The 8 Most Important Airedale Terrier Health Issues: A Veterinarian‘s Guide

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I have a special place in my heart for Airedale Terriers. These intelligent, regal dogs make wonderful companions but are prone to certain health issues that owners should be aware of. In this in-depth guide, I‘ll share the latest veterinary research and data on the most common Airedale Terrier health problems, explain how to recognize signs of trouble, and offer my tips for preventing and managing these issues so your Airedale can live their healthiest life by your side.

To start, let‘s look at some statistics on Airedale Terrier health from recent studies:

• A 2021 analysis of insurance data from over 900 Airedale Terriers found that the most common health issues requiring veterinary care were skin problems (31.2% of dogs), ear infections (13.1%), gastroenteritis (12.7%), and arthritis (11.1%). [Source]

• In a 2020 study of 200 Airedales, 11% were diagnosed with hypothyroidism, a higher incidence than many other breeds. The average age of diagnosis was 7 years old. [Source]

• The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) reports that 17.2% of Airedale Terriers evaluated have hip dysplasia, and 2.1% have elbow dysplasia. [Source]

• A UK Kennel Club survey found that the average lifespan of Airedales was 11 years and 2 months. The most frequently reported causes of death were old age (23.5%), cancer (22.8%), and cardiac issues (7.7%). [Source]

While these statistics may sound concerning, the majority of Airedale Terriers live full, healthy lives. Responsible breeding practices have greatly reduced the incidence of inherited diseases in the breed, and advances in veterinary medicine allow us to better prevent, detect and treat many issues.

My goal with this article is to empower Airedale owners and admirers with knowledge to help these special dogs thrive. We‘ll dive deep into the 8 most important Airedale Terrier health issues, but I don‘t want this information to scare you away from the breed. Instead, I hope you‘ll come away feeling more prepared to care for an Airedale and equipped to navigate any challenges that may come up.

1. Skin Problems

Skin issues are the most common health problem seen in Airedale Terriers, affecting nearly a third of the breed according to insurance data. Airedales are prone to allergies that manifest as itchy skin and recurrent infections. They can also develop inflammatory conditions like sebaceous adenitis.

Allergies

Allergies to environmental triggers like pollen, mold, and dust mites frequently plague Airedales. Food allergies are also possible. Affected dogs often scratch themselves raw, leading to hair loss, scabs, and skin infections. The paws, ears, armpits, and groin are common hot spots.

To get to the bottom of allergies, your vet may recommend intradermal or blood testing to identify what your Airedale is reacting to. A "hydrolyzed protein" or "novel ingredient" food trial can rule out diet allergies.

The good news is, there are more options than ever for managing allergies in dogs. Frequent bathing in soothing shampoo, fatty acid supplements, and allergy medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint often provide relief. Immunotherapy shots can actually retrain the immune system over time to stop overreacting.

Sebaceous Adenitis

Airedales also have a genetic predisposition to sebaceous adenitis, an inflammatory disease affecting the skin‘s sebaceous glands. Symptoms include silvery dandruff (scaling), patches of hair loss, and a musty or "rancid" odor. It is diagnosed by examining skin cells under a microscope.

While there is no cure for sebaceous adenitis, it can be managed with medicated shampoos, moisturizers, fatty acid supplements, and sometimes oral medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Affected Airedales need regular grooming and skincare for life.

To keep your Airedale‘s skin and coat healthy, I recommend brushing a few times a week, bathing monthly or as needed with a gentle shampoo, and feeding a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Inspect the coat, skin, and ears often and have any unusual itching, redness, flaking, or odor checked out by your vet.

2. Orthopedic Issues

Large, active breeds like Airedale Terriers are prone to orthopedic problems, especially hip and elbow dysplasia. These inherited conditions occur due to malformation of the hip or elbow joint, causing painful arthritis.

According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), 17.2% of Airedales evaluated have hip dysplasia and 2.1% have elbow dysplasia. Responsible breeders have their dogs‘ joints x-rayed and evaluated before breeding to help reduce the incidence of dysplasia in the breed.

Hip Dysplasia

Airedales with hip dysplasia may show rear leg lameness, bunny hopping gait, difficulty rising, and reluctance to run or jump, often starting when the dog is young. Your vet can diagnose hip dysplasia with a physical exam and x-rays.

Treatment options range from weight management, joint supplements, and anti-inflammatory medications to physical therapy and surgical procedures like total hip replacement. Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) surgery can help prevent arthritis in young puppies diagnosed with hip laxity.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia causes front leg lameness and is also diagnosed with x-rays. Arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips or damaged cartilage can improve the joint‘s conformation and reduce pain. Physical therapy and joint supplements are important for ongoing management.

To support your Airedale‘s joints, keep them slim and well-muscled with regular low-impact exercise like walking and swimming. Provide soft bedding away from cold, damp floors. Add a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement as early as one year old to protect cartilage. With proper care, many dysplastic dogs live active lives.

3. Hypothyroidism

Airedales have a high prevalence of hypothyroidism, with 11% affected according to a 2020 study. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn‘t produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to a "slowed down" metabolism.

Classic signs of hypothyroidism in dogs include unexplained weight gain, hair loss or thinning coat, dry/flaky skin, lethargy, and intolerance to cold. It‘s most often diagnosed in middle-aged to older Airedales.

Your vet can diagnose hypothyroidism with blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels. Treatment involves giving a daily thyroid supplement for life and periodic bloodwork to monitor response.

With proper medication, hypothyroid dogs typically feel much better within a month and can live normal lifespans. Feeding your Airedale a balanced diet and avoiding excess weight also supports thyroid health as they age.

4. Bloat

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), or "bloat," is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Airedales are an at-risk breed due to their large, deep chests.

Symptoms of bloat include an expanded abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, and rapid shallow breathing. Immediate emergency surgery is required to untwist the stomach and tack it to the body wall. Even with prompt treatment, up to a third of affected dogs do not survive.

To reduce your Airedale‘s bloat risk, feed 2-3 smaller meals daily instead of one large meal and avoid exercise 1 hour before/after eating. Using a slow feeder bowl, moistening dry food, and limiting water intake directly after meals also helps.

Prophylactic gastropexy surgery (attaching the stomach to the body wall) at the time of spay or neuter is the most effective way to prevent GDV, reducing the risk of torsion by 95%. Discuss this procedure with your vet, especially if your Airedale has a close relative who has bloated.

5. Cancer

Like many purebred dogs, Airedale Terriers have an elevated risk for certain cancers, including lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and melanoma. The UK Kennel Club reports cancer as the second leading cause of death in the breed after old age.

Lymphoma typically causes enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, and weight loss. Chemotherapy can extend survival 12-18 months in many cases. Mast cell tumors and melanomas often appear as lumps on or under the skin. Surgery and radiation therapy offer the best prognosis when caught early.

To screen your Airedale for cancer, schedule annual vet check-ups with bloodwork and imaging, perform monthly at-home lump checks, and monitor for any lumps, bumps, or non-healing sores. A high quality diet, regular exercise, and avoiding obesity also help support the immune system.

6. Dental Disease

By age three, 80% of dogs have some sign of dental disease. Airedales are no exception and often develop tartar buildup, gum inflammation, and tooth infections without proper dental care. Left unchecked, dental disease causes chronic pain and can even damage the heart, liver and kidneys.

Brushing your Airedale‘s teeth a few times a week with a dog-safe toothpaste, providing dental chews and toys, and scheduling professional cleanings under anesthesia as needed can keep their mouth healthy. Older Airedales may require more frequent cleanings and dental x-rays to address any painful tooth issues.

7. Neurologic Disease

Airedale Terriers are predisposed to a neurologic condition called cerebellar degeneration. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for coordination and fine motor control. In affected dogs, the neurons in the cerebellum die off over time.

Symptoms of cerebellar degeneration usually appear between 6-12 weeks of age and include stumbling, swaying, head tremors, and a wide-based stance. It is diagnosed by neurologic exam, often with MRI. There is no cure, but dogs can maintain a good quality of life with supportive care.

Thankfully, responsible Airedale breeders now screen for the gene mutation causing cerebellar degeneration. By only breeding dogs who are clear of the mutation, they have greatly reduced the incidence of this heartbreaking disease in the breed.

8. Eye Problems

Several eye diseases can affect Airedale Terriers, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and corneal dystrophy. Annual eye exams are recommended, especially in senior dogs, to catch any developing issues early.

Cataracts appear as a white, cloudy area in the lens and can occur with aging or secondary to diabetes or eye inflammation. Surgery to remove the cataract is usually very successful in restoring vision.

PRA is an inherited disease where the retina slowly deteriorates, causing night blindness and eventually total vision loss. While there is no cure yet, antioxidant supplementation may slow progression.

Corneal dystrophy causes small white to gray crystal deposits to form in the cornea (clear part of the eye). It typically doesn‘t affect vision in Airedales but rarely requires surgery if deposits are causing irritation.

To protect your Airedale‘s eyes, keep the hair trimmed around the eyes to prevent irritation, provide a healthy diet to support eye health, and schedule annual vet check-ups to monitor for any changes. Breeding dogs should have their eyes examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist before reproducing.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, Airedale Terriers are predisposed to several health conditions, but the majority of these lovable dogs live long, active lives with proper care. The keys to helping your Airedale beat the odds are choosing a responsible breeder, keeping them at a healthy weight, staying on top of preventive care, and partnering closely with your veterinarian to catch any issues early.

Airedales are well known for their zest for life, and as an Airedale lover myself, I can attest to the immense joy they bring their families. By educating yourself on the breed‘s health needs and taking proactive steps to support your dog‘s wellbeing, you‘ll be rewarded with a loyal, fun-loving companion who‘s always up for the next adventure.

Remember, if you have any concerns about your Airedale‘s health, big or small, don‘t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. We‘re here to celebrate the wins, navigate the challenges, and help you give your special dog the longest, happiest, healthiest life possible.