All Dog Breeds >>Health of Cairn Terrier
These dogs are generally healthy and live on average about fifteen years. Yet breeders, owners and veterinarians have identified several health problems that are significant for Cairns. Some of these diseases are hereditary while others occur as a result of nonspecific factors (i.e. infections, toxins, injuries, or advanced age).
Some of the more common hereditary health problems found in the Cairn are
Cataracts
Ocular Melanosis
Progressive retinal atrophy
Corneal dystrophy
Krabbe disease (Globoid cell leukodystrophy)
Hip dysplasia
Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome
Craniomandibular osteopathy (Lion Jaw)
Von Willebrand disease
Hypothyroidism
Portosystemic shunt
Luxating patella
Entropion
Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS)