Kerry Blue Terrier Medical Conditions
by Lorraine Lee
During the 1960's,
the Kerry Blue Terrier breed was hit very hard by a fatal genetic disease
known as progressive neuronal abiotrophy. This disease causes
a progressively severe head tremor, accompanied by stiffness of the limbs.
There is concern within the fancy that should the popularity of the breed
rise, the return of this disease is possible due to overbreeding, particularly
by puppymills and irresponsible breeders. When dealing with breeders
to purchase a Kerry Blue puppy, or any other breed of puppy, ask questions
concerning the pedigree, health guarantees, medical checks and watch the
interaction of the breeder with their animals. Use common sense,
and prepare questions ahead of time. Ask for references, and check for
involvement in breed clubs, rescue organizations, and/or in their community.
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a very sturdy animal,
and responsible breeders have kept this breed as healthy and true to original
form as they could. There are a few issues that you need to be aware
of as owners of this breed. Even as human beings can get sick, or
have medical issues, so can dogs. The following are the most common
that can be found in the Kerry Blue Terrier.
Bilateral Cataracts
Cataracts in dogs can be identified as opaque spots
on the lens of the eye. These spots may cause total or partial loss
of vision. Some cataracts are hereditary while others are not.
In some cases surgery may help the dog recover.
For further information regarding this condition please see (Medical
Index/Bilateral Cataracts).
Sebacious adenitis :
This is a skin condition where
the lubricating glands cease to function. Hair falls out in great
quantities, musky odor, flaking and thickening of the skin are some of
the symptoms.
Information on this condition may be found in the Medical Index(Sebacious
adenitis).
Hip Dysplasia (HD)
Hip Dysplasia is the result of the
malformation of the hip joint(s). This condition is a common difficulty
in most of the large dog breeds. This condition is both genetic and
environmentally influenced.
Be sure that both parents of any Kerry
Blue Terrier puppy you are considering purchasing is certified by OFA or
Penn Hip to be free of Hip Dysplasia.
Over-feeding, over-exercise and injury
while young may also contribute to your puppy damaging his hips(leading
to degeneration).
For further information regarding this condition please see (Medical
Index/Hip Dysplasia).
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)
von Willebrand's disease is a hereditary
bleeding disorder. It impacts the dog's ability to clot blood (similar
to hemophilia). This disorder is found in both males and females.
For further information regarding this condition please see (Medical/von
Willebrand's Disease). - It should be noted that in the AKC Gazette,
dated 1/2003, there is now genetic testing available for the Kerry Blue
Terrier for this disease. Breeders can now test their stock and know
for certain if it is present in their bloodline.
Return to Kerry Blue Terrier Directory
Return
to Bark Bytes Home
Bark Bytes copyright & disclaimer
All rights reserved. No part of this publication shall be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission
from Bark Bytes, Inc.