Jack Russell Health

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Jack Russells are generally a healthy dog breed. They have a long lifespan for a dog (my last Jack Russell lived to be 15 years old). . Energetic and happy, they are generally a low maintenance breed in terms of vet visits. However, they do have some hereditary health conditions that can be more common among this type of dog, especially when it is elderly. These include degenerative myelopathy, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand Disease. Von Willebrand Disease can lead to excessive bleeding which could cause a fatal injury or even death in severe cases. Today’s blog is all about Jack Russell health, and I hope that you find it useful.

General Jack Russell Health

The Jack Russells are a lively and energetic dog which can make them appear to be unwell when they are actually just enjoying themselves. This can make it hard to detect any early signs that something is wrong, so it’s best to keep a close eye on the coat of your pet. Short haired Jack Russells should have their coat brushed daily to check for any signs of bald patches or other imperfections in the fur. Long haired dogs should also have their coats brushed regularly, but it’s also important to check for signs of bald patches or irregularities in the hair texture and colour. Other symptoms of diseases include excessive licking of the paws, a stiff gait, or an overall listlessness. Jack Russells are generally a healthy dog breed, but as with any dog breed there is always the possibility of developing health problems. If your pet does have any signs of disease you should consult your veterinarian to rule out other possible causes and to get a diagnosis.

In order to keep your Jack Russell Healthy, make sure that you maintain a regular schedule of the following:

• Vaccinations – these are important to protect your dog from diseases such as Parvovirus and Canine Distemper.
• Jack Russell Grooming – we recommend a good quality Slicker Brush.
• De-flea (approx every 4-6 weeks) – We use Frontline spot on.
• Worming (approx every 6-12 weeks)
• Regular Jack Russell Exercise

Your vet will guide you on all of the above, so make sure that you register with a good vet when you get your dog. Book him in for his first check up as soon as possible.

Diagnose Health Conditions Early

These health conditions can be diagnosed early, so it’s important to have your pet checked regularly for signs of illness. The best way to diagnose the health problem is through a blood test. This is because other types of tests for these conditions are not as effective in detecting problems. If you have any concern over your dogs health, you should contact his or her vet immediately.

Potential Jack Russell Health Problems

Although Jack Russells are generally a healthy breed, they do develop some irregular symptoms that can be alarming when it occurs in an older dog. These include:

Degenerative Myelopathy

This is a disorder which causes the spinal cord and nerves to become soft and mushy because of loss of myelin in the nerve fibers. This condition typically affects older Jack Russells. The symptoms of this disorder are similar to those of other spinal cord diseases, so it is important to make sure the problem is diagnosed correctly. This disorder may lead to an inability to walk or even paralysis.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

This is a condition that is more common in large breed dogs, but it can occur in the Jack Russell as well. It can cause lameness and pain in the hip and thigh areas due to a defect of blood supply within the femur head (or ball part of the hip joint). These symptoms can start within the first 18 months of the dog’s life.

Hypothyroidism

This is a condition where the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone. This hormone is essential for normal body functions, so it can lead to abnormal weight gain or loss, swelling of the legs and low body temperature. Symptoms may also include lethargy, hair loss or rough hair coats, slowed growth and reproductive services.

Von Willebrand Disease

This is a hereditary vascular disorder that affects blood clotting. This can lead to an excess amount of bleeding in some cases causing excessive bleeding from surgeries or unexpected nosebleeds. There are two types of this disease: Type 1A and Type 1B. Type 1A is the most severe.

If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about Jack Russell Food and When is a Jack Russell Considered a Senior Dog?