The Skye Terrier is a generally healthy and robust breed with a lifespan of 12-14 years; there are currently no confirmed incidence of genetic disorder within the UK gene pool. The breed do, however, occasionally suffer from ill health and the Skye Terrier Health Committee (STHC) monitors the health of the breed by collecting and storing information on any diagnosed health condition throughout the full life of Skye Terriers in the UK. The STHC is a proactive committee – the only confirmed genetic or developmental disorder in the UK is puppy limp but the STHC is working towards developing tests to aid diagnosis of other conditions which have been reported abroad. More information can be found on the Skye Club website: http://www.skyeterrierclub.org.uk/health.htm.
Health conditions which can often affect the breed are:
- Puppy Limp
Skyes are achondroplastic which is a form of short-limb dwarfism. Due to the way in which achondroplatic limbs grow over exercise of young Skyes can lead to the premature closure of the distal radial growth plates in the legs. This can produce a pronounced limp which can lead to arthritis in later life. In usual cases, dogs with puppy limp grow out of it by 2 years of age and it does not require surgical intervention. This condition can be prevented by stopping Skye pups under the age of 10 months from jumping, going up or down stairs and spending a lot of time exercising on uneven ground.
Health conditions which are suspected to affect the breed rarely are:
- Renal Dysplasia
This condition has not been confirmed as present in the breed in the UK as there is not yet a genetic test to determine this. It is suspected that a form a Juvenile Onset Renal Dysplasia can rarely be found; it usually presents symptoms between the ages of 1-4 years. The disorder refers to a progressive form of kidney failure as a result of malformation of the kidneys but it is extremely difficult to diagnose. It is advisable that when choosing a Skye pup you enquire as to the health of close relatives – as the disease is juvenile onset, dogs over the age of 5 are unlikely to be suffering.
- Chronic Hepatitis
This condition affects the liver and leads to liver failure. There can be many causes of liver disease including viruses, bacterial infection, and some drugs. In some terrier breeds (Bedlingtons and Westies) there is thought to be a genetic factor but this has not been confirmed. The disease is not confirmed as being genetically present in Skyes.
- Lens Luxation
This is another condition which has not been confirmed as present in Skyes in the UK but should be considered as a rare possibility. It refers to an abnormal positioning of the lens within the eye which usually occurs between the ages of 4 and 7. Severe cases can lead to blindness in the older dog. As pups cannot be tested for the condition, it is advisable to enquire as to the eye health of the parents and grandparents if possible.
For more information on these disorders, and disorders present in other breeds, please visit the Canine Inherited Disorders Database (http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/intro.htm).
In order to adhere to Skye Terrier Club (UK) rules, all breeding stock are to be microchipped and are to receive an ultrasound scan prior to mating in order to check the surface and health of the kidneys.
It should be stressed that Skye Terriers in the UK are extremely healthy and it is very rare that they should suffer from any prolonged spell of ill health. Puppy Limp is the condition which occurs more commonly and it is preventable by restricting enthusiastic exercise for the young pup. The STHC are working with the Skye Terrier Club to gather information about any illness reported in the Skye’s UK population with a view to developing tests and diagnoses. A review of other breeds’ health concerns illustrates the robustness of Skyes:
Basenji |
8 Conditions including: Fanconi syndrome (kidney disease), Hip Dysplasia and Progressive Renal Atrophy |
Scottish Terrier |
15 Conditions including: von Williebrand’s Disease, Cataracts, Deafness, Haemophilia B, Scotty Cramp and Progressive Renal Atrophy |
Westies |
21 Conditions including: Westie Jaw, Seborrhea, Diabetes, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Hypoadrenocorticism and Retinal Dysplasia |
Labrador Retriever |
36 Conditions |
German Shepard |
51 Conditions |
