Do Manchester Terriers have health problems?

• Eye issues: Glaucoma, a disease that causes excessive pressure on the eye, damages the optic nerve and eventually leads to vision loss and blindness; cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision; and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness, are all issues for this breed.

• Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

• Legg-Calve-Perthes: This is a condition that causes the head of the femur (located in a dog’s hind leg) to spontaneously degenerate. Over time, this will lead to erosion of the hip joint and arthritis. A Manchester Terrier suffering from Legg-Calve-Perthes will become lame, limp while walking, and experience pain when moving the hip joint. Surgery is the most effective treatment for the disorder.

• Von Willebrand’s disease: Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder seen in dogs. It happens when a dog does not produce enough of a specific protein that helps the blood cells used in clotting stick together. This results in dogs who are unable to clot properly, which could cause hemorrhages or other bleeding issues. The deficient protein is called von Willebrand factor (vWF).

• Hydrocephalus: This is a build-up of fluid in the brain that is most commonly seen in puppies under 18 months of age.

• Hypothyroidism: This thyroid malfunction results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat.

• Cardiomyopathy: This heart condition causes an enlarged heart and may lead to heart failure.