Health Issues:
The majority of Rat Terriers are healthy, long lived energetic little terriers requiring little formal medical care. However, like any breed of dog there are certain genetic characteristics that can adversely affect the health of the breed.

The Rat Terrier is the most diversified breed in history. He is a combination of different breeds, types and strains. Therefore not all Rat Terriers carry the same genetic markers for inherited conditions. Recessive genetic defects within different lines, strains, and types have the potential of passing onto their offspring conditions that should be eliminated from the breeding populsation.

The Rat Terrier was recognized as a breed in its own right on January 1, 1999 when it was accepted by United Kennel Club. Being one of the newest breeds there are no health studies that have been conducted on the Rat Terrier. Following is a list of genetic conditions that can occur with the Rat Terrier breed.

Patella Subluxation
Patella subluxation is an inherited condition, frequently referred to as slipped stifles. It is most common in all small breeds weighing less than twenty pounds. Patella subluxation involves the thighbone,knee cap and calf bone. When the calf bone turns inward the knee cap slips out of the groove and rides on the surface of the thigh bone. As constant irritation takes place between the bones arthritis develops.

To eliminate the condition from the Rat Terrier population dogs with this condition should not be bred.

Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition resulting from the abnormal fitting of the head of the thighbone into the hip socket. The affected joints become loose instead of remaining in a tight position. There are varying degrees of dysplastic conditions ranging from mild to crippling arthritis.

Rat Terriers should be OFA Certified before breeding. Any Rat Terrier with a grade less than excellent or good should not be considered for breeding. When purchasing a puppy ask the breeder for OFA Certification on both the sire and the dam.

For more information on certification contact: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals at ofa@offa.org.

Primary Glaucoma
Primary glaucoma is a genetic problem that has been documented in many small breeds of dogs. The condition results from narrow angles inside the eye. Over time fluid cannot drain properly causing the eye to stretch and enlarge. Blindness always results.

A simple examination by an optometrist veterinarian can determine if your Rat Terrier has narrow angles. The examination can be given at an early age.

Responsible breeders should have their dogs examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist that is CERF accredited, before breeding. The CERF, Canine Eye Registration Foundation is a centralized national registry of dogs. They certify that dogs are free from heritable eye disease; the organization is run by members of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

www.vmdb.org/cerf.html

Skin Allergies
Rat Terriers are prone to skin irritation. Environmental and food allergies are mostly responsible for skin reactions that cause itching, chewing and hot spots. Environmental factors are primarily pollens, dust mites, and molds.Food allergies that cause skin irritation are linked to ingredients contained in the dog's diet. Foods that contain corn, and dairy products should not be fed to dogs that have allergic reactions to foods.