Jack Russell terrier health problems

Potential health conditions linked to the Jack Russell terrier breed

Please remember that while the following health concerns are frequently seen in the Jack Russell terrier breed, each dog is a unique individual. So, your canine companion isn’t necessarily going to suffer from any of the health conditions commonly experienced by Jack Russells. But, if you’re considering pet insurance, you could read our guide to insuring your Jack Russell terrier for more information.  

Always speak to your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health.   

Don’t forget to visit our dog first aid guides to discover the basics of canine first aid.

Patellar luxation

Despite its complicated name, a ‘luxating patella’ is the veterinary description for a dog’s kneecap slipping out of place.

There are four grades of severity for patellar luxation. A grade one patellar luxation describes a kneecap that almost instantly pops back into place – whereas grade four is when a kneecap can’t fit back into place (which is rare).

Symptoms of a patellar luxation in Jack Russell terriers include a ‘skipping’ lameness and/or ‘bow-legged’ appearance.

Treatments for patellar luxation depend on the grade, though treating low-grade patellar luxation could involve anti-inflammatory medication, adjusting exercise routines, and physiotherapy. High-grade patellar luxation in Jack Russell terriers usually requires surgery.

Atopy

Also known as ‘atopic dermatitis’, atopy is the term used to describe a range of skin allergies frequently seen in dogs like the Jack Russell terrier. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to uncover the specific cause of atopy in dogs – though certain breeds tend to suffer from it more than others.

Jack Russells with atopy are likely to scratch, chew, and/or lick the parts of their body that are itchy, inflamed, or irritated, which could include their:

• Face.
• Ears.
• Armpits (axillae).
• Tummy (abdomen).
• Paws.

Vets can diagnose atopy by evaluating your Jack Russell’s medical history and symptoms, alongside performing a thorough assessment of your dog’s skin.

Just like human allergies, such as hayfever, that require ongoing treatment to manage symptoms, canine atopy will probably need to be treated throughout your Jack Russell terrier’s life, too.

It can take some trial and error to work out which treatments (or combination of treatments) will work best to ease your dog’s symptoms – for example, medication and/or soothing shampoos. Though, thankfully, the majority of atopy cases can be managed effectively to make sure your Jack Russell is able to enjoy life to the full.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

Also known as ‘Legg-Perthes disease’ or ‘LCPD’, this condition is sometimes seen in small breeds like the Jack Russell terrier. LCPD causes the hip joint to crumble, leading to a lack of blood supply to the area, which means the bone dies and the joint eventually becomes arthritic.

Usually seen in younger dogs, from the age of around five months, symptoms of LCPD include limping, stiffness, and pain that worsens over time. 

After a vet has diagnosed canine LCPD, through physical examination and x-rays, they tend to treat the condition with anti-inflammatory pain relief, surgery, and physiotherapy.