Clinical decision support tool. Does not replace professional veterinary judgment. Always verify recommendations with current references.
West Highland White Terrier
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🧬 Genetic Drug Sensitivities
🔴 COPPER_HEPATOPATHY (Breed-associated copper accumulation)
Prevalence: Unknown
Breed-associated copper-associated hepatopathy reduces hepatic reserve, and carprofen carries a recognised idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity. Take a baseline ALT before starting chronic NSAID therapy and recheck at 2-4 weeks, then at each refill. This is a monitoring requirement, not a contraindication.
📋 Breed Predispositions
| Condition | Prevalence | Onset | Severity | Screening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ("Westie Lung") | Breed-specific — Westies are the index breed | 8-13 years | LIFE THREATENING | Thoracic radiographs or HRCT with bronchoalveolar lavage for chronic cough, persistent inspiratory crackles and exercise intolerance. Commonly misdiagnosed as chronic bronchitis or heart disease for months. |
| Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKLR) | Autosomal recessive; genetic test available | 4 months-4 years | LIFE THREATENING | PKLR genetic test. Suspect it in a young Westie with persistent regenerative anemia; progressive myelofibrosis and osteosclerosis follow and the course is ultimately fatal. |
| Copper-Associated Hepatopathy | Breed-associated | 2-8 years | SEVERE | ALT annually. Persistently raised ALT without another explanation warrants liver biopsy with quantitative copper analysis — ultrasound and bile acids cannot make this diagnosis. |
| Atopic Dermatitis | One of the highest-risk breeds | 6 months-3 years | MODERATE RISK | Rule out flea allergy and run a strict food trial before allergen testing. Control secondary Malassezia and staphylococcal infection first — most "treatment failures" are untreated infection. |
| Craniomandibular Osteopathy (SLC37A2) | Breed-classic; genetic test available | 3-8 months | MODERATE RISK | Skull radiographs in a young Westie with jaw pain, drooling or an inability to open the mouth. Self-limiting after skeletal maturity in most dogs — analgesia is the mainstay, not surgery. |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease | Elevated | 4-11 months | MODERATE RISK | Hip radiographs for progressive unilateral hindlimb lameness in a young dog. |
🏥 Anesthesia Considerations
⚠ Pulmonary Fibrosis — Reduced Respiratory Reserve
Older Westies carry a breed-specific idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis risk that is often undiagnosed. Auscultate for persistent inspiratory crackles and take thoracic radiographs before elective anesthesia in any Westie over 8 with a cough or exercise intolerance. Affected dogs desaturate quickly: pre-oxygenate, use IPPV, monitor SpO2 and ETCO2 continuously, and plan an oxygen-supplemented recovery. Recovery hypoxemia, not induction, is the danger point.