Australian Terrier Health Issues & Care Guide
Comprehensive health guide covering common conditions, genetic testing, preventive care, and veterinary recommendations for Australian Terriers.
Health Overview
Diabetes is more common in Australian Terriers than most breeds, making regular glucose monitoring and weight management particularly important for the breed.. Choosing a breeder who performs comprehensive health testing is the best way to minimize genetic risks.
Once home, maintain your Australian Terrier's health through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, dental hygiene, and preventive veterinary care including annual (or biannual for seniors) wellness exams.
Common Health Conditions
| Condition | Frequency | Severity | Treatable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patellar Luxation | Common | Moderate | Yes |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease | Moderate | Moderate | Yes |
| Diabetes Mellitus | Moderate | High | Partial |
| Allergies | Moderate | Low | Yes |
| Thyroid Disease | Moderate | Low | Yes |
Patellar Luxation
Kneecap dislocation common in small breeds, with Australian Terriers showing a breed predisposition requiring screening.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Degeneration of the femoral head causing hip pain, typically appearing in puppies between 4 and 12 months of age.
Diabetes Mellitus
Higher than average incidence of diabetes in the breed, requiring lifelong insulin therapy and dietary management.
Allergies
Environmental and food allergies causing skin irritation and itching, manageable through identification and avoidance.
Thyroid Disease
Hypothyroidism causing weight gain, coat changes, and lethargy, easily managed with daily thyroid hormone replacement.
Recommended Health Tests
Before buying a Australian Terrier ($800–$1500), verify these health tests on both parents:
- Patellar luxation evaluation by an orthopedic veterinarian
- Eye exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist
- Thyroid function testing
- Comprehensive DNA panel for Australian Terrier-specific mutations including Patellar Luxation screening
All results should be verifiable through OFA's public database. Diabetes is more common in Australian Terriers than most breeds, making regular glucose monitoring and weight management particularly important for the breed..
Preventive Care Schedule
Keep your Australian Terrier healthy with this preventive care schedule (estimated $343–883/year):
- First year: Vaccination series, deworming, parasite prevention start, microchipping, spay/neuter consultation
- Annual (adults 1-9): Comprehensive exam, vaccine updates, heartworm test, weight management (15–20 lbs target), Patellar Luxation screening
- Biannual (seniors 9+): Full blood work, thyroid panel, urinalysis, cardiac check, Patellar Luxation monitoring
Life Stage Health Guide
Australian Terrier life stages and what to expect over 11–15 years:
- Puppy (0-12 months): Socialization window, house training, vaccination series, growth toward 20 lbs
- Adolescent (1-2 years): Boundary testing, Responsive and willing to learn with an eagerness to please that is unusual among terriers, though they retain enough independence to test boundaries occasionally., filling out to 10–11 inches
- Prime adult (2-9 years): Peak energy (4/5), established routine, preventive care including Patellar Luxation screening
- Senior (9+ years): Activity adjustment, monitoring for Patellar Luxation, enhanced veterinary monitoring
Insurance Recommendation
Pet insurance makes sense for Australian Terrier owners given the breed's susceptibility to Patellar Luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. Monthly premiums average $38–$86 depending on coverage level and deductible. Enroll as a puppy for the broadest coverage.