Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers prone to certain health conditions?

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Abnormal growth patterns in the hip or elbow joints can cause the ball and socket to grind, not glide. It’s a painful but common condition that can lead to lameness and, eventually, osteoarthritis. Initial treatments for hip dysplasia include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and joint supplements, but the condition may also require surgery.

• Juvenile cataracts: The inherited genetic condition affects both eyes. Unlike cataracts that develop with age, juvenile cataracts affect dogs who are less than one year old. It’s a progressive disease that causes affected dogs to slowly lose their vision and results in blindness by two to three years of age. 

• Patellar luxation: This condition causes the knee joint to slide in and out of place and is sometimes called “slipped kneecaps.” While it can cause the joint to lock at an odd angle and cause mild pain, the joint often realigns, and dogs resume normal activities as if nothing happened. Patellar luxation or luxating patella is more common in small breeds (but can affect all breeds). Most cases require no treatment, but some dogs do need surgery.

• Allergies: Dogs can also suffer from allergies to food, environmental factors, and parasites, and some breeds are at higher risk. Allergies can cause symptoms such as hair loss and excessive scratching, biting, and licking that can trigger secondary infections. Depending on the cause, treating parasites, changing diets, reducing exposure to environmental allergens, or medication can help alleviate allergies.