Jack Russell Terrier Health Problems
Please make no mistakes - Jack Russell Terrier dogs, although an unspoiled breed when compared to others, can develop modern day problems just like any other breeds if not well cared for when it comes to diet and exercise. Luckily though, innherited defects among them are very infrequent. Nevertheless, common ailments such as hot spots, ticks, fleas, worms and a number of others are still to be attended to just like any other dog breeds.
Let's single out a few more important issues here:
Ataxia:
This is a muscle and limb disorder that can lead to an uncoordinated and awkward gait. In its mild manifestation the dog just moves awkwardly. However, in more severe cases, the dog will find it hard to maintain balance. And in the worst scenario, the dog will not be able to walk or stand let alone all other movements.
Cryptorchidism:
Cryptorchidism is another Jack Russell Terrier health problem where the dog does not have two fully descended testicles. It can manifest itself unilaterally (one present) or bilaterally (both retained) chryptorchid, where the former is less fertile than a normal male and the latter (bilaterally chryptorchid) is sterile.
Parents and siblings of the Jack Russell Terrier breed should be handled very cautiously wherever breeding is observed.
Hereditary Cataracts:
Although cataracts are not common Jack Russell Terrier health problems, owners shouldn't ignore the importance of regular checkups because it might be due to the fact that this data only shows the registered Jack Russell Terrier dogs, and there could be something quite different in the unregistered side of the equation.
So it is a mighty fine idea to check your dog's eyes regularly and periodically, especially as they get older whether they're registered or not.
Legg-Calve Perthes:
This condition affects the partial disintegration of the femoral head. Symptoms include lameness of the hind legs, mostly found in puppies and young adults. However, with proper care and diet, this condition will be lessened with age as the femoral head will adjust itself.
Myasthenia Gravis:
This is the condition in which the motor nerves are affected, and weakness in the hindquarters is often the result.
A dog with this condition can have difficulty in rising from a sitting position and will sway and stagger when walking. This condition is considered as some of the inherited Jack Russell Terrier health problems.
Primary Lens Luxation:
Lens Luxation is when the lens of the eye become displaced. Pain manifests suddenly and intensely...and blindness rapidly emerges as the result. Without surgery or any immediate remedial measures, blindness will become permanent. This is quite a common Jack Russell Terrier Health problem.
Patella Luxation:
This is a condition of dislocated kneecaps which causes a three-legged hop for a step or two. It's very common in many small dog breeds and the Jack Russell Terrier dogs can be among these unlucky ones.
The longer legged Russells don't seem to suffer from this malady as much as the Shorties do, and this Jack Russell Terrier health problem
can be improved and even corrected quite effectively with surgery.