The 10 Most Common Health Problems in Boston Terriers

You know life’s going well when a Boston terrier is bounding through the house. These little balls of energy can make you smile just with their adorably smushed faces. The long lifespan of a Boston terrier means you can have a beloved companion for 13 to 15 years.

If you want to keep your furry friend happy and healthy, you should become familiar with common health problems in Boston terriers. Being able to recognize a potential illness in your pup while it’s still early makes a big difference in treatment. 

Here are ten ailments Boston terrier owners should be on the lookout for.

1. Brachycephalic Syndrome

Remember those smushed faces we just mentioned? They, unfortunately, come with a lot of problems.

Boston terriers are a brachycephalic breed, which means they’re susceptible to brachycephalic airway syndrome. Their flat face structure can cause problems like an elongated soft palate that obstructs their breathing or narrowed nostrils that limit airflow.

Brachycephalic symptoms include trouble breathing, loud snoring, and difficulty playing or exercising. Schedule an appointment with the vet as soon as possible if you suspect something’s wrong. Breathing issues are very serious and may require surgery.

2. Glaucoma

Pay attention to your dog’s eyes. Boston terriers are prone to developing glaucoma, a disease that damages their eyes’ drainage system. When this happens, fluid buildup and increased eye pressure occur. 

Fast action is critical here, too, because many cases of canine glaucoma result in blindness. A Boston terrier with this condition may start scratching and rubbing at their eyes. They may also bump into things and run slower because they no longer see well.

3. Hemivertebrae

Let’s forget about the head for a minute. Now, we’re switching our attention to your Boston terrier’s tail. That adorable little corkscrew is actually a deformity called hemivertebrae. Their backbone is misshaped. 

Unfortunately, the defect isn’t limited to the tail. You can find hemivertebrae anywhere along the spinal column. It’s one of the most frequent health problems in Boston terriers by far. If the issue is severe, your dog might experience incontinence, poor coordination, or even paralysis.

4. Ear Infections

Have you ever noticed that your Boston terrier has gigantic ears? They help hear prey and predators but are highly problematic when it comes to avoiding allergens.

Your vet won’t be surprised when you take Fido in with itchy, leaking ears. Ear infections are a typical problem for Boston terriers. You can’t change the shape of their ears, but you can boost their protection. Clean their ears often and make sure there’s no discharge.

5. Cherry Eye

Glaucoma isn’t the only disease attacking Boston terriers’ eyes. Boston terriers have a third eyelid called a nictating membrane. It provides extra protection from dust or tears and has a gland that secretes tears.

Cherry Eye is a condition that develops when the nictating membrane prolapses and begins to bulge like a small cherry. Cherry eyes can cause lingering problems, but the good news is that they’re not hard to spot.

6. Patellar Luxation

Does your Boston terrier walk a little funny? Many things can affect their gait, but patellar luxation is one of the first things you should look into.

Patellar luxation is when your dog’s kneecap continually slides on its groove. It’s a genetic issue, so you’re less likely to run into it if you only adopt from reputable breeders.

If you’re worried about patellar luxation, watch how your dog moves their knees. You might be able to see the sliding kneecap.

7. Entropion

Entropion is an eyelid abnormality. The eyelid turns inward and rubs against the cornea, causing painful friction, tears, and corneal ulcers, among other serious problems.

You should be most worried about entropion when your Boston terrier is a puppy, but it can also occur in older dogs due to inflammation or physical damage.

Dogs suffering from this condition might squint or have thick discharge oozing from their eyes. However, there may be no symptoms at all. That’s why regular vet visits are essential. 

8. Deafness

Many Boston terriers are born deaf. It’s a genetic quirk that generally doesn’t stop them from being bubbly, active playmates. Still, if your puppy is slow to respond to verbal cues, ask the vet what’s happening. It may be a different issue.

9. Allergies 

Boston terriers are sensitive creatures. It’s normal for them to fall prey to allergies. Anything from new medication to foods like chicken or pork might cause a reaction.

Try to eliminate the obvious triggers when your dog sneezes and scratches itself with allergies. These include fleas, new cleaning solutions or perfumes, different brands of food, etc. However, you may not be able to pinpoint the cause, and this is where a vet may help.

10. Cataracts

Cataracts affect many Boston terrier puppies. You or the breeder will see a bluish-white film over the dog’s eyes.

Surgery is the sole cure. Without it, there’s a good chance cataracts will blind your dog. 

Summary of 10 Common Health Problems in Boston Terriers