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All Dog Breeds >>Health of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier


Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are generally a long-lived breed. They are susceptible to various heritable diseases, although are most known for two protein wasting conditions: protein-losing nephropathy (PLN), where the dog loses protein via the kidneys; and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), where the dog fails to fully absorb protein in their digestive tract causing it to pass in their stool. Both PLN asnd PLE are potentially fatal, but if caught early enough, can sometimes be managed with strict dietary changes and pharmaceuticals. There are laboratory tests that can aid in diagnosing PLN and PLE; Wheaten owners should check their country's advised testing protocols. These conditions have an unknown mode of inheritance but there are research programs, mainly in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Other Wheaten health issues are renal dysplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, Addison's disease, and cancer. Some Wheatens can also suffer from food and environmental allergies. Potential owners of Wheaten Terriers should discuss health issues with the breeder before deciding to get a puppy. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are also prone to developing a skin disease called Atopic Dermatitis.