Do Westies have health problems?

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues such as pain, lameness and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis.

• 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 Westie 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.

• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Also known as “Westie lung disease,” this disease is chronic and progressive to the lungs and their connective tissue. This makes the lungs become thickened and stiff, preventing oxygen from passing normally into the blood. The condition can be triggered by chronic injury to the respiratory system from conditions such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and chronic bronchitis, but in some cases, there is no known cause. There does appear to be a genetic component to the disease. Symptoms vary from dog to dog but include decreased appetite, loss of stamina, rapid breathing, a cough, and shortness of breath. Veterinarians will also notice a loud “crackling” in the lungs during routine exams. There is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, and the condition is progressive.

• Portosystemic liver shunt: Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a hereditary issue that obstructs proper blood flow to the liver. Since the liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, PSS sends the toxins in unfiltered blood to the heart, brain, and other body parts. Signs can include (but are not limited to) behavioral changes, loss of appetite, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), jaundice, urinary tract problems, vision problems, and stunted growth. PSS can be life-threatening if not treated early. Antibiotics and diet changes can help in the short term, but surgery is the only permanent treatment for the problem.

• Craniomandibular osteopathy: Sometimes referred to as “Westie jaw,” this abnormal growth of the jaw can make it difficult to swallow or chew food. The cause is unknown, but it is believed to be hereditary. Though it is quite painful and can cause feeding issues, most puppies grow out of it once they reach adulthood.

• 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. 

• Idiopathic tremor syndrome: Also known as “white dog shaker syndrome,” this genetic condition causes tremors lasting days, weeks, or for the rest of their lives.