Understanding the Manchester Terrier Health Profile

Quick answer

The Manchester Terrier is a spirited and loyal companion that generally enjoys a robust life. Like all breeds, they have specific health predispositions that owners should monitor. By keeping your dog at a healthy, lean weight and staying alert to subtle changes in their movement, vision, or energy levels, you provide the best possible care for your pet.

von Willebrand's disease

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. It is a bleeding disorder that interferes with the blood's ability to clot effectively. At home, you might first notice this condition if your dog experiences prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums after chewing a toy. In more severe cases, you may see bruising on the skin or blood in the urine or stool.

When you visit the clinic, your vet will perform blood tests to evaluate how well your dog's blood clots. They may also run specific genetic or protein assays to confirm the diagnosis. Urgency is determined by the severity of the bleeding. If your dog is losing blood rapidly or has had a significant injury, this is an emergency. A common mistake owners make is waiting to see if a small cut stops bleeding on its own when it has been oozing for an extended period. If your dog is scheduled for surgery, always ensure your vet is aware of this potential condition beforehand so they can screen for it.

Patellar luxation

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. It involves the kneecap slipping out of its normal groove. You may notice your dog occasionally skipping a step, holding a back leg up for a few seconds, or running with an unusual gait. Often, the dog will suddenly stop, stretch the leg, and then return to normal as the kneecap pops back into place.

Your vet will perform a physical examination to feel how easily the kneecap moves out of its groove. If the condition is suspected, they may use X-rays to assess the alignment of the leg bones. Urgency depends on how much pain the dog is in and whether they are unable to bear weight on the leg. Do not assume a limp is just a minor sprain if it happens repeatedly. The mistake of ignoring intermittent lameness allows the joint to wear down further over time.

Glaucoma

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Glaucoma is a condition where pressure inside the eye increases, which can be very painful and lead to vision loss if not managed. At home, you might notice your dog squinting, rubbing at their eye, or that the eye appears cloudy or slightly enlarged. The white part of the eye may also look redder than usual.

Your vet will use a specialized instrument called a tonometer to measure the pressure inside the eye. If the pressure is high, this is a medical emergency. Glaucoma can cause permanent blindness very quickly. A common mistake is assuming that a red or squinting eye is just a minor irritation or an allergy and waiting days to see if it improves. If you notice any sudden change in your dog's eye, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

This is well recognised in the breed, and how this passes down is not settled. This condition affects the hip joint, specifically the head of the thigh bone, which begins to degenerate. You will likely notice your dog starting to limp on one of their hind legs. They may become reluctant to jump, climb stairs, or play as vigorously as they once did. Over time, the muscles in the affected leg may appear to shrink due to lack of use.

Your vet will perform a physical exam to check for pain when the hip is moved. An X-ray is the definitive test used to visualize the changes in the hip joint. Urgency is determined by the level of discomfort your dog is experiencing. While this is not always a life-threatening emergency, it is a painful condition that requires prompt management to prevent long-term damage. Do not assume your dog is just 'getting old' if they show signs of stiffness or reluctance to move, as early intervention is key to managing their comfort.