How to Spot Bedlington Terrier Ear Problems
Several common ear problems affect the Bedlington Terrier, including cataracts, tear duct disorders, and retinal dysplasia. Left untreated, these eye conditions can cause blindness and cause a great deal of pain. Because of this, it is important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian regularly. Here are some tips to help you spot these issues and get your pet back to good health.
Cushing’s disease
Cushing’s disease is a genetically inherited condition in dogs. The extra hairs inside the eyelid rub against the surface of the eye. This is one of the most common inherited dog diseases, and it’s especially prevalent in Bedlington Terriers. Ultimately, abnormal hairs can lead to corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Treatments for distichiasis vary but usually include removing the abnormal hairs. A genetic test can help confirm if Bedlingtons are predisposed to the disease, but there’s no cure.
Ear problems
To prevent ear problems, your Bedlington Terrier should get a thorough exam every four to eight weeks. This includes checking for signs of allergy-causing organisms. If your Bedlington Terrier is overly sensitive to certain things, it may not be healthy enough to handle these situations. A thorough exam can detect the presence of other problems, such as infections or cancer. If you suspect your pet has one of these conditions, consider seeking professional help.
Excessive Barking
It is important to keep your Bedlington Terrier happy and healthy. Even if he doesn’t show signs of ear problems, you should take care of the problem as soon as you notice it. Positive reward-based training will curb excessive barking. A Bedlington should be entertained by lots of toys and activities to keep him busy. A good breeder will be happy to provide you with these things.
Corny feet are another common problem for Bedlingtons. Any dog can develop corny feet if it is exposed to allergens or suffers from allergies. In the case of the Bedlington terrier, atopy symptoms can develop between one and three years of age and will worsen every year. Signs of dry eye include very wet eyes, mucus, and red, irritated eyes. Fortunately, atopy is treatable with an effective treatment.
Patellar Luxation
Another ear problem affecting the Bedlington Terrier is patellar luxation. The patellar luxation will cause the pet to skip or hop for a few strides. While mild patellar luxation will usually go away on its own, a more serious case will require surgical intervention. A vet will be able to determine what is needed and how much your Bedlington should eat.
CT – Copper Toxicosis
Copper Toxicosis, or CT, is a disease of the liver that is inherited by the owner. It affects around 25 percent of Bedlington Terriers, and 50 percent are carriers. A simple DNA test will identify if your Bedlington Terrier is suffering from this disease. If your pet has it, the best course of action is to get your dog tested for copper toxicity, or you can start preventive treatment.
Treatment
If your Bedlington terrier has a recurring or chronic ear infection, it is a good idea to get your dog checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible. This is because many medications are effective for treating ear infections, but some bugs are resistant to them and the infection may have relapsed. A veterinarian can give your dog the medication it needs to treat it without harming it.
To prevent ear infections, keep your Bedlington ears clean by trimming the hair out of its ears. Wax can get trapped inside the ear, which makes the infection more difficult to treat. If you think your dog has ear mites, consider trying a home remedy called Thornit for Ear Mites. Thornie is also a good option for nail bed mites.
Meet Rose Camilla, an expert in the Terrier dog breed and an active writer and publisher. Camilla has been working with Terriers for over 12 years and her passion for them has only grown stronger with time. She has dedicated her life to understanding, training, and writing about Terriers.
