West Highland White Terrier Age Calculator

A developmental bone disease affecting the skull and jaw in growing puppies, causing excessive bone growth on the mandible (jawbone) and occasionally the skull. The condition causes pain during eating and chewing, and affected puppies may have difficulty opening their mouth. CMO is most common in West Highland White Terriers and Scottish Terriers. The condition typically resolves on its own as growth completes, but the excessive bone may persist as palpable lumps along the jaw.

Prevention: CMO is a hereditary condition with no known prevention. Early recognition of symptoms is important for pain management during the active phase. Anti-inflammatory medications and pain management support the puppy through the growth period, which typically lasts from 3-9 months of age. Most cases resolve spontaneously as skeletal maturity is reached. If mouth opening is severely restricted, soft food or assisted feeding may be temporarily needed. The condition does not typically recur once growth is complete.

Symptoms: pain when eating or chewing, difficulty opening the mouth, swelling along the jawline, drooling, fever, reluctance to eat, crying when yawning or playing with toys

A condition where the blood supply to the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) is disrupted, causing the bone to die (avascular necrosis), collapse, and develop severe arthritis. Legg-Calve-Perthes is common in small terrier breeds including the Westie and typically affects young dogs. The condition causes progressive hind leg lameness, muscle wasting, and significant pain. Surgical removal of the damaged femoral head (FHO surgery) is usually curative.

Prevention: Legg-Calve-Perthes is thought to have a genetic component, so purchasing from breeders who screen their lines is important. There is no way to prevent the condition once it begins, but early diagnosis through radiographs when lameness first appears leads to better surgical outcomes. FHO (femoral head ostectomy) surgery is highly successful in small breeds, and most dogs return to full, pain-free activity within 2-3 months post-surgery.

Symptoms: progressive lameness in one hind leg, pain when the hip is manipulated, muscle wasting in the affected leg, reluctance to bear weight on the leg, shortened stride, irritability due to pain

West Highland White Terriers are one of the most allergy-prone breeds, with up to 50% of Westies developing atopic dermatitis during their lifetime. The condition is an inherited predisposition to develop allergic reactions to common environmental allergens including grass, pollen, dust mites, and moulds. The white coat and pink skin make irritation highly visible. Allergies cause chronic itching, secondary skin and ear infections, and significant discomfort that requires lifelong management.

Prevention: While atopic dermatitis cannot be prevented in genetically predisposed dogs, severity can be managed significantly. Identify and minimise allergen exposure through allergy testing (intradermal or serum). Maintain regular bathing with medicated or hypoallergenic shampoo. Wipe paws and belly after outdoor walks. Supplement with omega-3 fatty acids for skin barrier support. Work with a veterinary dermatologist to develop a comprehensive management plan, which may include immunotherapy, Apoquel, Cytopoint injections, or other targeted therapies.

Symptoms: intense scratching and itching (especially face, paws, belly, and ears), reddened or darkened skin, recurring ear infections, licking and chewing paws until stained brown, hot spots and hair loss, musty skin odour from secondary infections, thickened, elephant-like skin in chronic cases

Displacement of the kneecap from its normal position in the femoral groove, causing intermittent or persistent lameness. Patellar luxation is common in small breeds including the West Highland White Terrier. The condition is graded from I (occasional luxation that self-reduces) to IV (permanent luxation with severe disability). Chronic luxation leads to cartilage erosion, arthritis, and increasing pain.

Prevention: Source puppies from breeders who screen for patellar luxation (OFA evaluation). Maintain a lean body weight to reduce joint stress. Avoid repetitive jumping on and off furniture — provide ramps or steps. Keep nails trimmed for proper foot alignment. Early veterinary assessment allows monitoring of mild cases. Surgical correction is recommended for grade III-IV luxation to prevent progressive arthritis and restore comfortable mobility.

Symptoms: intermittent skipping or hopping on one hind leg, suddenly holding a leg up while walking then using it normally, reluctance to jump, stiffness in hind legs, bow-legged stance, clicking sound from the knee area

A progressive, irreversible lung condition where fibrous scar tissue replaces normal lung tissue, reducing the lungs' ability to exchange oxygen. This condition is uniquely prevalent in West Highland White Terriers and is considered the breed's most serious hereditary health concern. The disease progresses slowly over months to years, causing increasing exercise intolerance and respiratory distress. There is no cure, and management focuses on slowing progression and maintaining quality of life.

Prevention: There is no known prevention for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, as the cause is not fully understood but appears to have a genetic component. Early detection through awareness of symptoms and baseline chest radiographs at age 7-8 allows for earlier intervention. Corticosteroids and bronchodilators may slow progression in some dogs. Maintaining a lean body weight reduces respiratory demand. Avoid cigarette smoke, air fresheners, and other respiratory irritants. If diagnosed, oxygen supplementation and activity modification can significantly improve quality of life.

Symptoms: exercise intolerance that progressively worsens, dry, harsh cough, rapid breathing at rest, open-mouth breathing after minimal exertion, blue-tinged tongue or gums during activity, weight loss, fainting or collapse during exercise