The number one cause of death in canines is Cancer.  Soft Coated Wheaten
Terriers may have a higher than average propensity for the Protein Losing
Syndromes - PLE and PLN and, in some instances, Renal Dysplasia (RD).  
Wheatens are no different than any other purebred dog as each breed has their
own set of health issues.  Mixed breeds also have health issues so they are not
necessarily healthier than a purebred dog.

The Protein Losing Syndromes are genetic diseases.  We don't know the mode of
inheritance for the Protein Losing Syndromes - Protein-Losing Enteropathy
(PLE) and Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN).

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America along with Breeders and
Wheaten Owners have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into researching
these syndromes.  Through this research we have discovered the importance of
Annual Health Testing and tracking those results to uncover trends that may be
indicative of PLE/PLN.

For more information on Wheaten Health you can read past Health Articles in
Benchmarks (the quarterly magazine of the SCWTCA) as well as the quarterly
Wheaten Health Newsletter, also sponsored by SCWTCA.

In 1994 Dr. Shelly Vaden of North Carolina State University College of
Veterinary Medicine bred the first Colony of Wheatens to gain a better
understanding of the mode of inheritance of PLE/PLN as well as early diagnosis
and treatment.  These dogs were the foundation of the Colony Dogs.   

These dogs have played a very important role in the lives of all of our Wheatens.  
In 2006 Dr. Vaden shared with Wheaten Breeders and Owners "What Have We
Learned From The Colony Dogs?"

The Colony Dogs need our ongoing support as the cost to house and feed them
runs over $2,000 per dog per year.  Please consider making a contribution to help
support the Colony Dogs.  These donations are tax deductible!

The SCWTCA Endowment, Inc. was created to foster improved health among
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.  The SCWTCA Endowment has and continues to
support various American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation Research
Grants.  Donations to the Endowment are encouraged and tax deductible.
Health Issues In Wheaten Terriers