Health Issues In Biewer & Yorkshire Terriers
All of our dogs have been tested for over 200+ different genetic issues and all tested non-affected.
We still offer an extended health guarantee that covers any genetic, hereditary, or congenital birth defects for the lifetime of your pet.
WE STRIVE TO BREED THE HEALTHIEST PUPPIES AVAILABLE!!!!
Like all breeds, there may be some health issues. Some dogs may be faced with these health challenges in their lives, but the majority of Biewer & Yorkshire Terriers are healthy dogs. Sensitive GI systems are common in the Biewer Terrier, so they may have an occasional soft or discolored stool. The Biewer & Yorkshire Terrier is a relatively healthy dog, with no known excessive issues.
Working with a responsible breeder, those wishing to own a Biewer or Yorkshire Terrier can gain the education they need to know about specific health concerns within the breed.
Not all Biewer & Yorkshire Terriers will develop all of these conditions, and those who do will experience them to varying degrees of severity, but it is not uncommon for them to form at least one health condition.
Patella Luxation
The patella is the scientific name for the knee cap, which sits in a little groove at the top of the tibia (shin). A luxating patella slips in and out of this groove, dislocating and stopping the knee from bending properly. Not only does this cause lameness, but it can also cause pain and arthritis.
In most cases, the patella luxates towards the inside of the leg (termed ‘medial luxation’), but it can also luxate towards the outside of the leg (‘lateral luxation’).
GI Tract Issues
Biewer terriers are healthy dogs, but they do have sensitive gastrointestinal (GI) systems, which affects which kind of food you can feed them. You'll want to feed your Biewer a low-protein diet with food that includes about 15 percent protein and about 15–30 percent fat. Resist the temptation to feed your Biewer high-fat table scraps like ham or French fries. Too much of that kind of food can lead to pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis
This condition develops when the body loses its ability to process fat. An overly fatty meal may induce an attack as indicated by vomiting, diarrhea, or a tender tummy. A lot of breeders swear that a healthy diet can prevent this.
Bladder & Kidney Stones
These can form anywhere in the urinary system. Stones are treated either medically or through surgical removal. Some people give bottled water or filtered water only because some tap water is terrible and filled with a substantial amount of minerals
Periodontal Disease
Yorkies are prone to dental issues, due to their small jaws and the propensity of overcrowded teeth. This leads to a buildup of plaque that can result in decay and disease that may spread to other organs. You should get your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned at least once per year. Your vet should also take x-rays to monitor developing periodontal disease. By staying ahead of the problem, you can avoid unnecessary extractions.
Retinal Dysplasia
This is a genetic condition that is covered by our lifetime health guarantee. It remains constant once it has presented. Severity can range from small disturbances in the field of vision, caused by folds in the tissue of the retina, to cataract or ultimately blindness.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
(PRA) is a genetic disease covered in your health guarantee. It is characterized by the bilateral degeneration of the retina, causing progressive vision loss culminating in blindness. All of our adults are tested for this and passed clear.
Liver Problems
This is not the most common health issue this breed can have, but it is one of the worst ones that can happen. That is why we cover this health issue in our lifetime health guarantee as well.
Biewer & Yorkshire Terriers can have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the organ of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream efficiently. If he develops symptoms such as stunted growth or seizures, your vet can test his blood and possibly conduct an ultrasound scan of his liver. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, it can be treated with medication.
Heart Disease
We cover any life-threatening heart diseases that are hereditary/congenital or due to a birth defect in our lifetime health guarantee. Biewer & Yorkshire Terriers are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life. Early detection of heart disease often allows us to treat it with a medication that usually prolongs your pet’s life for many years. Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease.