Understanding the health and care of your West Highland White Terrier

Quick answer

The West Highland White Terrier is a spirited and confident companion known for its intelligence and independent nature. While generally robust, this breed has a specific set of health tendencies that owners should monitor throughout their life. By maintaining a lean body condition, providing consistent training, and keeping a close watch for subtle changes in energy or skin health, you can support your dog’s long-term wellbeing. Early intervention is the most effective way to manage these conditions, so familiarizing yourself with these common breed-specific health concerns is a vital step in responsible ownership.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal groove. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. At home, you might notice your dog skipping a step, holding a leg up briefly, or suddenly stopping during a walk. The vet will perform a physical manipulation of the knee to check for instability. If the kneecap is loose, they may suggest imaging to assess the severity. It is important to avoid letting your dog jump from high surfaces, as this can exacerbate joint issues.

Skin Allergies

Skin allergies are common in this breed. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You will likely notice your dog licking their paws, scratching excessively, or developing red, inflamed skin patches. The vet will often start by ruling out parasites or infections before discussing potential environmental or food triggers. Keeping a diary of when symptoms flare up can help your vet identify patterns. The most common owner mistake is waiting until the skin is severely damaged or infected before seeking help, which makes the recovery process much longer.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia involves an abnormal development of the hip joint. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You may notice your dog having difficulty rising from a resting position, a swaying gait, or a reluctance to climb stairs. The vet will use physical exams and X-rays to look at the fit of the hip joint. Because this condition can cause discomfort, keeping your dog at a lean weight is the single most important thing you can do to reduce the load on their joints.

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

This condition affects the red blood cells and is a recognised tendency in the breed. It is unclear how this passes down, and it is considered a well-established concern. You might notice your dog appearing lethargic or having pale gums. The vet will conduct blood work to analyze red blood cell function. If your dog shows signs of unexplained fatigue, a prompt blood panel is necessary to check for signs of anemia.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

This condition affects the blood supply to the head of the femur, leading to bone degradation. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. It is well recognised in the breed, and a strong genetic basis has been documented. Owners often notice a sudden onset of limping or lameness in a young dog. A vet will use X-rays to confirm the condition. Because this causes significant pain, early diagnosis is essential to prevent long-term mobility issues.

Copper Storage Hepatopathy

This liver condition involves the abnormal accumulation of copper. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Some cases are copper-associated while others are not. You might notice your dog acting unusually tired, losing their appetite, or showing signs of jaundice. The vet will use blood tests to check liver enzymes and may perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. It is vital to monitor your dog for any sudden changes in appetite or energy.

Sick Sinus Syndrome

This is a heart rhythm disorder that is commonly seen in older West Highland White Terriers. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice your dog fainting, appearing weak, or having episodes of collapse. The vet will use an electrocardiogram to monitor the heart's electrical activity. If you notice your dog collapsing, this is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary assessment.

Ventricular Septal Defect

This is a congenital heart condition involving a hole in the wall between the heart chambers. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Often, a vet will detect a heart murmur during a routine physical exam. If a murmur is heard, the vet will likely recommend an echocardiogram to see the structure of the heart. Even if your dog seems active, a heart murmur should never be ignored.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

This condition involves the development of fluid-filled cysts within the kidneys. This is a recognised tendency in the breed, and it is classified as a congenital or familial nephropathy. You might notice an increase in thirst, frequent urination, or weight loss. The vet will use ultrasound imaging to look for cysts. Early detection allows for better management of kidney function through diet and supportive care.

Addison Disease

Addison disease is a hormonal disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. A genetic predisposition is suspected, and this is a recognised tendency in the breed. Signs are often vague, such as intermittent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Because these signs can mimic many other conditions, the vet will perform specific blood tests to measure hormone levels. This condition can lead to a crisis if not managed, so never ignore persistent digestive upset.

Pulmonary Hypertension

This is high blood pressure in the lungs, often associated with pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice your dog coughing, struggling to breathe, or tiring very quickly during exercise. The vet will use specific ratios to predict the risk and may perform an echocardiogram. If your dog is struggling to breathe, this is a life-threatening emergency.