What are the rat terrier health problems?

Answer 1

Luckily at this point and time the Rat Terrier is one of the healthiest and hardiest dogs there is. Few problems plague the Rat Terrier due to the fact that it has only recently been accepted into most registeries as a recognized breed so therefore it has not been inbred and linebreed to an unhealthy state.

As with any breed of dog there will be health problems both medically and genetically that are more common and those that are rare. I will list the more common health problems that are associated with the Rat Terrier Breed.

• Luxating Patellas - This is where their kneecaps have a tendency to slip as is seen in many breeds of smaller dogs. This medical problem can be genetic/inherited or can be caused from abnormal development of the joint while the fetus is forming. Laxtating patella's can also be caused by excessive jumping causing pressure on the knee joints. The chances of laxtating patellas are greater in the smaller Toy size.
• Deafness - GENETIC predisposition to deafness which is very common in any breed with large areas of white coat.
• Demodectic Mange - Common in all breeds of dogs. This is the loss of hair due to an immunity problem which may or may not be hereditary. There has been no research to date that shows Demodectic Mange to be hereditary. Vets and breeders call it hereditary because the MITES that overpopulate causing demodectic mange are contracted from dam to offspring. ALL dogs have the mites but most never have any issues with them. Demodectic outbreaks are caused from an immunity issue that causes the dogs natural immune system to stop function properly. The immunity issue can be genetic/hereditary, man-made or caused by the environment. Until the immunity problem is diagnosed there is NO WAY to know if the demodectic mange affecting the dog is genetic or otherwise.
• Alopecia - This is a problem associated with some bloodlines of Blue and Fawn Rat Terriers. Those affected have thin coats with patches of no hair. The problem seems to run in bloodlines with many bloodlines totally unaffected thus leading us to believe that it is hereditary/genetic but as of date NO RESEARCH has been done that proves whether it is or not. Alopecia is caused by a bacteria that affects the hair follicle causing it and the hair to become brittle thus breaking off easily. Any dog showing signs of Alopecia should never be bred.
• Hypoglycemia - Low blood sugar. Most common in the smaller Toys. Seen frequently in those under 5 pounds.