Health
You should remember, that there is no dog (pure bred or mixed) that doesn't carry some recessive deterious genes. Careless breeding increases the incidence of hereditary problems, but even carefully bred dogs can be affected.
Jack and Parson Russell Terriers are extremely healthy compared with other pure breeds, but even they carry a hereditary burden that includes a couple of problems.
Eye problems
Lens luxation. This is when the lens of the eye gets dislocated. This is a very common Jack Russell Terrier health problem as it is hereditary.
Glaucoma. This is when the eye constantly produces aqueous fluid, this fills the area between the lens and the cornea.
Heart Problems
Compared with most breeds, JRT's have healthy circulatory systems, but just as humans, some times they also may have heart diseases. Heartworms (internal parasites) are another problem that can crop up. Remember: prevention is key!
Neural problems
Deafness. Is commonly hereditary, related to the same gene responsible for lack of pigmentation in the coat of JRT's. Deafness has been reported in both or one ears. If a puppy is deaf on both ears this should be apparent by the time they are of selling age. However, it is difficult to detect a dog deaf on only one ear. If you suspect your dog might be suffering this condition you can ask your veterinary about the BAER test performed in most vet practices.
Ataxia. This is the disease caused by death of a particular type of cell in the cerebellum of the brain.
Skeletal problems
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Degeneration of the bone due to reduced supply of blood to the head of the femur. In most cases only one leg is affected.
Patellar Luxation. This is a condition where the kneecap dislocates or moves from its normal location. This is common in small breeds.
Lens luxation. This is when the lens of the eye gets dislocated. This is a very common Jack Russell Terrier health problem as it is hereditary.
- Symptoms: The dog may be unable to open its eye, he may be experiencing pain. There might also see reddening of the eye and fluid coming out of it.
Glaucoma. This is when the eye constantly produces aqueous fluid, this fills the area between the lens and the cornea.
- Symptoms: The dog may rub his eye and squint. Eye is reddened and swollen with a clouded cornea and dilated pupil (the dog's colored part of the eye looks bigger than usual).
Heart Problems
Compared with most breeds, JRT's have healthy circulatory systems, but just as humans, some times they also may have heart diseases. Heartworms (internal parasites) are another problem that can crop up. Remember: prevention is key!
Neural problems
Deafness. Is commonly hereditary, related to the same gene responsible for lack of pigmentation in the coat of JRT's. Deafness has been reported in both or one ears. If a puppy is deaf on both ears this should be apparent by the time they are of selling age. However, it is difficult to detect a dog deaf on only one ear. If you suspect your dog might be suffering this condition you can ask your veterinary about the BAER test performed in most vet practices.
Ataxia. This is the disease caused by death of a particular type of cell in the cerebellum of the brain.
- Symptoms: Dogs develop tremors and noticeable lack of coordination, they might be unable to stand or even eat. At first pups may just stand with their legs wider than normal, but as more cells die the puppies get worse, stumbling and falling.
Skeletal problems
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Degeneration of the bone due to reduced supply of blood to the head of the femur. In most cases only one leg is affected.
- Symptoms: Dog may suddenly appears to tend to rub on three legs.
Patellar Luxation. This is a condition where the kneecap dislocates or moves from its normal location. This is common in small breeds.
- Symptoms: The dog might present intermittent limping in the rear leg. In some cases the dog might not present any symptoms, therefore it is very important to keep up-to-date with examinations from the vet in order to get an accurate diagnose.
Be aware that many different diseases can show similar symptoms, and, on the other hand, symptoms may not show up in the same combination. Don't try to diagnose your pet based on on-line resources - this is a general guide for information purposes only.
If you feel there is something wrong with your dog, be on the safe side and talk to your vet.
If you feel there is something wrong with your dog, be on the safe side and talk to your vet.