Common Boston Terrier Dog's Health Problems
The list of most common Boston Terrier dog's health problems is relatively short, and most people enjoy a wonderful, healthy life with their loveable companion. The Boston Terrier is a fairly sturdy breed and most will have a life expectancy of about 13 to 15 years.
Some of the health problems that can affect Boston Terriers generally include eye, orthopedic and skin issues. However, the Boston Terrier breed is also known for having breathing problems as well.
Whether you are considering bringing home a Boston Terrier puppy or already enjoy the company of this sweet and gentle breed, you will need to be aware of some of the health issues that may affect the health of your beloved pet. There are many things that you can do to protect your Boston Terrier's Health.
Some of the health problems that can affect Boston Terriers generally include eye, orthopedic and skin issues. However, the Boston Terrier breed is also known for having breathing problems as well.
Whether you are considering bringing home a Boston Terrier puppy or already enjoy the company of this sweet and gentle breed, you will need to be aware of some of the health issues that may affect the health of your beloved pet. There are many things that you can do to protect your Boston Terrier's Health.
Boston Terrier Eyes
Those Cartoon Bulgy Eyes Are Cute!
One of the health problems that Boston Terriers can develop is eye problems such as cataracts. Cataracts can lead to blindness with age. Watch for bluish, grey or white flecks in the eye. In some cases, surgery may be possible to correct it. Another eye problem is corneal ulcers. These may develop through irritation of the eyes from particles in the environment or from other internal eye health issues that cause infection and irritation. Protect your Boston Terrier's eyes in dusty or windy conditions. A great product for protecting those bulgy eyes is Doggles, goggles for dogs. And they look pretty funky, too!
Protection For Your Boston Terrier's Eyes Doggles
Goggles For Dogs!
Patellar Luxation - What The Heck Is That?
Boston Terriers Can Have Orthopedic Issues
Boston Terrier health problems can include orthopedic issues, such as knee and back leg problems known as Patellar Luxation. Luxation is a fancy word for dislocation, and Patellar means knee. Signs of patellar luxation are limping, pain, and frequent stops to stretch the rear leg. This abnormal displacement of the kneecap results in pain, cartilage damage, and arthritis.
There are varying degrees, or grades of severity of this disease, as shown in the chart below. This shows the grades and they point to the severity of the issue. Once the problem gets to the Grade 4 stage it most likely will require surgery.
There are varying degrees, or grades of severity of this disease, as shown in the chart below. This shows the grades and they point to the severity of the issue. Once the problem gets to the Grade 4 stage it most likely will require surgery.
Grade I
Knee cap can be manipulated out of its groove but returns to its normal position by itself
Grade II
Knee cap rides out of its groove occasionally and can be replaced by manipulating it back into the groove
Grade III
Knee cap rides out of its groove most of the time but can be replaced in the groove via manipulation
Grade IV
Knee cap rides out of its groove all the time and cannot be replaced inside the groove
Boston Terrier Knee Joint
The Skinny On Skin
Boston Terrier Dog's Skin Problems
Allergic Dermatitis is another one of the Boston Terrier health problems that many owners deal with. Allergy testing by a dermatologist can help to determine the underlying causes. Sometimes the dog may have to eat a specialty diet and take medicine to combat the problem. Although it is not recommended to bathe the afflicted pooch too often, using medicated shampoos and lotions can sometimes help, but check with your veterinarian first.Another skin issue that Boston Terrierdogs can suffer from are mites. These are microscopic insects that attack sections of your dog's body. They are not dangerous, but your vet can test the skin to see if this is the problem. He can prescribe an ointment to combat the mites.
Good Boston Terrier Health Starts With Good Nutrition. Do you know what is in the food you are feeding your dog? A good diet results in a shiny coat, clear eyes and good energy.
They Snuffle, They Snort!
Boston Terrier Breathing Problems
Because of the short head of this breed, this is probably one of the most common health problems for Boston Terrier dogs. There is a little more work for them in order to breathe. For that reason, Bostons tend to snuffle, snort and even snore. (Mine snores pretty loud!) It is recommended that you use a harness-style instead of a traditional neck collar for this reason.My Boston Terrier, Samba goes into what the vet calls a "reverse sneezing fit" every so often. It's almost like a seizure, but apparently it's not harmful. The first time it happened, it was quite disturbing, so hopefully anyone considering bringing a Boston Terrier home will read this and know that it's OK.
Does Your Boston Terrier Snore?
Drop me a line with your stories!
I was wondering if they made those snore strips for dogs. Oh, wait. Boston Terriers don't have noses long enough. How many times are you awakened by that funny little (or big!) snore?
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tmmallin
Apr 10, 2012 @ 1:19 am | delete
- Oh, I have two of them: brother & sister. Let me tell you, they snore so loud, I have to use ear plugs, because they sleep with us. They also have a funny habit of "digging" themselves under the covers :-) Thank you for your good advises. And Kramer, thank you for your advise about reverse sneezing.
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brittzy
Jan 13, 2011 @ 8:16 pm | delete
- blessings!
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brittzy
Jan 13, 2011 @ 8:16 pm | delete
- YES!! mine snored so loudly... it often gave me nightmares that i was being chased by a train.... haha
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robertpaul123
Jan 10, 2011 @ 5:37 am | delete
- You are a genius and that is proved from your article. You have a lot of knowledge on this subject. I read a lot of your article. Your previous article too moved me to the core. How do you manage to write such touchy articles?
Suhagra
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kramer
May 5, 2010 @ 4:00 pm | delete
- just a comment about reverse sneezing....i read or was told (can't remember) to hold my finger closely but not tightly to my boston's nose when he is having the problem. It encourages them to open their mouths and get air instead of trying to breathe through their nose. It works well. Definitely do not do it tightly as this would just scare them more and the whole things would just make them panic. The reverse sneeze is sometimes scary on it's own (my little guy actually shivers) Anyway, it works really well for us.
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Important!
Please Read
P.S. Folks, by all means, this does not include all Boston Terrier health problems that may be experienced. I am not qualified, nor is this meant to diagnose any condition. If your dog exhibits any symptoms of discomfort or illness, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian immediately.
by My-Mosaic
I live in beautiful Vancouver, Canada with my wonderful Boston Terrier, Samba. I enjoy creating mosaic tile art projects and spending time with my fam... more »
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