Health

SCWTS are relatively healthy and robust breed. Most wheatens live to a healthy old age which in the wheaten is around 12 years. Like all dogs, whether pure or crossbred, wheatens have specific health issues that people should consider. The most serious illnesses are:

renal dysplasia (RD)
protein losing diseases (PLE/PLN)
Addisons disease (no instance known in Australasia to date)
cancer (various kinds), the biggest killer of wheatens
ocular occlusions
hip dysplasia
various food and environmental allergies, such as plants, fleas and dust
thyroid/neuronal disorders
pyometra
ectopic ureta.

Research into wheaten health issues is ongoing. Health issues are a primary concern of the NSW Society. The Society has a committee to collate and disseminate wheaten health information. If you have a question, or wish to contribute to our knowledge base, please contact the Health Information Committee.

The society has drafted a Health Protocol for testing of significant diseases. The Society recommends annual testing of all wheatens from the age of two years.

Health links

Other sites with information on wheaten health issues include: