- Eye problems: Boston Terriers are prone to a variety of eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can lead to vision loss. Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure inside the eye increases, which can also lead to vision loss. Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears, which can cause irritation and discomfort.
- Skin problems: Boston Terriers are also prone to a variety of skin problems, including allergies, dermatitis, and pyoderma. Allergies can be caused by a variety of things, including food, environmental allergens, and fleas. Dermatitis is a general term for inflammation of the skin, and it can be caused by a variety of things, including allergies, bacterial infections, and fungal infections. Pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin, and it is often caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
- Respiratory problems: Boston Terriers are also prone to a variety of respiratory problems, including brachycephalic airway syndrome, laryngeal paralysis, and tracheal collapse. Brachycephalic airway syndrome is a condition in which the upper airway is narrowed, which can make it difficult for the dog to breathe. Laryngeal paralysis is a condition in which the muscles that control the larynx (voice box) become paralyzed, which can also make it difficult for the dog to breathe. Tracheal collapse is a condition in which the trachea (windpipe) collapses, which can also make it difficult for the dog to breathe.
- Neurological problems: Boston Terriers are also prone to a variety of neurological problems, including seizures, hydrocephalus, and cerebellar degeneration. Seizures are a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause a variety of symptoms, including loss of consciousness, convulsions, and drooling. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is an excessive amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which can lead to increased pressure on the brain and damage to brain tissue. Cerebellar degeneration is a condition in which the cerebellum, which is part of the brain that controls movement and coordination, degenerates and becomes smaller. This can lead to problems with balance, coordination, and movement.