Health
These dogs are generally healthy and live on average about 15 years. Yet, breeders, owners and veterinarians have identified several health problems that are significant for Cairns. Some of these diseases are hereditary while others occur as a result of nonspecific factors (i.e. infections, toxins, injuries, or advanced age).
Some of the more common hereditary health problems found in the Cairn are:
Cataracts
Ocular Melanosis
Progressive retinal atrophy
Corneal dystrophy
Krabbe disease (Globoid cell leukodystrophy)
Hip dysplasia
Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome
Craniomandibular osteopathy (Lion Jaw)
Von Willebrand disease
Hypothyroidism
Portosystemic shunt
Luxating patella
Entropion
Currently, the Cairn Terrier Club of America along with the Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals maintain an open registry for Cairn Terriers in hopes of reducing the occurrence of hereditary diseases within the breed. Breeders voluntarily submit their dogs' test results for research purpose, as well as for use by individuals who seek to make sound breeding decisions.
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