Breed-Related Health Issues
The Cairn Terrier is considered one of the truly healthy small dog breeds, thanks to the preservation of its original character and ancient appearance. Its average lifespan is around 15 years.
However, there are breed-specific health issues. Eye conditions are the most common, such as glaucoma and entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid). Early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of successful treatment for both conditions.
There are also genetically screenable diseases, including:
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Krabbe disease
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – clouding of the lens
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Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency
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Macrothrombocytopenia
Patellar luxation can be checked earliest after the dog reaches 1 year of age.
laucoma: Early recognition of symptoms is crucial because untreated increased intraocular pressure can damage the optic nerve and retina, potentially leading to blindness in a relatively short period.
Entropion: This condition can be corrected surgically and usually does not recur.
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (Krabbe Disease): This is a lipid storage disorder that causes progressive degeneration of the white matter in the central nervous system. Due to the lack of a specific enzyme, lipids accumulate in the CNS, particularly in multinucleated giant cells (globoid cells). Affected puppies typically show symptoms between 1–3 months of age, initially including ataxia and paresis of the hind limbs.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): The hereditary form of PRA leads to degeneration of the retina and eventual blindness. The prcd-PRA form initially affects rod cells, causing night blindness. In later stages, cone cells are also affected, leading to complete blindness. Clinical signs usually appear in early adolescence or early adulthood, although the age of onset may vary by breed.
Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Deficiency: PK is an enzyme essential for energy production in red blood cells through anaerobic glycolysis. A deficiency prevents erythrocytes from maintaining normal metabolism, causing premature cell destruction. This results in anemia of varying severity, with clinical signs including exercise intolerance, weakness, heart murmur, and enlarged spleen.
Macrothrombocytopenia (MTC): This is a hereditary disorder affecting platelet formation, which plays a key role in blood clotting. It is characterized by reduced platelet count (thrombocytopenia) and many remaining platelets being enlarged. Affected dogs generally do not have increased bleeding risk, but misdiagnosis is possible, as symptoms can resemble acquired thrombocytopenia caused by infections, medications, or immune reactions. Genetic testing is important for accurate diagnosis, as antibiotics or corticosteroids are not suitable for treating hereditary macrothrombocytopenia.
Patellar Luxation: Also known as kneecap dislocation, this is common in small dog breeds. Patellar luxation occurs when the knee joint (often the hind legs) slips out of place, causing discomfort or pain. While it can be painful, many dogs live relatively normal lives with the condition into old age.