The Cairn Terrier Health Group monitors and records health conditions in the breed.

The Breed is an active, hardy and game little dog with a life span of appox 12 to 15 years. But like all living creatures some Cairns will have on occasion a health problem.

If your Cairn develops a Health problem then the Cairn Terrier Health Group would welcome you reporting it to the Group.

When reporting a condition, please send a vet report and copy of pedigree of the Cairn involved to Maud Hawkes, who will deal with all data on health conditions. Information can be send to her at msascience@onetel.com or cases discussed on telephone 01623 812856. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

There are two conditions in the Breed giving concern to the Health Group. The conditions are Liver Shunts ( PSS) and eye conditions.

LIVER SHUNT - (Portosystemic shunt)

Though there is no test for liver shunt at the moment, research is being carried out in many countries. Hopefully in the future a DNA test will become available and then Breeders will be able to carry out their breeding plans with the hope of eliminating the chance of breeding a liver shunt puppy.

The bile acid testing of puppies is the only action available to Breeders at this time. The Cairn Terrier Health Group strongly recommends that Breeders use this test on their litters. This will give Breeders the confidence that they have done everything to avoid the heartbreak of a Pet Owner having the terrible experience of an ill puppy.

If you have had your litter bile acid tested, then please send your results and copy of pedigree to Maud, msascience@onetel.com or telephone 01623 812856.

EYE CONDITIONS

The Health Group subsidises (in conjunction with the Joint Cairn Terrier Clubs) an eye testing session each year at one of the shows held by a Breed Club. This year the eye testing will be organised by the Cairn Terrier Association. Details will be advertised later in the year.

All members of the group are happy to give advice on health conditions.

Contact Maud Hawkes msascience@onetel.com or telephone 01623 812856.

Yvonne Catto birselaw@ycatto.freeserve.co.uk or telephone 0131 449 2790