Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed health problems

Generally the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known to be a healthy dog breed but they too can have health problems that are common to other breeds of dogs like cataracts, luxating patellas, hip dysplasia and breathing problems.

Like other breeds the Staffordshire Bull Terrier also suffers from inherited diseases like hereditary cataract and L-2 hydroxyglutaric Aciduria.

L-2 hydroxyglutaric Aciduria

This is a neuro metabolic disorder characterised by elevated levels of L-2 in the dog’s urine, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. L-2 is normally metabolised to a ketoglutarate but in affected Staffordshire Bull Terriers it is not metabolised and therefore builds up in the body with disturbing results. L-2 affects the central nervous system and usually affects the Staffordshire Bull Terriers between six months and one year in age. Some of the symptoms of L-2 hydroxyglutaric Aciduria are epileptic seizures, tremors, stiffness of the muscles and behavioural problems.

Hereditary Cataract

This condition was reported in Staffordshire Bull Terriers first in the United Kingdom in 1976. Puppies are born with normal eyes, but cataracts begin to appear after a few weeks or months and then progresses to total cataract when the Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy is two to three years of age. This type of cataract is symmetrical in both the eyes and progresses until total the puppy totally blind.

Brachycephaly

Any brachycephalic dog may be prone to breathing problems because of the foreshortening of the nasal passage. Some Staffordshire Bull Terriers are born with an elongated soft palate. This condition found in Staffordshire Bull Terriers usually is not noticed or does not affect the quality of the dog’s life but in extreme cases brachycephaly is identified by respiratory distress and infection. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier may show symptoms such as an extreme difficulty in breathing and eating. This condition can be corrected with a surgical procedure.