Neurological Disorders in Boston Terriers

Boston terriers are one of the most popular dog breeds in America due to their small size, easy-to-care for short coat and friendly temperament. But they also are prone to breathing and neurological problems due to their brachycephalic or flattened noses. People still deliberately breed for this flat face and domed head, despite the health problems, because it makes the dogs look cute.

  1. Hydrocephalus

    • More commonly known as “water on the brain,” hydrocephalus causes the top of a Boston terrier’s skull to bulge upwards. This happens to puppies before they are three months old. Their skulls have not hardened yet and so they are able to bulge upwards. The exaggerated domed skull can cause part of the brain, the rostral colliculi, to press together. The rostral colliculi helps to carry cerebrospinal fluids away from the brain. When this avenue is closed off, the fluid pressure builds up. The puppy gets the huge head, seizures and difficulties seeing. Hydrocephalus can potentially kill the puppy unless the puppy gets medication and, if necessary, surgery.

    Cerebellar Hypoplasia

    • This genetic neurological condition is caused by an abnormally shaped brain in the Boston Terrier. The back part facing the tail does not grow normally to fill in the skull. Puppies show symptoms before they are 6 weeks old or even when they try to walk around 2 to 3 weeks old. The puppies will not be able to walk, will fall over when trying to walk or constantly bob their head. Puppies also may have uncontrollable twitching of the head and limbs. Dogs with this condition have been able to survive but they never should be bred and they will need special care all of their lives. Those that cannot eat are euthanized.

    Canine Epilepsy

    • Boston terriers can get epilepsy, a seizure disorder similar to human epilepsy. The cause of canine epilepsy is unknown unless the dog recently had a head injury. Dogs begin having seizures anywhere from 6 months to 5 years old, according to The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms. Canine epilepsy can be treated with medications like phenobarbital but usually is it incurable. There is a theory that canine epilepsy may be genetic so any Boston terrier with epilepsy should never be bred.