Cairn Terriers & Back Injuries

The Overall Health of Cairn Terriers

• Cairn terriers are generally healthy dogs that can live upwards of 14 or 15 years. Like other purebred dogs, they have genetic dispositions to certain illnesses, such as heart defects, allergies, cataracts and other eye problems, renal dysphasia (a kidney disease), seizures and epilepsy, Scottie cramp (a genetic disorders that cause their muscles to cramp after exercise) and liver problems. They are not genetically predisposed to back injuries, but they can experience back pain because of physical trauma and herniated disks.

Herniated Disks and Back Injuries in Cairn Terriers

• Cairn terriers can suffer from back injuries due to physical trauma, herniated vertebral discs or intervertebral disc disease -- a condition that occurs when the dog's intervertebral discs get damaged. Just like humans, dogs can get herniated discs due to a fall or back strain. All dogs have intervertebral discs, which sits between each individual vertebrae of the spinal column. These discs act like shock absorbers that help dissipate the pressure placed on the spine. When the disks get damaged, they use their shock-absorbing ability. Any extra pressure or trauma can cause the discs to be squeezed or ruptured, and this can cause back injury and pain in the dog. Mild cases of herniated discs result in back pain and discomfort; severe cases can result in the dog losing its ability to move and feel its legs.

Treatment for Back Injuries in Cairn Terriers

• Cairn terriers that suffer from herniated disks or intervertebral disc disease will receive treatment based on the degree of their injuries. For a mild disc injury, a veterinarian may recommend that the cairn terrier receive rest and limited physical activity. (This is similar to what a doctor would advise a human patient with a herniated disc -- avoid heavy lifting and other physical activities that might stress the back.)

  Surgery is often recommended for severe back injuries. The veterinarian may recommend that the cairn terrier receive diagnostic imaging -- like a CT scan or an MRI -- to pinpoint the cause and location of the back problem. Rehabilitation (physical therapy) may also accompany surgery for disc problems.

How to Prevent Back Injuries in Cairn Terriers

• You can prevent and minimize the risk of back injuries by keeping your cairn terrier in good physical shape. Being overweight can add stress on the discs, which may increase the risk of disc damage. In addition, a cairn terrier that is lean and fit is able to recover from any disc injury that does occur. To keep your dog healthy, it's important that he engages in moderate exercise every day. Cairn terriers are prone to becoming overweight, due to the fact that they enjoy begging for treats and their owners give in.

  To prevent back injuries in a cairn terrier, owners should use a chest harness rather than a leash that attaches to the collar, since this can pull the neck and cause accidental injury. Owners should train their dogs not to jump off furniture, because this is a risky behavior that can lead to potential injury.