop Distichiasis, a painful condition caused by extra hairs growing inside the eyelid and rubbing on the surface of the eye.

If left untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Fortunately, several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Persistent Pupillary Membrane is another condition that can affect Scotties, where small strands of tissue that were meant to disappear soon after birth remain attached to the iris.

These tissue bits usually don't hurt or impede vision, but occasionally they can cause problems. Lens Luxation is another issue seen in middle-aged and older Scottish Terriers, particularly following trauma, where the lens of the eye detaches and floats into one or other chamber of the eye, causing varying degrees of visual impairment and discomfort.

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Atopic dermatitis is a common health issue in Scottie dogs, and it's essential to be aware of its symptoms and treatment options. This skin allergy, also known as atopy, causes itchy skin, especially around the feet, belly, skin folds, and ears.

Scotties often develop atopic dermatitis between the ages of one and three, and it can worsen with age. The symptoms can be quite distressing for both the dog and the owner.

Paw licking, face rubbing, and frequent ear infections are common signs of atopic dermatitis in Scotties. These symptoms can be a significant concern for dog owners, as they can lead to secondary infections and discomfort for the dog.

Fortunately, there are various treatment options available for atopic dermatitis in Scotties, including doggy antihistamines and other forms of medication.

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Scottish Terriers are generally robust dogs with a lifespan of 12-15 years, but like all breeds, they have their specific health concerns.

Scottie Cramp is a genetic dysfunction of the chemical neurotransmitter made by the nerves that control the dog's muscles, causing affected dogs to arch their back, walk stiffly, and become immobilized after strenuous activity. This disorder is not painful and does not compromise the dog's quality or length of life.

Von Willebrand's Disease is a blood clotting disorder that affects Scottish Terriers, causing them to bleed excessively. This disorder can be detected with a simple DNA test, and responsible breeders work hard to minimize its occurrence in their breeding stock.

Cerebellar Abiotrophy, or CA, is an uncommon neurologic disorder caused by a genetic mutation leading to the gradual death of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of the brain. Affected dogs may develop a wobbly gait, incoordination, and the inability to run smoothly or navigate stairs.

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Cushing's Disease is a condition that affects the adrenal glands, causing them to produce an excess of steroid hormone.

Dogs with Cushing's Disease may exhibit sluggish behavior, drink water excessively, and develop a sudden increase in appetite. Your fur baby's sudden interest in food could rival that of a teenage boy!

The condition is a slow creeper, making it easy to miss the early symptoms. As it progresses, you may notice your pup developing a potbelly and thinning skin.

Treatment usually consists of oral medications, so it's essential to be in close coordination with your vet for the perfect dosage. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in your dog's quality of life.

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Von Willebrand's Disease is a serious blood clotting disorder that affects Scottish Terriers. It's a genetic condition that can be inherited from a dog's parents.

The disease is caused by a mutation in the Von Willebrand gene, and it affects the blood's ability to clot properly. This can lead to excessive bleeding during surgery or after an injury.

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Fortunately, a simple DNA test can identify the mutation, and reputable breeders use this test to ensure that their breeding dogs are free of the disease. The test can identify three types of individuals: Affected, Carrier, and Clear.

Here's a breakdown of what each type means:

By identifying the mutation and removing Affected dogs from the breeding program, responsible breeders have been able to nearly eliminate the disease in Scottish Terriers. If you're considering getting a Scottish Terrier puppy, be sure to ask your breeder for evidence that the parents are free of the vWD mutation.

Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) is an uncommon neurologic disorder caused by a genetic mutation. This mutation leads to the gradual death of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of the brain.

Scotties with CA are born without symptoms, but they begin to develop a wobbly gait and incoordination after a few months or years. This condition is not painful and does not affect mental abilities.

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CA is ever-present and usually progresses over the life of the dog, affecting the quality of life. It does not necessarily shorten the dog's lifespan, but it's worth noting that conscientious breeders screen potential parents for any history of CA in their lineage.

A genetically-based test is not yet available, but breeders can consult the STCA's database of affected dogs to make informed decisions.

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Lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that affects Scottish Terriers more than other breeds.

Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell.

This cancer can show up almost anywhere in the body because white blood cells can be found throughout the body.

Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer, with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy.

Early detection is critical, and a complete blood count twice yearly may be recommended to catch this cancer early.

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Watch for swollen glands, weight loss, or labored breathing at home and be sure to call your vet if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Lymphosarcoma may first be noticed as multiple hard lumps around the jaw and neck.

Many cancers, including lymphosarcoma, are cured by surgically removing them, so early detection and removal is critical.

Scottish Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic issues.

Von Willebrand's Disease is a serious blood clotting disorder that can affect Scottish Terriers, making them more likely to experience bleeding problems after surgery or injury.

The good news is that responsible breeders are working to minimize this problem by conducting DNA blood tests on their breeding stock.

Scottie Cramp is another genetic issue that can affect Scottish Terriers, causing them to arch their back and stiffen their legs after strenuous activity.

It's a non-painful condition, but it can be disconcerting to watch, and it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who has taken steps to reduce the risk of this condition in their dogs.

Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs, and Scottish Terriers are no exception, with lymphoma and mast cell tumors being two common types of cancer that can affect the breed.

Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in reducing the risk of these genetic issues, but it's essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them.

Many Scottish Terriers will have elevated liver enzyme results on routine blood screening, even in the absence of significant liver pathology.

This is something to be aware of, especially if your vet recommends regular blood tests to monitor your dog's liver health.

By being informed and working with a reputable breeder, you can reduce the risk of these genetic issues and give your Scottish Terrier the best possible chance of a long and healthy life.

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