8 Common Causes Of Death In Boston Terriers
Boston Terriers are a popular dog breed, and there are thousands of them living in the United States.
They’re also known for being happy, friendly, and playful. However, just like any other dog breed, there are some serious health issues that can arise—and death is one of them.
While your Boston terrier needs regular veterinary care to avoid illness and injury.
There are some common causes of death for this breed that you should be aware of so that you can take steps to reduce risks for your pet’s health before something happens.
Here are some common causes of death in Boston Terriers:
Neurological
Boston Terriers are prone to seizures and other neurological disorders.
Since they’ve been bred for their distinctive features, Boston Terriers have a higher risk of developing epilepsy than other breeds.
Additionally, they can also develop brain tumors and degenerative myelopathy (a disorder that affects the central nervous system).
They can also develop cerebellar hypoplasia—a condition in which part of the nerve structure is underdeveloped or missing altogether.
This means that your dog may not be able to walk properly or see well if it has this condition.
Respiratory disease
Respiratory disease is another common cause of death in Boston Terriers.
The respiratory system is involved in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between your body and the atmosphere.
If there are any problems with this process, then it can lead to several different health conditions that affect your pet’s ability to breathe properly.
One such condition is asthma, which causes shortness of breath or even difficulty breathing at all times when an individual dog has an attack (or “asthma attack”).
Other types of respiratory diseases include pneumonia and bronchitis; these conditions are caused by bacteria or viruses invading the lungs’ airways instead of being cleared out naturally by coughing or sneezing them out as normal coughs would do on their own accord.
Heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Boston Terriers.
Heart disease can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics and diet, and lifestyle.
It is also preventable if you catch it early enough. If your dog shows any signs that he or she may have heart problems.
Take them to see their veterinarian immediately, so they can treat the issue before it becomes more severe or fatal.
Cancer
Cancer is the most common cause of death in dogs, with Boston terriers at higher risk for lymphoma.
Lymphoma can be detected early on with a blood test that looks for signs like an elevated white blood cell count or abnormal growth in the bone marrow.
If it’s caught early enough, cancer can be treated with surgery and chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Renal failure
Renal failure is a common cause of death in Boston Terriers.
Kidney disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including chronic renal failure (CRF), diabetes mellitus, advanced age, and the presence of other diseases.
Chronic renal failure affects your dog’s ability to filter toxins from its bloodstream.
This makes them more susceptible to illness and infection because they’re not able to fight off bacteria as well as they should be able to do so with proper treatment or medication.
There are several treatments available for treating CRF: dialysis or peritoneal dialysis; anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisone.
Antibiotics; dietary management strategies such as limiting protein intake at mealtime (especially high-quality proteins).
Along with restricting calories overall throughout the day/week; medications like metformin reduce glucose levels in your pet’s urine produced during diuresis (the process where excess water is removed from liquid waste products).
However, no matter what type(s) you choose there will always be side effects associated with each method so make sure you discuss any potential risks involved before making any final decisions!
Gastric torsion or bloat
Gastric torsion or bloat is a life-threatening emergency in Boston terriers.
This condition arises when the stomach twists on itself, cutting off the flow of blood and food.
The dog can become fatally dehydrated and in extreme cases, its intestines can prolapse, and it can die.
Signs of bloat include gagging, retching, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
If your Boston terrier is showing any of these signs, immediately take them to the vet.
The vet will perform a series of tests to determine the extent of the bloat and whether it is life-threatening.
Liver shunt
A liver shunt is a condition where blood passes through the liver instead of being filtered by it.
Blood that passes through the liver without being filtered can lead to serious complications, such as cancer and liver failure.
Symptoms include:
- Vomiting (occasionally)
- Diarrhea or abdominal pain
In most cases, your pet will have no symptoms until the disease has progressed far enough for them to start showing signs of illness.
If you think your dog may have a liver shunt, contact your veterinarian for further diagnostics and treatment options immediately!
Autoimmune disease
Autoimmune disease is a condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.
Boston terriers with autoimmune disorders may develop skin or hair loss, as well as pustules (pimples), rashes, and swollen lymph nodes.
The most common autoimmune diseases in dogs are hypothyroidism and Addison’s disease; other autoimmune diseases include lupus, diabetes mellitus (diabetes), inflammatory bowel disease, and glomerulonephritis.
Learn more about some common signs your Boston terrier is sick.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Boston Terrier is a great breed. It’s a dog that can live to be 15 years old if well cared for.
However, they are not immune to certain diseases and conditions that may affect your pet.
If you or someone else in your family is planning on getting a Boston Terrier as an addition to their family, be sure to do your research first so that when you bring home this beautiful pup all will go well!
