 The breed is predisposed to conditions found in many breeds , such as abdominal hernias . Westie puppies may be affected by craniomandibular osteopathy , a disease also known as " lion jaw " , and is sometimes also referred to as " <unk> jaw " . The disease is an autosomal recessive condition , so a puppy can only be affected by it if both its parents are carriers of the faulty gene . The condition appears across many breeds , including several different types of terriers , as well as other unrelated breeds such as the Great Dane . It typically appears in dogs under a year old , and can cause problems for the dog to chew or swallow food . <unk> testing can be conducted to diagnose the condition , in which the bones around the jaw thicken ; additionally , the blood may show increased calcium levels and enzyme levels . The condition often stops progressing by the time the dog is a year old , and in some cases can recede . It is normally treated with anti @-@ inflammatory medications , and the feeding of soft foods . In some cases , tube feeding may be necessary . However , if the animal still cannot eat and is in uncontrolled pain , then euthanasia may be the only medical option remaining . 
