Boston Terriers are prone to hip problems, and patellar luxation is one of the most common. If left untreated, this condition can lead to a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. Another problem Boston Terriers are susceptible to is hip dysphasia, which can affect one or both hips. While this problem occurs more often in large breeds than in small breeds, it can also occur in small breeds.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation in Boston Terriers is a painful condition that can cause severe problems in the knees and hips. If left untreated, it can lead to painful arthritis and torn ACLs. This condition can be caused by multiple factors, some of which can be traumatic. However, the vast majority of cases are genetic. Because of this, breeders should avoid breeding dogs with this condition.
There are two grades of patellar luxation. Grade I luxation is the easiest to treat and is usually self-resolving. Grade II luxation is more likely to be treated with manipulation. Grade III luxation will result in more pain and lameness. In grade IV, the patella is permanently out of position. A vet can help your dog recover by moving it back into place.
Patellar luxation in Boston Terriers is an increasingly common condition. It can be treated with chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy. It can also be treated with physiotherapy to delay the onset of arthritis. In advanced cases, pain medications and anti-inflammatories can be used to improve quality of life and reduce pain. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it slows joint degeneration and improves treatment.
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
A Boston Terrier diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthes may have problems in one or both hips. One study by Jennifer Demko and Ron McLaughlin found that the disease was bilateral in 12 to 16 percent of affected dogs. A veterinarian can detect the disease by taking a radiograph of the hip joint. Veterinarians look for flattening or lucency of the femoral head and an increase in space in the acetabulum.
Although surgical treatment is the most common option for Boston Terrier hip problems, there are other methods available. Cage rest is an alternative to surgery and can be used in some cases. However, cage rest can only be used if the dog’s hip joint is in good shape and the cartilage is smooth.
The cause of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease is not known, but some researchers believe that it may be related to a lack of blood supply to the head of the femur bone. A veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam to rule out any underlying causes.
Cushing’s disease
If your Boston Terrier is experiencing hip problems, your veterinarian may suspect that he or she has Cushing’s disease. This is a disease of the pituitary gland. It causes the dog’s muscles to weaken and stretch. It may also cause your dog to develop thin skin and have chronic skin infections. His or her skin may also develop dark patches. Moreover, if your dog has this condition, he or she may experience urinary incontinence, which can result in persistent bladder infections.
Because of the degenerative nature of this disease, Boston Terrier hips can become painful. A painful hip condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease is associated with this condition. This disease is not fully understood, but it’s believed to be caused by a problem in the blood supply to the hip. In addition, the femoral head may become brittle. The disease generally begins at around six to nine months of age, causing pain in the rear legs. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
In order to confirm a diagnosis of Cushing’s disease, a veterinarian will conduct blood tests. The first step is to look for an elevated level of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme in the liver. The second step is to perform an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This involves giving your pet a small injection of ACTH and then taking a sample again several hours later.
Epilepsy
If you have noticed that your Boston Terrier is having seizures, then you need to contact a vet right away. Seizures in Bostons are most common in young dogs. These dogs usually start having seizures between one and five years of age, and while some of these dogs may only have a few episodes a year, others may have seizures several times a month. A Boston with epilepsy usually needs a lifelong medication to control the seizures, and blood tests are required to monitor its efficacy.
Seizures in dogs with epilepsy are often accompanied by behavioral changes, which can indicate a larger problem. These changes can affect QoL, which is a measure of quality of life. While these changes are not permanent, they can make your dog more prone to injuries.
A recent study conducted at a teaching hospital found that only 1.9 percent of dogs had epilepsy. However, five of these dogs suffered from reactive seizures. The study also included dogs with epilepsy that was classified as StE, IdE, or a combination of all three. Epilepsy severity was also evaluated with the help of a questionnaire that included owner’s information, and the frequency of seizures. The study also included 22 videos of epileptic seizures, which were acquired from the owners.
Obesity
Obesity can be a serious problem for your Boston Terrier. Being overweight is bad for your dog’s joints and can make it difficult for him to jump or climb furniture. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce your Boston’s weight. Read on to learn more about what to do if your pet is suffering from this condition.
If your dog is overweight, you should have him checked by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can recommend certain lifestyle changes to help prevent this condition from worsening. One way to reduce your Boston’s weight is to start regular exercise. Exercising your dog at least twice a week can help his joints stay healthy and reduce the symptoms of hip dysplasia.
Overweight dogs are more susceptible to hip problems than smaller breeds. They also tend to experience a painful eye condition called glaucoma. This disease can cause blindness if left untreated. The symptoms include watery eyes, bluish corneas, and redness or white spots in the eye. In advanced cases, the eyes may appear bulging or enlarged. The best way to determine whether your Boston Terrier has this condition is to schedule an annual checkup.
Dental disease
Dental disease is a widespread health problem among dogs. Unfortunately, it often goes unnoticed by pet owners. However, recent studies by the Royal Veterinary College show that dogs of certain breeds are particularly prone to dental disease. The findings are important for dog owners to know as it may help them detect symptoms early and seek veterinary help.
The dental health of large breed dogs is especially important to maintain, because they are prone to tooth loss and trauma. Veterinary dentists recommend professional dental cleanings for large breeds at least once a year. During these visits, x-rays should be taken to check for any signs of dental problems, including tooth loss.
Periodontal disease affects the gum tissues and teeth. In advanced cases, the disease may even lead to tooth loss. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis as this condition can be irreversible. Fortunately, there are treatments for this problem. A vet can use a special antibiotic gel to help gum tissue reattach to the roots. Occasionally, vets may also be able to regenerate bone and tissue through special therapies. But if the disease is advanced, a veterinarian may opt to remove the affected tooth.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from dental disease, visit a vet as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can help extend your dog’s life and avoid painful dental surgeries. Proper diet and regular veterinary dental visits are important for preventing this condition from progressing to more serious problems.
