Author: Elena Sekach
Charming and charismatic, the border-terrier has been a long-time in favour among dog lovers for its cheerful and friendly nature. However, like any other breed, the Border Terrier has its own specifics, particularly health-related ones.
Today, we will talk about the key directions of modern, innovative approaches in health care and the selection of this breed: genetic tests and revealing hereditary diseases, ultrasound diagnosis, and endoscopy. All these methods help breeders and veterinarians to be one step ahead and provide the future of the breed to be at the highest level possible.
Genetics: The Foundation of Responsible Breeding
Genetic tests became one of the most important tools for selectionists. Even though border terrier is a healthier breed than many others, it has hereditary diseases. Let’s name the most common diseases of the breed:
SLEM (Spongiform LeukoEncephaloyMelopathy) – rare yet fatal disease that may lead to death of puppies that causes seizures, loss of coordination, and muscle weakness, for which it is called “shaking puppy syndrome.” Affected puppies can appear only if both parent are healthy-looking. But they are hidden carriers of the disease. That fact makes it necessary to test all bred animals for SLEM carrying. Fortunately, genetic test for this disease is available and that allows to decrease the number of cases in the breed by more than ten times.
CECS (Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome or Spike’s disease) — a chronic condition causing episodic muscle and intestinal cramps resembling epilepsy. The disease was first described in a Border Terrier named Spike, it has since been found in other breeds as well. Although its genetic nature is widely accepted among researches, a DNA test is not yet available, and scientists continue to invite breeders to participate in ongoing studies.
PGSD (Paroxysmal Gluten-Sensitive Dyskinesia) – recurring episodes of involuntary movement while the animal stays conscious. Diagnosis relies on identifying specific antibodies that indicate gluten intolerance. Border Terriers with this condition usually improve on a gluten-free diet. Scientists continue to investigate whether PGSD and CECS might be related, as both have been found to respond positively to dietary changes.
The following diseases aren’t border terrier specific can be met in many breeds.
Inherited eyes diseases are not quite common for Border Terriers. I will describe two the most wide-spreaded problems that can be found among terriers, and tests for which are available in labs:
PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – genetic disease that may lead to blindness as a result of gradual retinal deterioration.
PLL (Primary Lens Luxation) – a spontaneous displacement of the eye’s lens, often hereditary.
Juvenile or progressive cataracts can also be found in Border Terriers, which can be detected only through a professional ophthalmologic exam—step that is essential for every breeding dog.
Orthopedic disorders deserve special attention as well.
Hip dysplasia affects the hip joints, causing lameness and pain. It is diagnosed through X-ray evaluation, which allows a specialist to assess the shape and fit of the joints.
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap) leads to intermittent lameness and can sometimes be surgically corrected, although such dogs should be excluded from breeding programs.
Thus, DNA testing with clinical examinations combined can help breeders to identify carriers and minimize the risk of passing diseases to future generations.
This is the essence of ethical breeding: aiming not only for beauty and titles, but for health, longevity, and soundness.
What is important for an owner and a breeder:
• to make sure if genetic tests were taken with parents before getting a puppy and if the information about predecessors’ health is available;
• perform eyes, joints, neurological function exams on a regular basis.
Ultrasound Diagnostics: Detecting Internal Problems Early
Ultrasound has become highly accessible and is now widely used to detect a variety of internal disorders and to monitor the health of the reproductive system.
Border Terriers show a predisposition to gallbladder mucocele—an accumulation of thick mucus in the gallbladder, which can only be detected by ultrasound. This condition can lead to serious complications, and surgical removal of the gallbladder can often be the only effective treatment.
What’s important, routine abdominal scans also allow early detection of liver, kidney, and uterine diseases even before symptoms appear saving more chances for successful treatment. It is a key method for diagnosing urolithiasis (bladder stones) and metritis (uterine inflammation), both potentially life-threatening if untreated.
In reproductive medicine, ultrasound enables us to follow the miracle of new life — from follicle growth to heartbeat and preparation for birth.
Practical recommendations:
Have an abdominal ultrasound once every year or two (or as advised by your veterinarian), especially if your dog becomes lethargic, loses appetite, vomits, or shows changes in skin or mucous color.
- If abnormalities are found, follow up with dietary adjustments, medication, and regular monitoring.
- For breeders, ultrasound screening of breeding dogs helps better understand their health and make informed pairing decisions.
Endoscopy: A Look from the Inside
Endoscopy in veterinary medicine is a minimally invasive technique that allows visualization of many internal structures—and even performing gentle surgical procedures.
It enables a direct look at the stomach and intestines, sampling for analysis, and detection of inflammation, ulcers, or tumor risk.
When combined with ultrasound, endoscopy provides a complete picture: ultrasound shows the organs themselves, while endoscopy reveals the condition of mucous membranes and micro-lesions.
Advice for owners:
- If your dog has recurring digestive troubles—vomiting, appetite loss, or unexplained weight loss—don’t postpone the visit: discuss ultrasound and endoscopy with your vet.
- When choosing a veterinary clinic, ask whether they use these advanced diagnostic methods.
Conclusion
The Border Terrier is a breed of sturdy health and has long been a favorite among veterinarians themselves—a cheerful, unpretentious companion rarely prone to disease.
Still, as with any breed, prevention remains the cornerstone of well-being.
Genetic testing, ultrasound, and endoscopy help to:
- improve the dog’s quality of life;
- detect and treat diseases in time;
- make breeding more ethical and health-oriented.
Adopting these methods builds trust and gives breeders a true competitive edge.
And if you are an owner or plan to become one, remember—these technologies are not “high-tech from the future” but an accessible reality of today.
Wishing good health to you and your dogs!
— Elena Sekach