15 Westie Health Issues to Look Out For (Vet Answer) – 33rdsquare

Westies: Adorable Companions Prone to Certain Health Issues
West Highland White Terriers, affectionately known as "Westies," are a popular small terrier breed known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and distinctive white coats. Originally bred in Scotland to hunt small mammals, Westies have transitioned to beloved family pets cherished for their spunky yet sweet dispositions.

While generally a healthy, hardy breed with a lifespan of 12-14 years on average, Westies are genetically predisposed to certain health conditions all prospective and current owners should be aware of. As a veterinarian, I‘ll walk you through the most common Westie health issues, preventive care tips, and when it‘s time to visit your vet.

Most Common Health Issues in Westies

1. Skin Problems
   Westies commonly suffer from skin issues, with allergies being the top cause. Environmental and food allergies can trigger itchy skin, recurrent infections, hair loss, and ear inflammation. Epidermal dysplasia is an inherited skin disorder specific to Westies resulting in darkened, thickened, scaly skin. While allergies can often be managed through diet changes, medications, and environmental modifications, epidermal dysplasia requires lifelong support to keep dogs comfortable.

2. Orthopedic Conditions
   Several orthopedic issues frequently affect Westies:

• Luxating patellas (trick knee) where knee caps slip in and out of place cause intermittent lameness and arthritis
• Hip dysplasia resulting from malformed hip joints leading to pain, lameness, and muscle wasting, especially in Westies‘ hind end
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease which damages the femoral head (ball) of the hip joint in young puppies due to interrupted blood supply. Surgery is often needed to restore mobility and relieve pain from these conditions.

3. Breathing Difficulties
   Some Westies develop pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive scarring of the lungs that makes breathing difficult. Affected dogs may cough, wheeze, or experience labored breathing as lung tissue thickens and stiffens. While the condition can‘t be cured, treatments like anti-inflammatories, cough suppressants, and bronchodilators can improve quality of life.

4. Neurological Disorders
   White Dog Shaker Syndrome causes full body tremors in Westies and other small white-coated breeds. The uncontrollable shaking typically starts between 6 months to 3 years of age. While the exact cause is unknown, many dogs respond well to corticosteroids, signaling an immune-mediated origin. Fortunately, the condition rarely impacts lifespan with proper treatment.

5. Gastrointestinal Issues
   Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) disproportionately affects Westies, triggering chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss as the intestinal lining becomes inflamed. Food allergies, intestinal infections, and imbalances in gut bacteria are thought to contribute. Dogs with IBD often require diet changes, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and/or other medications to control symptoms.

6. Liver Disease
   Chronic liver disease is a concern in Westies, with copper accumulation being one potential cause of ongoing liver inflammation eventually leading to organ failure. Affected dogs may lose weight and develop a bloated abdomen, jaundiced gums, and act depressed. Medications, diet changes, and supportive care can slow disease progression.

7. Dry Eye
   Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS or dry eye) is a condition where the eyes fail to produce enough tears. Westies are prone to this immune-mediated disorder which leads to thick eye discharge, corneal ulcers, and discomfort. Lifelong eye drop administration is necessary to lubricate the eyes and prevent vision loss.

8. Endocrine Disorders
   Westies have a higher incidence of certain hormone imbalance disorders:

• Diabetes mellitus results in high blood sugar from inadequate insulin production or insulin resistance. It requires careful monitoring and insulin injections to control.
• Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing‘s disease) stems from excessive cortisol production, triggering increased thirst, urination, panting, potbelly appearance and muscle weakness.
• Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison‘s disease) is the opposite – inadequate adrenal gland hormones resulting in waxing/waning symptoms like lethargy, poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea. All of these disorders can be managed with medications and close veterinary monitoring.

9. Kidney Disease
   Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder more common in Westies where cysts form early in life and enlarge to crowd out functioning kidney tissue. Affected dogs develop signs of kidney failure like excessive thirst and urination, poor appetite, vomiting, and weight loss. Special kidney support diets and medications to control symptoms can help dogs live comfortably.

10. Cancer
    Westies have an increased risk for developing transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), a cancer affecting the bladder and adjacent structures. TCC causes straining to urinate, bloody urine, and recurrent urinary tract infections. While these tumors are challenging to treat, chemotherapy and other interventions can extend quality of life.

The Importance of Preventive Care
Because of their predisposition to various health issues, Westies benefit greatly from diligent preventive care and health screenings. Responsible breeders utilize genetic testing to avoid passing on inherited disorders to offspring.

As a Westie owner, you play a key role in helping your dog live the healthiest life possible:

• Schedule regular veterinary check-ups (at least annually) to detect diseases early
• Keep your dog at a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise. Excess weight strains joints and organs.
• Brush your Westie‘s double coat regularly and check skin/ears for signs of irritation
• Maintain oral hygiene with dental cleanings and tooth brushing
• Administer parasite preventatives and vaccinations as directed by your vet
• Pursue any recommended screening tests based on your dog‘s age and health status

When to See the Vet
As a general rule, any time your Westie is acting sick, injured, or "off," it warrants veterinary attention. Specific signs that should trigger a vet visit include:

• Excessive itching, scratching, hair loss, or skin lesions
• Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to move
• Labored breathing, prolonged coughing, or wheezing
• Full body tremors
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
• Increased thirst and/or urination
• Straining to urinate or bloody urine
• Jaundice (yellowing of eyes, skin, gums)
• Seizures
• Lethargy or appetite loss

Catching illnesses in their early stages allows for more effective intervention. You know your Westie best, so always err on the side of caution if something seems amiss.

Westie Wellness: A Team Effort
Westies make delightful companions but it‘s important to understand their unique health needs. As a veterinarian, I encourage all Westie owners to establish a good working relationship with a vet knowledgeable about the breed. Together, you can give your spirited little terrier the healthiest, happiest life possible.

While Westies may be predisposed to certain diseases, many can be managed successfully with prompt veterinary care, allowing them to share many wonderful years with their families. Staying vigilant, keeping up with preventive care, and addressing any issues that arise quickly will help your Westie beat the odds and thrive.