Understanding Westie Dog Health Issues and Care

Westies are known for their small stature, but they're also prone to certain health issues that can impact their quality of life. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in Westies, caused by a genetic defect that can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.

Regular exercise is essential for Westies to maintain a healthy weight and prevent other issues like obesity. Aim for daily walks and playtime, but avoid overexertion.

Westies are also at risk for eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause blindness. This condition is usually inherited, so be sure to work with a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs.

To keep your Westie's eyes healthy, schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian and look for signs of eye problems, such as redness or squinting.

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West Highland Terriers are prone to a range of health issues, and skin problems are one of the most prevalent conditions affecting the breed.

Skin problems are a common issue in Westies, with atopic dermatitis affecting 25% or more of all Westies, and male dogs more likely to be affected than females.

Early veterinary treatment is essential to manage skin problems, and a natural diet is recommended to avoid additives that may provoke an allergic response.

Westies are also at risk for other health issues, including "Westie jaw" or craniomandibular osteopathy, which affects the bones of the jaw and can lead to pain and feeding problems.

Other conditions that may affect Westies include globoid cell leukodystrophy, a neurological condition that leads to muscle weakness, tremors, and gradual paralysis, and white dog shaker syndrome, which causes tremors and ataxia in dogs.

Here is a list of some of the common health issues that affect Westies:

Westie skin problems are a common issue that many owners face. Atopic Dermatitis is one of the main causes, affecting 25% or more of all Westies, with male dogs more likely to be affected than females.

Early veterinary treatment is essential to prevent skin problems from taking hold and becoming more difficult to manage. A natural diet is recommended to avoid additives that may provoke an allergic response.

Bacterial and yeast hypersensitivity can also be a problem, requiring treatment with antibiotics to control secondary infections. Regular medicated baths, application of skin ointments and moisturisers, and other care may be necessary to manage skin conditions.

The symptoms of hyperplastic dermatosis include hair loss, red hyperpigmentation of the fur, and scaly lesions of the skin. The skin along the dog's back is often affected, and the skin may appear rough, scaly, lumpy, and uncomfortable-looking.

To diagnose and treat skin conditions, it's essential to take your Westie to the vet. If you suspect a skin condition or your Westie appears itchy or prone to dry skin, don't hesitate to schedule a visit.

Here are some common skin issues that Westies may face:

Westies can be prone to lameness in the rear leg, often due to underlying health issues. This can be a painful and debilitating condition for your furry friend.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a condition that affects the head of the thigh bone, causing it to die due to a lack of blood supply. This can lead to hip joint problems and lameness in young Westies.

Luxation of the patella, also known as a "kneecap" dislocation, is a common issue in small breed dogs like Westies. This occurs when the patella becomes displaced, causing pain and lameness.

Westies are also at risk of developing hip joint problems, specifically Legge-Calve-Perthes syndrome, which can lead to lameness and arthritis.

Here are some conditions that can cause lameness in the rear leg of Westies:

Westies are prone to several specific health conditions that can affect their quality of life. One of these conditions is craniomandibular osteopathy, also known as "Westie jaw", which causes the bones of the jaw to thicken and can lead to pain and feeding problems.

Globoid cell leukodystrophy is another neurological condition that can affect Westies, leading to muscle weakness, tremors, and gradual paralysis. White dog shaker syndrome can also occur, causing tremors and ataxia in affected dogs.

Here are some specific health conditions that can affect Westies, along with their typical age of onset:

West Highland White Terriers are prone to a range of genetically inherited health issues. One of the most prevalent conditions is craniomandibular osteopathy, also known as "Westie jaw", which causes the bones of the jaw to thicken and can lead to pain and feeding problems.

Some Westies may be born with a genetic predisposition to other conditions, such as globoid cell leukodystrophy, which affects the nervous system, or white dog shaker syndrome, which causes tremors and ataxia.

Hip joint problems, specifically Legge-Calve-Perthes syndrome, may also affect Westies. This condition can lead to lameness and pain, and in severe cases, surgery may be required.

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A study conducted by the Westie Foundation of America and the Health Committee of the West Highland White Terrier Club of America found that certain diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, deafness, and luxated patella, have increased in prevalence among Westies.

Here are some common genetic predispositions found in Westies:

It's essential to be aware of these genetic predispositions to ensure your Westie receives proper care and attention. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help manage these conditions and prevent them from becoming severe.

Westies can be prone to urinary tract infections, which can be a real challenge for them and their owners. If your Westie is trying to pee frequently with little or nothing coming out, it's a good idea to get them checked out by a vet.

A UTI should be treated by a vet, who may prescribe an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory.

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is an immunorelated disorder in which the intestines are chronically or intermittently inflamed. This condition is often mistaken for irritable bowel disease, but technically, IBD is the more accurate term.

Affected dogs may experience a range of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. These signs can vary in severity and duration, making it challenging to diagnose and treat the condition.

The symptoms of IBD can be similar to those of other diseases, such as Addison's disease, which also affects the intestines and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. However, in the case of Addison's disease, the symptoms are often accompanied by lethargy and weakness.

Treatment for IBD can be effective, but it's essential to work with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action. With proper care, affected dogs can lead normal healthy lives.

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Lymphoma is a type of cancer that's more common in West Highland White Terriers than in many other breeds.

Lymphoma is one of the most treatable forms of canine cancer, especially when it's caught early. This is often through a simple blood test.

Symptoms of lymphoma in Westies can be subtle, but keep an eye out for swollen glands or weight loss.

Treatment for lymphoma can require a financial and emotional commitment, but the success rates are optimistic.

Pulmonary fibrosis, also known as Westie Lung Disease, is a serious health condition that affects the lungs of West Highland White Terriers and other breeds.

It's a progressive disease that causes the normal healthy tissue in the lung to become fibrosed and lack elasticity.

The disease is often misdiagnosed at first as bronchitis, and it's very rarely diagnosed in the very early stages when it may be possible to slow down the progression.

Middle-aged to elderly dogs are more commonly affected by IPF, and there is no cure.

Excellent research is being done at Minnesota University in the States to understand and manage the condition.

The latest treatments for IPF include KLaser therapy and a Flixovent inhaler, which have had success in managing the condition.

For owners of dogs affected by Westie Lung Disease, there is an excellent Facebook group 'Westie Lung Disease–IPF in USA (Treatments, Symptoms, Studies, Etc.)' that provides advice and support.

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