Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Age Calculator

A congenital condition where the kidneys develop abnormally during foetal life, resulting in immature or malformed kidney tissue. Renal dysplasia is distinct from PLN and represents another path to kidney failure in the breed. Severely affected puppies may present with kidney failure in the first year of life, while mildly affected dogs may have reduced kidney function that becomes problematic later. The condition can be confirmed via renal biopsy.

Prevention: There is no prevention, as the condition is congenital and likely genetic. Responsible breeders monitor kidney values in their breeding stock and offspring. Puppies from affected lines should have early kidney screening including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine levels, and urinalysis. Ultrasound can reveal abnormally small or irregular kidneys. Early detection allows supportive management to slow progression.

Symptoms: excessive thirst and urination in young dogs, poor growth compared to littermates, weight loss, vomiting, poor coat condition, dilute urine, small kidneys on ultrasound

Abnormal development of the hip joint resulting in joint laxity, cartilage erosion, and progressive arthritis. While more commonly associated with large breeds, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a notable incidence of hip dysplasia. The condition ranges from mild, asymptomatic laxity to severe malformation causing pain and lameness. The breed's active lifestyle means even mild hip dysplasia can become symptomatic with repetitive impact.

Prevention: Source puppies from OFA or PennHIP-tested parents. Maintain a lean body weight throughout life. Avoid high-impact repetitive exercise during growth (first 14 months). Provide joint supplements from middle age. Regular, moderate exercise maintains joint muscle support. Swimming is excellent low-impact exercise for dogs with hip concerns.

Symptoms: stiffness after rest or exercise, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, bunny-hopping gait, decreased activity, limping after exercise, difficulty rising from lying position

A serious kidney disease in which the glomeruli (filtering units of the kidneys) become damaged and leak protein into the urine. PLN is one of the most significant health concerns in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, with a genetic predisposition unique to the breed. The condition leads to progressive kidney failure, and affected dogs may also develop blood clots, fluid retention, and high blood pressure. PLN can progress rapidly once clinical signs appear.

Prevention: There is no way to prevent PLN, but early detection through regular urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) testing and blood panels dramatically improves management outcomes. All Wheatens should have annual screening starting at age 2. A genetic test (NPHS1 variant) can identify dogs at higher risk. Feeding a moderate-protein, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight supports kidney health. Work with a veterinary internist if PLN is diagnosed.

Symptoms: increased thirst and urination, weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, swollen legs or abdomen (oedema), vomiting, muscle wasting

A gastrointestinal condition where protein is lost through the intestinal wall due to inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal lymphangiectasia, or other intestinal damage. PLE is the other major health concern in the breed and often co-occurs with PLN. Affected dogs lose protein through the gut, leading to low blood albumin levels, fluid accumulation, weight loss, and malnutrition. The condition requires lifelong dietary management and often immunosuppressive therapy.

Prevention: Regular blood albumin level monitoring starting at age 2 enables early detection. Some breeders recommend feeding a low-fat, moderate-protein diet prophylactically. Avoid foods with known inflammatory triggers and maintain a consistent diet. Genetic testing can identify at-risk dogs. If PLE is suspected, intestinal biopsy provides definitive diagnosis and guides treatment. Work with a veterinary internist experienced with the breed.

Symptoms: chronic diarrhoea, weight loss despite good appetite, vomiting, decreased appetite, swollen abdomen (ascites), lethargy, poor coat condition

A condition where the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient cortisol and aldosterone hormones, which are critical for stress response, electrolyte balance, and metabolism. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a higher than average incidence of Addison's disease. The condition can present dramatically as an acute crisis (collapse, shock) or insidiously with vague, waxing-and-waning symptoms that mimic other conditions, earning it the nickname 'the great pretender'.

Prevention: Awareness is the primary prevention tool. Request an ACTH stimulation test if vague, intermittent gastrointestinal or lethargy symptoms are present. A baseline cortisol test can serve as a quick screen. Wheatens with unexplained GI symptoms should always be tested for Addison's before attributing symptoms to PLE alone. Once diagnosed, the condition is manageable with lifelong hormone replacement (monthly DOCP injections and daily prednisone), and most dogs live normal lives.

Symptoms: intermittent lethargy and weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea (waxing and waning), decreased appetite, weight loss, shaking or trembling, collapse during stress (Addisonian crisis), slow heart rate