This document discusses genetic disorders in Australian Terriers. It notes that retinal dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy are two relatively common eye disorders in the breed. The document emphasizes that all dog breeds can be susceptible to health issues and advises owners to have puppies examined by a veterinarian and ensure any breeder provides a health guarantee. It concludes that while Australian Terriers may be prone to certain eye conditions, other disorders can affect any breed and should not be taken lightly.

1. Genetic Disorders
Australian Terrier

2. Introduction
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When choosing any breed of dog you must be
aware of potential health concerns
All dogs mixes and pure bred can have health
concerns
The more popular breeds and their mixes will
have more genetic problems listed and more
likely to have puppies with problems .
Make sure your breeder offers a written health
guarantee good for one year.
Have the puppy heath checked at your
Veterinarian

3. Eye Disorders
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Retinal dysplasia: The condition is present from birth. At 3 to 4 weeks of age, the
breeder may notice that severely affected pups are less active and frequently bump
into objects. A veterinarian will be best able to examine the pup's eyes for this
condition with an ophthalmoscope at 12 to 16 weeks of age, when the retina is
mature.
Progressive retinal atrophy: deterioration of the retinal cells causes blindness.
Generalized PRA - early onset: The first sign is generally failing night vision, as
early as 6 weeks of age, and this progresses to complete loss of vision by about 1 - 2
years of age. Collies may retain some vision until the age of 2 - 3 years. In miniature
schnauzers, poor night vision usually develops later (6 months to a year) and there is
advanced loss of vision by 3 to 4 years. Affected Alaskan malamutes are day-blind
(hemeralopia) at 8 to 10 weeks of age; night vision is never affected.
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Generalized PRA (progressive rod-cone degeneration) - late onset: Generally
night blindness is noticed between 2 and 5 years of age (depending on the breed)
progressing to total blindness within a year or so. Peripheral vision is lost first.
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Central PRA (CPRA) - retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy (RPED): Loss of vision
occurs much more slowly than in generalized PRA, without initial night blindness.
Affected dogs may not lose vision completely. Because the changes are in the centre
of the retina, affected dogs initially have trouble locating still objects in bright light.

4. In Conclusion
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Australian Terriers have 2 health concerns Disorders relatively
common in this breed are : None.
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Note above disorder(s) is very common in this breed. Do not take
lightly the other disorders. Some are very serious .
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Information for this presentation as a public service provided by:
www.delayrekennel.com with information provided by :
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A joint initiative of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the
Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and
the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association..
Permission is granted to reprint pages from the database, provided
that credit is given as follows: Crook A et al. 2011. Canine Inherited
Disorders Database
Photo Wikipedia

5. About the Presenter
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Member of the Canine Ambassador Program with Orange Empire
Dog Club. Educating people in the joy canines bring into our lives
through their relationship, interaction, and unconditional love.
Pet Professional specializing in the training of puppies in Sun Valley
since 1974 .
Breeder of Silky Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers
My boarding, training and breeding kennel was awarded Small
Business of the Year 2000
Better Business Bureau A+ rating
I have owned and/or bred 21 Conformation Champions including 6
International Champions
Member and former Vice President of the City of Angels Silky
Terrier Club
Past President of Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce
Have also served on the boards of Associated Terrier Breeders,
Animal Safe Haven Foundation, United Chambers of Commerce

6. About the Presenter

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


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Member of the Canine Ambassador Program with Orange Empire
Dog Club. Educating people in the joy canines bring into our lives
through their relationship, interaction, and unconditional love.
Pet Professional specializing in the training of puppies in Sun Valley
since 1974 .
Breeder of Silky Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers
My boarding, training and breeding kennel was awarded Small
Business of the Year 2000
Better Business Bureau A+ rating
I have owned and/or bred 21 Conformation Champions including 6
International Champions
Member and former Vice President of the City of Angels Silky
Terrier Club
Past President of Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce
Have also served on the boards of Associated Terrier Breeders,
Animal Safe Haven Foundation, United Chambers of Commerce