Health problems for Boston Terriers are –

Patellar Luxation

Hemivertebrae

Brachycephalicsyndrom

Sensorineural Deafness

Bordetella

Distemper

Parvovirus

Eye problems such as

Glaucoma, Early-Onset Cataracts, Late-Onset Cataracts, Corneal Ulcers, Cherry eye, Corneal Dystrophy,Distichiasis, Keratitis Sicca (aka “dry eye”), and Entropion

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Description for each health problems -

Patellar Luxation – The patella is the knee cap. Patellar Luxation is where the Patella pops out of place, in laderal or medial position.

Hemivertebrae – Is simply a deformed vertebra. Or a congenitally deformed vertebra. It occurs when two or more vertebral bodies fuse or form asymmetrically, creating a wedging effect.The screw tail is formed from hemivertebrae in the vertebrae of the tail . Hemivertebrae isn’t a serious health problem unless its higher up than the middle of the back, and the spinal cord can actually become compressed. Signs if your dog has Hemivertebrae: Weakness of the rear limbs, Urinary incontinence, andFecal incontinence.

Brachycephalic syndrome – Is resistance to airflow through the upper nose lyrnix.Brachycephalic syndrome is caused by bodly abnormalities related to the shortened bones of dogs compressed (smushed) faces without the same even shortening of the overlying soft tissues. Symptoms : Exercise intolerance, Noisy breathing, Cyanosis ( blue gums from lack of oxygen). Syncope ( fainting) .

Sensorineural Deafness/ Nerve Deafness- AKA hearing loss.Sensorineural Deafness/ Nerve Deafness is caused from problems in the inner ear, in the nerve close to the inner ear to the brain, or in the brain. Even though, Sensorineural Deafness / Nerve Deafness isidiopathic ( no known cause ), it is theoryed by scientist that it’s hereditary. If you think your dog has Sensorineural Deafness / Nerve Deafness, you should preform a hearing test, or take your dog to the vet.

Bordetella – full name is Bordetella pertussis. Bordetella causes tracheobonchitis (Kennel cough)  in dogs. Bordetella is a bactererial  illness/virus that is most common around a large group of dogs. ( such as dogs shows or kennels) In 3- 7 days you will be able to tell if your dog has Bordetella, the only symptoms will be a dry hacking (coughing) consisantly until it is gone. In 7 – 21 days it should be gone. It is rare for Bordetella to be a serious life threating element for the dog. Most dogs dont need medications for Bordetella. But if you persist to give your dog medication for it, use antibiotics or cough suppresants.

Distemper - Is a  highly fatal disease. Canine distemper  is caused by a Morbillivirus.Morbillivirus is related to the virus causing measles in humans.Distemper is mostly seen in puppies 3 to 6 months old and in young dogs who haven’t been vaccinated. Also the puppies can be infected in utero which is when the virus crosses the placental barrier between the mom and fetuses. This often causes a still-birth. If the puppies survive, they might show sign of central nervous system damage like wobblines, tremours, and seizures. Those symptoms get worse as the puppy ages.  Distemper is extremely contagious, thats ones reason why its so fatal. Symptoms are : Fever, Anorexia,  pneumonia, vomiting and diarrhea. It damages the brain and spinal cord causes neurologic sign.

Parvovirus- AKA PARVO Parvovirus is basically, EXTREMELY serverre, bloody diarrhea.Parvo is a very contagious disease known by diarrhea that is often bloody.  There are vaccinations for dogs, which everyone should get their dogs treated while they are puppies. Parvo is spread when a dog makes contact with feces contaning the virus. Parvo can survive up to 5 months on the ground, in dog cages, and clothing. It can practically survive anywhere if it is in the right conditions.  Symptoms are: vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and lethargy. Lethargy is inactivity, unconsiousness, and deep sleep.

Glaucoma- Is pressure within the eye. Glaucoma is an inherited condition. Glaucoma occurs when fluid isn’t draining from the eye fast enough. It usually starts in one eye, then slowly takes over both eyes. Its outcome is blindness. The only way to know if your dog has this condition, is to take him/her to the vet. Treatment is Surgical or medical therapy.

Early On-set Cataracts – Devolped early in life. It’s the  breakdown to the  disruption of the normal arrangement of the lens fibers or its capsule. Cataracts can be inherited, depending on the dog breed. The only way to treat canine cataracts consists of surgical removal of the lens. Symptoms: Only your vet will be able to tell if your dog has Cataracts.

Late On-set Cataracts -Developed in dogs 6 years or older. It’s the  breakdown to the  disruption of the normal arrangement of the lens fibers or its capsule. Cataracts can be inherited, depending on the dog breed. The only way to treat canine cataracts consists of surgical removal of the lens. Symptoms: Only your vet will be able to tell if your dog has Cataracts.

Corneal Ulcers - Ulcers in the cornea can be deep or shallow. They can form from a scratch to bacteria. When the cornea gets torn it become painful, and very irritated. When you see your dog squinting, and tearing up, it’s called Blepharospasm. The only way to tell if you dog has Corneal Ulcers is to preform a series of test, or take your dog to the vet.

Cherry eye –  The cause of this health problem isn’t known, but  is thought to be caused by the tissues in the eye. Cherry eye, is when the dogs third eyelid becomes inflamed. There is very little known about cherry eye, and you would be able to tell if your dog had it, because its eye would have a large red, inflamed swelled ulcer. The only treatment is surgical removal from a vet.

Corneal Dystrophy –  It’s only inherited in 6 dogs breeds, it’s a disease of the cornea that is bilateral.Corneal dystrophy looks gray-white, in the center of the cornea.It may affect any layer of the cornea, the epithelium (outer layer), the stroma (the thick, middle layer), or the endothelium (the inner layer). It’s usually oval or round and are sometimes doughnut-shaped. The only treatment is surgical removal.

Distichiasis- Is an inherited condition where there is growth of extra eyelashes. It’s not fatal, its just very irritating to the dog. Symptoms : blood vessel accumulation, Pigmentation of the cornea, Corneal ulcers, White areas around the cornea, redness, and squinting.

Keratitis Sicca (aka “dry eye”) This is like a form of dog allergies. The dog will develop a thick, yellowish discharge. What happens is the  infections are common as the lack of the bactericidal tears allows bacterial organisms to overgrow on the eye, so the eye trys to flush away all the bad stuff. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic eye infections. Symptoms is thick yellowy dishcharge. Ointments or drops can treat this infection, but make sure you see a vet.

Entropion-  It’s inherited in most purebred dogs. All Entropion is, is an inward rolling of the eyelid edges. It can develope to pain, and cause other disesase in the eye.  Symptoms : Tearing, Squinting, rubbing of the eyes, Thick discharge from the eyes, and rolling of the eyelid.