Medical Problems of Kerry Blues

by Daryl Enstone
© 1995 Daryl Enstone (denstone@sciborg.uwaterloo.ca)

Kerry Blues are typically healthy dogs that remain active all their lives. The life-span of the Kerry ranges from about 10 to as much as 18 years and averages about 13 years. Inherited medical problems are infrequent and are usually not life-threatening. Details of medical conditions that have been reported in Kerries are listed below; ingeneral, these conditions are uncommon unless otherwise indicated.

Lumps

Lumps on the skin are very common in Kerries. These are usually epidermal cysts/sebaceous gland cysts, or dermal cysts. Typically they do not cause any problems, however, they can rupture or become infected. Fast-growing or large lumps should be checked by a veterinarian.

Corns

Corns (footpad keratoses), warty growths, and calluses in and between footpads may affect some dogs. These can be painful and affect gait. Corns may be inherited and may be associated with thin pads or flat feet. They can be surgically removed but may recur. Antibiotics and corticosteroids are another treatment option in some cases. Nasal keratoses may also occur.

Cataracts

Juvenile cataracts is a very uncommon disorder and apparently only occurs in some bloodlines. If the problem is present, it will appear at an early age, i.e. before 6 months.

Entropion

Entropion (turning in of the eyelid and lashes toward the eyeball causing irritation of the cornea) may be present as an inherited or an acquired condition. Surgical correction is required.

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS, dry eye) is a condition resulting from lack of tear production. The problem may be congential or induced by a number of conditions. Veterinary treatment is required and condition may be chronic.

Ear Canal Infections

Kerry ears are quite prone to external ear canal infections (chronic otitis externa) since there is often a large amount of hair in the ear canal. If the ears are not kept clean, dry and plucked, wax, dirt and moisture easily accumulate and foster bacterial and fungal growth.

Progressive Neuronal Abiotrophy

Progressive Neuronal Abiotrophy (PNA, a nerve disorder affecting gait) is a rare condition which is inherited, progressive and untreatable. Symptoms initially appear between 2 - 6 months. By one year of age, the dog is incapable of standing. This disease was first thought to come from one particular bloodline, but subsequent cases have developed in other lines as well. Currently, there is no method of testing for carrier status, however the USKBTC is working on a method of genetic status detection. Contact the Health and Genetics Committee for more info (address below).

Missing Teeth

Missing teeth (particularly premolars) are fairly common in Kerry Blue Terriers. While this is not a disqualification according to the standard, breeders have been recommended to regard it as a fault. Undershot and overshot bites also occur. Puppies with a _slight case_ of these conditions may "out grow" it, but if the dog is past its growth stage the condition will probably be permanent.

Hip Displaysia

Canine hip displaysia occurs infrequently compared to other breeds due to this terrier's moderate size and strong musculature. Many breeders do have breeding stock x-rayed and certified by Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (in the US). As of 1992, of the radiographs submitted to the OFA for grading, 11% were displasic and 5% were borderline. Certified Hip graded percentages were distributed as: Excellent (12%); Good (54%); Fair (18%). Please note that these numbers only represent those radiographs submitted to the OFA for certification; most dogs are not screened, so the true breed incidence is unknown.

Articles on Hip Dysplacia:
Reducing the Frequency of Hip Dysplacia: A progress Update

Improper Kneecap

Subluxation of the patella occurs occasionally. The kneecap is not properly seated at the stifle, either as a result of weakened ligament development and/or improperly formed knee assembly. This can be an acquired (due to injury or trauma) or an inherited condition.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is not uncommon in Kerries as in many other breeds. Ninety per cent of cases are caused by autoimmune thyroiditis. The condition can be corrected with hormone supplementation.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases have been reported to occur in the Kerry Blue as in other breeds. The over 40 diseases grouped under this heading share a common trait in that the dog's immune system has been stimulated to attack the dog's own tissue. Four main causative factors have been identified: genetic disposition; hormonal influence; infections (especially viruses); and stress. Current concerns include factor XI deficiency (a rare inherited blood clotting abnormality), von Willebrands disease (another rare blood clotting abnormality), and Addison's disease (a rare adrenal gland disorder).

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