Yorkshire Terrier Health Guide
Back to Yorkshire Terrier OverviewUnderstanding the health profile of the Yorkshire Terrier helps owners make informed decisions about screening, insurance, and preventive care. Like many pedigree breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier is prone to certain hereditary and acquired health conditions, most notably Patellar Luxation, Portosystemic Shunt, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Lifespan varies considerably — from 13 to 16 years — and is strongly influenced by diet, weight management, and early veterinary screening. Smaller breeds often enjoy longer lifespans but can be prone to dental disease and patellar luxation; regular dental care and weight monitoring are particularly important.
Conditions Affecting Yorkshire Terriers
- Category: Gastrointestinal Typical onset: Under 2 years (congenital) Est. treatment cost: £3,000-£7,000
A portosystemic shunt (PSS) is an abnormal blood vessel that allows blood from the gastrointestinal tract to bypass the liver, preventing detoxification. Toxins accumulate in the bloodstream causing hepatic encephalopathy. Congenital shunts are hereditary.
Key symptoms: Stunted growth · Neurological signs after eating (circling, head pressing) · Seizures · Excessive salivation · +2 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment - Category: Eye Typical onset: 3-8 years Est. treatment cost: £0 (management only)
PRA is a group of hereditary diseases causing progressive degeneration of the photoreceptor cells in the retina. It leads to night blindness first, followed by complete blindness. There is no treatment, but DNA tests exist for many forms.
Key symptoms: Night blindness (early sign) · Reluctance to enter dark rooms · Dilated pupils · Reduced daytime vision · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment - Category: Orthopedic Typical onset: 4 months - 6 years Est. treatment cost: £1,500-£3,500
Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal groove in the femur. It can be medial (inward) or lateral (outward) and ranges from grade 1 (occasional slipping) to grade 4 (permanent dislocation).
Key symptoms: Intermittent skipping on hind leg · Sudden leg lifting · Bunny-hopping · Hind limb lameness · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment - Category: Respiratory Typical onset: 4-14 years Est. treatment cost: £500-£4,500
Tracheal collapse is a progressive weakening of the tracheal cartilage rings causing the trachea to flatten during breathing. It produces a characteristic honking cough and respiratory distress, particularly during excitement, eating, or heat.
Key symptoms: Honking or goose-like cough · Exercise intolerance · Respiratory distress · Cyanosis in severe cases · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment
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