Hello, fellow dog lovers! Daisy the Boston Terrier here, ready to share some insider tips on the health and special care needs of my beloved breed. As a four-legged connoisseur of life, I have experienced first-hand some of the unique traits and challenges that come with being a Boston Terrier.
Understanding Boston Terriers
Let's start with a quick overview of what makes us Boston Terriers so special. We are a charming and lively breed, known for our expressive eyes and tuxedo-like coat. But beneath our adorable exteriors, we have some specific health considerations that all potential Boston Terrier parents should be aware of.
Health Issues to Watch Out For
While we Boston Terriers are generally healthy and hardy dogs, there are a few common health issues that can affect us. One of the most critical conditions to watch out for is brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which is a fancy way of saying that our flat faces can sometimes make breathing a bit more challenging.
As a brachycephalic breed, Boston Terriers are genetically susceptible to some eye and breathing health issues. Their small stature also predisposes them to orthopedic and other conditions.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Like other flat-faced dog breeds, Boston Terriers are prone to developing Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
Dog breeds like Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Boxers that have a characteristic smooshed face are likely to develop BOAS.
Even though the anatomy is present from birth, you’re most likely to notice symptoms of BOAS in your gentleman after he reaches adulthood.
The flattened face appearance in Boston Terriers occurs because they have compressed skull bones that can lead to narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate, a narrow trachea, and everted laryngeal saccules. These structural abnormalities can interfere with your dog’s breathing.
Signs of BOAS include:
Noisy breathing/snoring
Difficulty breathing
Coughing/gagging
Exercise/heat intolerance
Pale gums
Collapse
If you don’t seek treatment for symptoms of BOAS in your Boston Terrier, he’s likely to have increasing levels of respiratory distress and may eventually collapse.
You can’t change the anatomy of your Boston Terrier, but you may be able to prevent breathing difficulties by keeping your dog in a climate-controlled environment when it’s hot and humid outside. I know personally, it is much harder for me to breath when it is hot or real cold. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight can help to minimize symptoms.
Depending on the severity of your Boston’s structural abnormalities, surgical treatments for BOAS may include:
trimming the soft palate
widening the nostrils
removing everted laryngeal saccules
Congenital deafness
Compared to most breeds, Boston Terriers are more prone to congenital deafness or being born deaf in one or both ears.
I can hear just fine, but sometimes I don't listen to mom and dad, and they say I have selective hearing.
Dog breeds that have a higher tendency to have congenital deafness include Boston Terriers, Jack Russel Terriers, Scottish Terriers, and Bull Terriers.
The definition of congenital is present at birth, so this condition is first present in puppies and continues throughout your Boston’s lifetime.
As a congenital condition, this kind of deafness is usually caused by a recessive gene, but it may also be the result of an intrauterine infection before birth.
Signs of congenital deafness may include non-responsiveness to calls or commands, confusion, or unexplained barking.
There is no treatment for congenital deafness.
The best way to prevent congenital deafness is to buy your Boston Terrier from a trustworthy breeder. Make sure there’s no history of deafness in your Terrier’s family line. You should also strive to keep the bitch healthy during gestation to prevent infections.
If your Boston Terrier is born deaf or partially deaf, you can enhance his quality of life by making adjustments to your routines and home and seeking specialized training for your furbaby.
Eye problems
The flat face and large eyes of the Boston Terrier make them vulnerable to developing certain eye conditions, including cherry eye, entropion, dry eye, corneal ulcers, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Brachycephalic breeds like Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, and Pugs can suffer from many of the same eye conditions.
Boston Terriers are born with anatomy that predisposes them to cherry eye, so the signs can manifest in puppies. Dry eye and corneal ulcers usually develop over time and are more common in adult Boston's. Likewise, cataracts and glaucoma usually surface in mature adults or senior Terriers.
Cherry eye and distichiasis are conditions involving the eyelid. With the former, the third eyelid pops out but with the latter, the eyelashes grow inward toward the eye. Inadequate tear production causes dry eye, and this can lead to an erosion of the corneal surface or corneal ulcers. With glaucoma, the aqueous liquid fails to drain from the eye globe, causing a buildup of pressure.
Signs of eye conditions include:
Eye pain
Swollen eyeball
Watery discharge from the eye
Cloudiness in the eye
Squinting
Light sensitivity
Blinking or holding the eye shut
Eye redness
Yellow or green eye discharge
Tearing
pinkish/red mass in the corner of the eye (cherry eye)
Without treatment, cherry eye, distichiasis, and dry eye can irritate the cornea and cause ulceration. Untreated cataracts and glaucoma can lead to eventual blindness.
Many of these conditions are genetically linked and difficult to prevent. However, you can treat underlying conditions to help prevent corneal ulceration.
