health and grooming

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Reprinted with permission from Great Scots Magazine, Vol 11 No 4, July/August 2006

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Health Info
There are three major genetic afflictions the Scottish Terrier may suffer from, although responsible breeders do their very best to limit or eliminate the risk their puppies will carry these disorders. Of course, Scotties are just as susceptible as any other breed to general canine ailments such as viral or bacterial transmissible diseases, cancer, accidents and aging. Regular health care by a licensed veterinarian is very important in maintaining a Scotties health, as are proper nutrition, shelter, grooming and exercise.

VonWillebrands Disease
This is the most life-threatening disorder of genetic origin in the Scottish Terrier. It is characterized by abnormally long clotting times, and can produce spontaneous bleeding episodes that will kill the affected animal if not treated with haste by a vet. The disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive, meaning that the disease is not linked to either gender, and that both parents must be carriers of the disease gene to produce an affected puppy. Fortunately for breeders and Scotties both, there is now a reliable test for the genetic status of the Scottish Terrier. Research has pinpointed the actual disease gene, and through DNA collection and testing by a laboratory (currently only VetGen in Michigan does this testing) the presence of one or two copies of the disease gene can be detected. Through use of this test, responsible breeders can eliminate carriers from their breeding programs, and thus eliminate the possibility of ever producing another bleeder puppy.

Scottie Cramp
This is a neuromuscular disorder seen only in the Scottish Terrier. It is not purely neurological, and is not a seizure disorder. The symptoms are precipitated by excited exercise, and can be so mild as to be almost unnoticed by the owner, or so severe that the dog actually falls over, unable to move its limbs. While the disorder is not painful, it can be lifestyle limiting, and production of affected animals should be avoided. Breeding affected animals is certainly unconscionable, as all their offspring will be carriers. Affected dogs are typically treated with vitamin E and mild tranquilizers to reduce both incidence and severity of attacks.

Cranio-Mandibular Osteopathy
This disease is shared with the West Highland White and Cairn Terriers as close cousins, and is characterized by abnormal, inflammatory bone growth in the jaw of the affected puppy. It typically affects puppies under a year of age, but the pup will outgrow it if given intensive nursing and medication with high-dose steroids. It is severely painful, and proven carriers should not be re-mated together to avoid the production of more affected pups. There is ongoing research into the disease gene involved in this disorder, and hopefully there will be a DNA test developed within the next few years to allow responsible breeders to eliminate this disorder from their breeding programs, as they are doing with vWD.

Care and Grooming of the Scottish Terrier

The Scottie is not significantly different than most dogs in its need for general care. Like all dogs, they should be fed a high-quality, balanced diet, and given clean water to drink. They should be sheltered from inclement weather in all seasons. For the average Scottie owner, this means the dog lives in the house, sleeps on the bed or sofa, and eats in the kitchen, probably a commercial kibble supplemented with treats from the table now and again. There are home-prepared diets which can certainly be every bit as balanced and healthy, if one wishes to prepare them. A recently published book by Dr. Donald Strombeck is one good source for information on diet and health, as well as recipes, and there have been two editions of Dr. Pitcairn's book on diet and nutrition as well. As in all cases of questions regarding your Scot, speaking with your vet and with your Scots breeder can help you make decisions on diet.

Grooming the Scottie is not a mysterious process, and is certainly something any owner can learn the basics of regular brushing and combing keeps a Scot neat in between trims, and bathing on an as-needed basis as in the case of a close encounter with those of the skunk kind) can help ensure the pleasantness of your Scottie companion. Regular tooth care, as in brushing with a special toothbrush made for pets, and pet toothpaste, helps keep their breath as pleasant as the rest of them. Ask your dogs breeder for information on grooming, and your vet for tooth care supplies, and use them from puppy hood on, so your Scot gets accustomed to the grooming process and learns to enjoy it, or at least tolerate it. That will make it easier for you, too!

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