West Highland White Terrier Kidney Disease — Lifelong Screening Guide

KidneyBreed HealthMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

West Highland White Terriers (Westies) are genetically predisposed to kidney disease. Here’s a summary of age-specific screening schedules and early warning signs.

Why Westies Need Lifelong Kidney Disease Management

A West Highland White Terrier on the examination table

West Highland White Terriers, like other small breeds, are prone to congenital kidney disease and chronic renal failure in their senior years, requiring lifelong vigilance. Early detection is key. According to veterinary textbooks, the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine declines significantly only after about two-thirds of nephrons have lost function, and blood creatinine levels rise noticeably only after substantial kidney damage has occurred. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor for changes through regular checkups before symptoms appear. If you notice signs such as increased water intake, increased urination, or weight loss, seek veterinary care immediately.

Why Westies Are Vulnerable to Kidney Disease

According to veterinary internal medicine textbooks, dogs can suffer from congenital and hereditary kidney diseases, with renal dysplasia being a leading cause of chronic kidney disease reported in various breeds. When such developmental abnormalities are present, kidney tissue is immature or develops abnormally from birth, which can lead to kidney failure even at a young age. Additionally, immune-mediated glomerulonephritis has been reported as having a hereditary or familial component in certain breeds. However, the textbooks do not identify the West Highland White Terrier as a specifically predisposed breed for these conditions. Therefore, it is safest to implement lifelong, stage-by-stage management that accounts for the risk of chronic kidney failure in older age, regardless of breed.

Four Common Kidney Diseases in Westies

Here’s a summary of the most common kidney-related conditions diagnosed in dogs.

Renal dysplasia: A congenital structural abnormality of the kidneys that can be diagnosed at a young age and is one of the inherited causes of chronic kidney disease.

Glomerulonephritis: A condition in which the kidney’s filtering units (glomeruli) are damaged due to an immune response.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD): A progressive decline in kidney function commonly seen in senior dogs, though congenital forms can also occur in young dogs.

Urolithiasis and nephrolithiasis: Conditions involving stone formation in the urinary tract or kidneys; identifying and treating the underlying cause is essential for effective management.

A West Highland White Terrier undergoing an ultrasound examination

Go to the Vet Immediately If You See These Signs

If your pet’s water bowl empties more than twice as fast as usual, their urine output increases noticeably, or they experience loss of appetite, weight loss, and vomiting lasting more than 24 hours, these could be signs of declining kidney function. In particular, an ammonia-like odor from the mouth or pale gums may indicate advanced kidney failure, requiring immediate veterinary care.

Recommended Kidney Screening Schedule by Age

For senior dogs or those with risk factors, it’s safer to shorten the screening interval. Chronic kidney disease is classified according to the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) four-stage system. Establishing a baseline in young adulthood and then monitoring every six months during senior years significantly increases the likelihood of early detection. Screening includes blood tests (BUN, creatinine, SDMA), urinalysis (UPC ratio, specific gravity), blood pressure measurement, and abdominal ultrasound. Because creatinine levels only rise after kidney function has declined substantially, it’s important to monitor trends in values—even within the normal range—alongside changes in urine specific gravity.

Kidney function test results and West Highland White Terriers

Screening Items and Frequency by Age

Item	1–2 years (young stage)	3–6 years (adult dog stage)	7 years and older (senior stage)
Checkup interval	Once a year	Once a year	Every 6 months
Blood test (BUN/creatinine/SDMA)	True	True	True
Urinalysis (UPC, specific gravity)	True	True	True
Blood pressure measurement	False	True	True
Abdominal ultrasound	Baseline once	If abnormal	Once a year recommended
Renal dysplasia screening	True	False	False

Recommendations based on IRIS guidelines. A veterinarian adjusts them according to each individual's risk level.

Kidney Care Points You Can Manage at Home

According to veterinary nutrition textbooks, the most effective home care for reducing kidney strain is ensuring adequate hydration and controlling phosphorus intake. Please keep the following points in mind in your daily routine.

Water bowl placement: Place bowls in 2–3 locations around the house to encourage increased water consumption.

Incorporate wet food: This can help pets with kidney strain.

Limit salty treats: Human foods and dried meat snacks can put additional strain on the kidneys.

Track water intake: Measure and record consumption once a week to monitor any changes.

A West Highland White Terrier drinking water

Medication Precautions Every Westie Owner Must Know

When kidney function is compromised, common human pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, as well as certain veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause acute kidney failure. Never administer these medications without veterinary guidance. Always have your veterinarian determine the appropriate, safe medication and dosage based on your pet’s weight and kidney function test results.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should Westies begin kidney screenings?

We recommend conducting a baseline health check around the age of one. Congenital kidney diseases can be diagnosed at a young age, so establishing normal reference values early on makes it easier to compare and detect any changes in the future.

Is the SDMA test really necessary?

SDMA is a marker used to assess kidney function alongside creatinine. Because creatinine levels only rise noticeably after glomerular filtration rate has declined significantly, early changes can easily be missed. Therefore, monitoring trends within the normal range along with changes in urine specific gravity aids in early detection, making it a valuable component of regular check-ups.

Should I switch to a kidney prescription diet right away?

There’s no need to feed prescription diets to healthy young dogs. This decision should be made after a veterinary consultation, once a checkup has confirmed a decline in kidney function (IRIS stages 1–2).

It seems like my pet is drinking too much water. Is this normal?

If your pet consistently drinks more than 100 ml per kilogram of body weight per day, it may be a sign of polydipsia (excessive thirst). If this persists for more than three days, it’s important to rule out conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease, so please schedule a veterinary visit.

Is glomerulonephritis curable?

While we can slow the progression by modulating the immune response, a complete cure is difficult. The goal is to preserve kidney function for as long as possible through medications that reduce proteinuria and dietary management.