The conditions of entropion and cherry eye are usually surgically corrected. For dry eye, your veterinarian will probably prescribe tear-replacing drops. Ulcers can usually be treated topically with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drops. If your dog develops glaucoma, your veterinarian will treat it medically with painkillers and medications to help reduce pressure in the eyeball and encourage drainage. Surgery may be used in severe cases.
Patellar luxation
Boston Terriers are prone to a structural abnormality that predisposes them to patellar luxation of kneecap displacement.
My doctor says I have this in both my knees, but it doesn't bother me to much. Sometimes if I jump and land hard or run to fast when I have my zoomies, it hurts really bad and kind of pops. I am brave though and walk it off!
Patellar luxation is common in many small-breed dogs, including Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Pomeranians.
The condition congenital defect is present at birth, and signs of luxation can appear in puppies, symptoms of degeneration and arthritis generally manifest in adulthood.
If your Boston Terrier is born with a shallow knee joint and a misplaced ligament, the kneecap can move too freely. It may occasionally pop out of the socket, causing intermittent lameness.
Signs of a luxating patella include:
Holding one hind leg off the ground
Intermittent skipping or hopping
Cracking/popping sound in the affected knee
Without treatment, the repetitive motion in the affected knee can cause degenerative arthritis with increasing pain and lameness.
Prevention of patellar luxation in your Boston Terrier starts at the breeder. Ask questions about your puppy to ensure the parents have no history of the problem.
Treatment for patellar luxation involves restricting your dog’s exercise and providing anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements, and physical therapy.
Skin allergies
Boston Terriers are prone to developing sensitivities to food or environmental allergens that manifest as skin allergies.
Wow, that loos painful, I love the look on this poor dogs face!
Skin allergies are common in various dog breeds, including Boston Terriers, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Jack Russel Terriers, and Weimaraner's.
While skin allergies can manifest at any age, they’re more common in mature Boston Terriers. The allergic response usually requires repeated exposures to the offending allergens.
If your Boston Terrier develops a sensitivity to food or environmental allergens, the proteins will trigger an inflammatory response in the body that usually manifests as inflamed, itchy skin.
Signs of skin allergies include:
Red, inflamed skin
Itchiness
Constant licking/scratching
Itchy, watery eyes
Chronic ear infections
Hives
Swelling around the face
Allergic reactions tend to compound or grow more severe with repeated exposure. If you see signs of skin allergies in your Boston, talk to your veterinarian about treatment options to ease your dog’s discomfort. Immediately take your dog to the veterinarian if he has hives or swelling around the face. This is an emergency.
It’s difficult to prevent allergic reactions, but you may be able to minimize your dog’s exposure to allergens. Make every effort to identify your terrier’s trigger substances and avoid them as much as possible. If he has a food sensitivity, check with your veterinarian about a specialized diet.
Treatment options for chronic skin allergies include oral antihistamines or other allergy medications. You can also use medicated anti-itch shampoos to soothe inflamed skin.
Epilepsy
Boston Terriers have a genetic predisposition for epilepsy or repeated seizures.
Breeds that tend to develop epilepsy include Boston Terriers, Toy Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
If your Boston Terrier has epilepsy, you’ll likely see the first seizure before he’s three years old.
When dogs with epilepsy have a seizure, there’s a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The impulses cause body movements that are erratic and involuntary.
Signs of seizures may include:
Whining before and after the seizure
Drooling/foaming at the mouth
Muscle twitches/tremors
Chomping/tongue-chewing
Paddling of the limbs or thrashing
Involuntary urination/defecation
Fainting/collapsing
The first time you observe a seizure in your Boston Terrier, you should contact your veterinarian. He can determine whether there’s an identifiable cause, like a tumor. Without appropriate treatment, seizures can become more severe over time and become life-threatening.
Because epilepsy in Boston Terriers has a genetic link, the first line of prevention is selecting a puppy with no familial history of epilepsy. Any time your terrier has a seizure, immediately move him away from open stairs or furniture to protect him during the episode. Always avoid contacting his head and mouth. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, take your furbaby to the ER.
If your veterinarian identifies an underlying cause for your Boston Terrier’s seizures, treatment is aimed at the underlying condition. Antiseizure medications are used when there’s no identifiable cause.
The Joys of Being a Boston Terrier Parent
Despite health considerations, Boston Terriers make fantastic companions for families and individuals alike. Their affectionate nature, playful spirit, and unwavering loyalty are just a few reasons why they are so beloved. With the right care and attention, they can thrive and bring endless joy to their human companions.
So, to all the Boston Terrier lovers out there, remember to prioritize their unique health needs, provide them with lots of love and attention, and get ready for a lifetime of fun-filled adventures with your four-legged best friend.
In Conclusion
I hope this glimpse into the world of Boston Terriers has been both informative and enjoyable. Remember, we may have some special health needs, but with the right care and attention, we can lead happy and fulfilling lives by your side.
Keep loving us, keep caring for us, and most importantly, keep playing with us! Until next time, woofs and wags from your furry friend, Daisy the Boston Terrier.
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