Caring for your Bedlington Terrier

Quick answer

Bedlington Terriers are unique dogs that require a proactive approach to health monitoring. While they are generally resilient, they have a recognised tendency toward specific conditions affecting their liver, eyes, and joints. By keeping a consistent routine of skin checks, weight monitoring, and observation of their breathing and movement, you can ensure your dog stays healthy throughout their life.

Copper Toxicosis

This condition involves the accumulation of copper in the liver. This is well recognised in the breed. At home, you might notice your dog becoming lethargic, losing their appetite, or appearing jaundiced, which is a yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes. You may also notice an increase in thirst or urination. When you bring your dog to the clinic, the vet will perform blood tests to check liver enzyme levels and may recommend a liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Urgency is determined by how quickly the dog's energy levels drop or if they begin vomiting. A common mistake is waiting for the dog to look visibly ill before seeking help, as liver issues can progress silently.

Retinal Dysplasia

This is an eye condition where the retina does not develop properly. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice your dog bumping into objects, appearing hesitant in low light, or showing signs of cloudy eyes. Your vet will use an ophthalmoscope to examine the back of the eye. If they suspect an issue, they may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for a detailed assessment. The urgency depends on whether the dog is showing signs of pain or sudden vision loss. A common mistake is assuming that a dog with vision issues is simply getting older or acting clumsy.

Microphthalmia

This refers to the condition where the eye is abnormally small. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You may notice that one or both of your dog's eyes appear smaller than normal, or there may be persistent discharge or irritation. Your vet will conduct a physical examination of the eye structure to assess the extent of the condition. While this is often present from a young age, any sudden changes in the appearance of the eye require prompt attention. Do not assume that a small eye is purely cosmetic, as it can lead to chronic irritation.

Patellar Luxation

This occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal position. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice your dog skipping a step, holding a leg up while walking, or showing sudden signs of stiffness after resting. Your vet will perform a physical exam to check the stability of the kneecap. They may use X-rays to assess the joint. Urgency is based on the level of pain the dog is in and how frequently they are limping. A common mistake is ignoring a mild limp that seems to resolve on its own, as this can lead to long-term joint damage.

Inherited Cataracts

Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, affecting vision. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You will likely notice a white or blueish haze developing in the pupil. Your vet will examine the eye to determine if the cloudiness is indeed a cataract. The urgency is low unless the dog is showing signs of distress or if the cataract causes secondary inflammation. A common mistake is waiting until the dog is completely blind before seeking an exam.

Distichiasis

This is a condition where extra eyelashes grow from the eyelid and rub against the surface of the eye. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice your dog squinting, pawing at their eyes, or having excessive tearing. Your vet will use magnification to look for these fine hairs. If left untreated, this can cause painful corneal ulcers. Do not attempt to pluck these hairs yourself, as this can cause further injury.