Cairn Terrier - Health

Health

These dogs are generally healthy and live on average about 12 to 17 years. Yet breeders, owners and veterinarians have identified several health problems that are significant for Cairns. Some of these diseases are hereditary while others occur as a result of non-specific factors (i.e. infections, toxins, injuries, or advanced age).

Some of the more common hereditary health problems found in the Cairn are:

  • Cataracts
  • Ocular Melanosis
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Corneal dystrophy
  • Krabbe disease (Globoid cell leukodystrophy)
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Legg-CalvĂ©-Perthes syndrome
  • Craniomandibular osteopathy (Lion Jaw)
  • Von Willebrand disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Portosystemic shunt
  • Luxating patella
  • Entropion
  • Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS)

Currently, the Cairn Terrier Club of America along with the Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals maintain an open registry for Cairn Terriers in hopes of reducing the occurrence of hereditary diseases within the breed. Breeders voluntarily submit their dogs' test results for research purpose, as well as for use by individuals who seek to make sound breeding decisions.

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