The links on this page pertain to all breeds, please check them out!
|
Deafness I feel that deafness in the Boston Terrier is a more common problem than most people realize. A dog with unilateral hearing (deaf in one ear only) will be able to function normally. Without taking advantage of the BAER test, you may never know if your dog has an issue with hearing or not. Please test your breeding stock! From the OFA site (7/07) out of 497 dogs tested, 2.6% have abnormal hearing (and not all dogs that test abnormal get reported to OFA) Here are a few links on understanding canine deafness. Deafness In the Dalmation - Seltzer PDF Dalmation Dilemma - Part 1 Deafness in Dogs and Cats - Strain Congenital Deafness from the OFA site |
|
Patellar Luxation Out of 771 Bostons tested (7/07), 5.4% were affected with some grade of patellar luxation. Your regular vet can do a simple exam to determine if your dog has normal patellas or not. Preliminary evaulations can be done as young as 6-8 weeks of age. Please visit the OFA site for more information. Patellar Luxation from the OFA site Patellar Luxation in Small Breeds |
|
Cataracts Juvenile cataracts can occur in Boston terriers between eight weeks and twelve months of age. Some juvenile cataracts are visible to the eye; others can be identified only by a veterinary ophthalomologist using a CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) test. Animal Health Trust / Juvenile Hereditary Cataract How you can help with research if your dog has cataracts Cataract article |
|
Glaucoma Glaucoma is not something that is checked for at a standard CERF examination. It affects about 1% of Boston Terriers according to the BTCA Survey. It is caused by pressure build up in the eye and can result in blindness. (For more information on Boston Terrier eye disease please visit the BTCA health committee site What is glaucoma? What is glaucoma? (another site) Glaucoma in Dogs Glaucoma and Cataracts - Can we eliminate them? |
|
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Out of 113 dogs tested, 10.6% (7/07) of Boston Terriers have had abnormal hip results. While small breeds generally are not as prone to dysplasia, it is still a good idea to test the dogs you plan to breed. Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Dealing with the wrong ideas about Hip Dysplasia K-9 Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Resources Changing the Concept of Canine Hip Dysplasia Elbow & Hip Dysplasia Understanding Elbow Dysplasia Elbow Disorders in the Mastiff and other breeds What does Staffa's elbow evaluation mean? Elbow Dysplasia: Clinical Signs Versus Radiographic Evidence Canine Hip Dysplasia, Are breeders winning the battle? Elbow Arthrosis: Basic Principles Elbow Dysplasia Orthopedic Evaluations, Linda Aronson, DVM Dr. Henry De Boer Jr. on Elbow Dysplasia |
|
Seizures & Epilepsy Here are some links for more information Canine Epilepsy Research Canine Epilepsy Network Epilepsy & Seizures Understanding Your Pet's Epilepsy |
|
The T Gene (as associated with bob-tail and tailless breeds) Here are some links for more information Canine Genome mapping, Veterinary Medicine Tail and genetics The T Gene In Mammals |
Here are some other issues that occur in dogs.
List of ACVIM Board-certified Cardiologists by State
Low Thyroid
Demodectic Mange
Allergies
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
This link also covers the Elongated Soft Palate, and Stenotic Nares (closed/pinched nostrils)