| In general very healthy little dogs, Boston Terriers are | | | | common treatment for cherry eye involves surgery to |
| susceptible to very particular health issues most of | | | | reposition the gland. |
| which are related to their protruding eyes and short | | | | Deafness |
| muzzles. | | | | There can be a high incidence of deafness amongst |
| The most common health issues with Boston Terriers | | | | Boston Terriers and close attention should be made to |
| include: juvenile cataracts, cherry eye, luxating patellas | | | | their hearing as puppies. A BAER test can be given to |
| and deafness. Health issues also arise from a Boston | | | | a puppy to determine their status. Deafness can either |
| Terrier's reaction to extreme heat or cold- due to the | | | | occur unilaterally (in one ear) or bilaterally (in both ears.) |
| short muzzle the breed cannot regulate internal | | | | Those who are considered unilaterally deaf will |
| temperature causing adverse reactions. | | | | generally not show the defect in a noticeable way and |
| Juvenile Cataracts | | | | will make a great pet. Boston Terriers who are |
| The most common eye disease affecting Boston | | | | bilaterally deaf would be considered "special needs" |
| Terriers, juvenile cataracts is genetic and will cause | | | | and require special training. |
| total blindness in young dogs between the ages of 8 | | | | Patellar Luxation |
| weeks and 12 months. While cataracts can sometimes | | | | The most common orthopedic problem found in |
| be clearly visible, it is most often diagnosed by a | | | | Boston Terriers and other small breeds, patellar |
| veterinarian using a CERF test. Considered to be a | | | | luxation is a dislocation of the kneecap. Though it can |
| serious problem with Boston Terriers, carrier dogs | | | | be caused by trauma, it is often more genetic in nature. |
| should not be bred. Boston Terrier puppies should | | | | Signs of patellar luxation are limping, pain and constant |
| receive a CERF test before going to their new | | | | leg stretching (to pop the patella back into its natural |
| owners. | | | | groove.) A Boston Terrier with patellar luxation should |
| Cherry Eye | | | | keep its weight down. Extreme cases of the problem |
| Cherry eye occurs when the "third eye lid" (that | | | | can result in surgery and physical therapy. |
| contains a tear gland) comes out of its normal position | | | | Note: This information is for educational purposes only. |
| in the corner of the eye and swells. More prevalent in | | | | A diagnosis cannot be made without a veterinarian's |
| smaller breeds including the Boston Terrier, the most | | | | examination of your dog. |