The Boston Terrier is a loving and affectionate breed that should live a long and healthy life by your side. However, they are susceptible to certain health conditions, so it’s important for all owners to know what symptoms to look out for so that treatment can be given as early as possible.
In this guide, we’ve looked at some of the most common health issues in the Boston Terrier breed to get you up to speed.
Being part of the small breeds, Boston Terriers are a generally healthy dog breed, but like all other dogs, they are prone to certain genetic health problems. Due to the shape of their eyes, Boston Terriers are particularly at risk of several eye conditions, such as glaucoma and conjunctivitis.
However, just because the Boston Terrier is more likely to develop these health problems during its life doesn’t mean that it definitely will.
Here are a few health conditions you must keep your eye open for. If you think your Boston Terrier might be developing one of the following conditions, it’s best that you consult your vet as soon as possible.
Cherry eye causes the dog’s tear gland in its third eyelid to swell. This gives the eye a swollen cherry-like look, thus the name. Fortunately, it can be corrected with surgery.
This condition is caused by an infection of the eye tissues and is also referred to as pink eye, as it causes puffy redness around the eye. The treatment for this will usually involve a course of eye drops.
This results in an open sore on the outer layer of the dog’s eye, which can be painful and lead to infections. This condition can be treated using antibiotics and painkillers and doesn’t usually result in vision loss.
Glaucoma causes the eyeball’s drainage system to block. This can lead to fluid build-up and subsequently cause damage to the optic nerves. For this condition, a vet will usually prescribe drops for the dog’s eyes, but it is sometimes necessary to be treated surgically.
This genetic problem is common in Boston Terriers due to their short noses. There are three forms of this condition. The most common of the three found, especially in Boston Terriers, is the elongated soft palate. This is where the roof of the dog’s mouth is longer than it should be, which blocks airflow to the lungs and causes breathing problems.
This can sometimes be treated with surgery, but the best way to reduce the chances of your Boston Terrier developing this condition is to ensure you get your puppy from a reputable breeder.
This is where the dog’s kneecap slips out of the socket, which causes limping and an abnormal walk. It can eventually lead to arthritis. Patellar Luxation varies in severity and can happen on and off. If the Patella is ever completely dislocated, it must be set back in place by a vet.
This is one of the more common ear infections in Boston Terriers. It occurs when fungus or bacteria grows within the ear canal of one or both ears. It is treated with topical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication and anti-microbial therapy.
This is one of the most common skin allergies in the breed and results in the dog’s skin becoming inflamed. Boston Terriers are particularly susceptible due to the skin folds on their face, which can trap dirt and allergens if not cleaned properly.
This inherited condition is common in many dogs, but the Boston Terrier is particularly susceptible. It’s caused by the valves in the dog’s heart forming abnormally and will usually lead to heart failure at some point during the dog’s life.
Paying out of pocket for your Boston Terrier’s vet bills can get expensive, and the best way to ensure your pet will always get the care they need without breaking your bank account is to insure them.
Taking out pet insurance is important for all pet owners, as it’s the best way to reduce the amount you will have to pay for vet bills if your dog develops any health issues.
Before taking out pet insurance, you should always compare quotes from several different providers to find the best and most affordable option for you.
The average lifespan of a Boston Terrier is between 13 and 15 years. However, with the right diet, a healthy weight, enough exercise and regular checkups at the vet, your pooch may even exceed this.
There are several conditions that Boston Terriers are more susceptible to than other breeds, but most of them can be treated if they’re diagnosed early. The best way to ensure that your pooch has a healthy life is to take them for regular checkups and to watch for any symptoms.
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