Aussie's Disease

AUSTRALIAN TERRIER ORIGIN AND HISTORY The Australian terrier appeared in 1868 as a hunter in the bushland. The breed traces its origin to several terriers, including the Cairn, Dandie Dinmont and Skye. It is the first Australian breed to be recognized and shown in its native land and recognized internationally. It was recognized by the AKC in 1960. DESCRIPTION Australian Terriers (Aussies) are unusually responsive, and some are also quite sensitive. They perform better than most terriers in obedience work because of their intense desire to please their owners. Although they seem independent, no breed depends more on understanding and affection. A healthy, normal Aussie is interested, observant and active. Some can climb like a monkey,

It was reported in 2 dogs (.3%) in the ATCA survey. VonWillebrand’s disease (VWD) refers to low levels of VonWillebrand’s factor (VWF) a glycoprotein that when complexed with Factor VIII is responsible for platelet adhesion. Type 1 VWD is characterized by low levels of VWF but all multimers of the factor are present. Affected dogs have increased bleeding time after surgery or trauma. A DNA test for VWD in the Australian terrier is available through Genetic Technologies (Australia). 6, 11

Patent ductus arteriosus has been listed as occurring in the breed. 6, 7 Blood is shunted from the aorta to the pulmonary artery over perfusing the lungs and under perfusing the rest of the body. PDA was not reported in any dog in the ATCA survey. 9

DERMATOLOGICAL

The Australian terrier is at increased risk for allergic inhalant dermatitis (Atopy) 6, 7 and Malassezia dermatitis. 4 11.4% of the dogs in the ATCA survey reported some kind of allergic dermatitis. 9

Juvenile cellulitis has been reported to occur in the breed. 6, 7 Swelling and inflammation are most commonly seen in the face and submandibular lymph nodes.

The follow dermatologic conditions have been listed as occurring in Australian terriers: adrenal hyperplasia-like syndrome; 7 primary seborrhea; 7 and discoid lupus erythematosus. 7 None of these conditions were specifically reported in the ATCA survey.

The breed has the lowest incidence of hip dysplasia in the Terrier Group. Source: OFA

Ruptured cranial cruciate ligament was reported in 4.4% of the dogs in the ATCA survey, making it the second most reported musculoskeletal disorder in the breed. 9

NEUROLIGIC

Epilepsy is listed as being a problem in the breed. 6 Idiopathic epilepsy was diagnosed in 2.1% of the dogs in the ATCA survey while nonspecific seizure disorders were reported in an additional 1.8% of the dogs surveyed. 9

Glucocerebrosidosis (Gaucher’s disease) is a rare lysosomal storage disease. A deficiency of beta glucosidase leads to degeneration of the white matter in the cerebrum, cerebellum and spinal cord. Clinical signs may be seen at 4 to 8 months of age and include: ataxia, tremors and hyperactivity. The disease has been documented in the Silky terrier and reported anecdotally in the Australian terrier. 6, 7

Myasthenia gravis and Scottie cramp were reported in dogs in the survey. 9

The breed is listed as being at risk for atlantoaxial luxation. 7 Weakness of supporting ligaments of absence or malformation of the dens results in abnormal flexion of the neck putting pressure on the cervical spinal cord. Clinical signs include neck pain and paresis or paralysis.