Cairn Terrier Heart Problems
Many breeds of small dogs are prone to heart problems, but Cairn Terriers are no exception. A high incidence rate of this condition makes this dog a prime candidate for surgery. Cairn terrier heart problems are so common that breeders should conduct specific genetic testing on breeding stock. In addition, some dogs may develop liver defects called portosystemic shunts. Surgical correction is required for both of these problems.
Other common conditions affecting Cairn terriers include hip dysplasia, which affects the hip joint. While the condition is relatively rare, it can be quite painful. A vet may suggest surgery to realign the kneecap to ease the pain. A Cairn’s kneecap is often susceptible to damage from falling. If this happens to your dog, you should visit the vet as soon as possible.
Eye diseases are another potential cause of Cairn terrier heart problems. Untreated eye disease can result in blindness. Symptoms of glaucoma include squinting, watery eyes, red eye whites, and bluish cornea. Sometimes, eyelids may appear enlarged or bulging. Glaucoma is a medical emergency that must be treated as soon as possible.
Other Cairn terrier heart problems are inherited.
Renal dysplasia is an inherited disease that affects the development of kidney tissues. This causes incomplete kidney development and can cause associated clinical diseases. In some cases, it can even lead to early death. Clinical signs of renal dysplasia include polyuria, vomiting, and loss of appetite. While it is rare, a Cairn may lose weight or experience loss of appetite.
A Cairn terrier weighs between 13 and 14 pounds. It has a moderately high level of intelligence and is easy to train. Cairn terriers are sensitive and may exhibit aggressive behaviors when threatened. They are good with children and enjoy playing rough and tumble with them. It’s important to note that Cairn terriers are active, but they are not suitable for people who live in humid climates.
Ocular Melanosis is another disease that can affect the Cairn terrier’s eyes. Pigmented scleral patches or thickened iris roots are signs of this disease. Early detection of this condition is essential for treatment. However, genetic testing for PRA is not reliable in Cairn Terriers. If your dog is affected by this disease, it’s best not to breed that animal.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Cairn terriers as they age.
Most heart diseases in dogs are caused by a weakening of a heart valve, which allows blood to leak back and forth around the valve and strains the heart. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s time to see a vet. In the meantime, you can help your pet by preventing the onset of heart disease by giving your dog regular dental visits and fatty acid supplements.
Kneecap luxation is a common problem in small breeds and is often hereditary. It is a common problem among Cairns and can be easily diagnosed with an x-ray and palpation exam. In mild cases, your dog may pick up a leg or two when moving over uneven ground. If the condition is not severe, the affected leg may even lope or gallop.
Research by Dr. Patrick Venta of the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine found that a cheek swab test can detect if your Cairn has the CMO gene. By knowing if a canine is prone to the disease, breeders can avoid producing affected puppies. They can also use Cairn terrier heart problems to identify potentially affected mates. This can save money and ensure that the breeder does not produce any puppies with heart disease.
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.
This article is FULL of incorrect statements . Cairn terriers are NOT over-represented in large studies of canine heart disease. All breeds should have a general heart exam prior to breeding but to suggest that Cairns have an especially high incidence is just plain made up! Eye disorders do NOT cause heart disease. That is nonsense. Yes, heart disease is a not uncommon cause of eventual death for Cairns (typically at age 14-17) as it is for MOST breeds as they reach the limits of age – but putting that as a bold headline seems to imply that Cairns are falling dead from heart disease at an increased rate compared to other breeds. Again, there is no evidence to support this in the literature. I am not sure why the page is even titled Cairn Terrier Heart Problems as it seems to a random collection of (a few) facts and (numerous) falsities, and non sequiturs such as the random statement ‘They can also use Cairn terrier heart problems to identify potentially affected mates’ in the paragraph about CMO. CMO is a condition that has nothing to do with heart disease. If you are looking for information about Cairn Terrier health please seek out a more reliable source such as Cairn Terrier breed clubs like the Cairn Terrier Club of Canada – and other national breed clubs. The CTCC has extensive health information on their website and has detailed health guidelines for puppies and breeding dogs.