The 5 Most Common Norfolk Terrier Health Problems (and Lifespan Expectation)

Norfolk Terriers are often considered the “correct” version of a terrier. They’re extremely feisty and stubborn. However, they are also (mostly) well-behaved and agreeable companions. In other words, they’re the embodiment of the terrier stereotypes.

This breed hasn’t been on the receiving end of the poor breeding that’s plagued many breeds for the last few decades. They still have a relatively high lifespan of 12 – 15 years. Still, they are sadly prone to several health issues – some of which can have a huge effect on their quality of life.

1. Hip (and Elbow) Dysplasia

Norfolk Terriers have a massive chance for hip dysplasia, especially considering their smaller size. Often hip dysplasia occurs most frequently in larger dogs. Despite this, this small terrier sees a rate of around 35%. That means that about 1 in 3 Norfolk Terriers will end up with hip dysplasia.

This condition is caused by a deformity in the dog’s hips, which causes excessive wear of the joint. This joint deformity leads to arthritis-like symptoms but at a very early age. It can be relatively minor in some cases, while other dogs may be crippled.

These terriers are also prone to elbow dysplasia, which affects the elbow joints. It’s very similar to hip dysplasia, and the two are likely genetically linked.

Both genetic and environmental factors cause both of these conditions. However, many of the environmental factors we know about only occur in larger dogs, so Norfolk Terriers likely have a mostly genetic predisposition.

2. Invertebral Disc Disease

IVDD is caused by swelling in a dog’s intervertebral discs, which are located in the spine. Due to the swelling, the nerves in the spine cannot communicate with the brain. In minor cases, this makes the dog a bit uncoordinated and can lead to pain. In very severe cases, the dog can become paralyzed in their back legs (and their bladder).

This condition can be treated with kennel rest, which allows the swelling to reduce naturally. Sometimes, surgery is required, but this surgery isn’t always successful. In severe cases, the paralysis may be permanent.

Norfolk Terriers are prone to this condition due to their elongated backs. The longer a dog’s spine is compared to its legs, the more it can bend during natural movements.

3. Cataracts

Many Norfolk Terriers end up with cataracts around middle age. This condition is pretty common across all breeds, so this isn’t surprising. Often, this condition progresses to blindness. While treatments are available, they are often extremely expensive and may not always be possible.

In many cases, you must go to a specialist to get these cataracts treated, and these specialists aren’t available in all areas.

4. Mitral Valve Disease

This heart condition is a very serious problem for Norfolk Terriers. It occurs when the mitral valve in the heart degenerates, becoming thick and floppy. We don’t know exactly why this occurs, but it’s likely at least somewhat based on genetics.

Often, these dogs have a heart murmur, which leads to this condition being diagnosed.

A high percentage of Norfolk Terriers are likely to develop this condition. While we don’t have the statistics for these terriers specifically, we do know that about 10% of all dogs develop MVI. Therefore, more than 10% of Norfolk Terriers will develop this condition.

This condition often occurs more often in males than females, though we don’t know why.

5. Chronic Allergies

Like many terriers, Norfolks are prone to allergies. These allergies often cause itchy skin. While that may not seem like a problem in itself, excessively itchy skin will lead to excessive scratching. With enough scratching, your canine can break through their skin. If the condition isn’t treated, these wounds often don’t heal, as your dog will keep scratching them.

With enough time, these sores often become infected, which makes them even more itchy – and the cycle continues.

Some dogs develop infections almost right away. Others may have chronic allergies for years before they develop a secondary infection.

The best way to treat allergies in dogs is to avoid them. If your dog is allergic to a specific protein in their food, switch to a food that doesn’t have that protein. Environmental allergies are often harder to avoid unless they’re very specific (like a particular cleaner). Sometimes, medication may be needed for some dogs.

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