Do Jack Russell Terriers have health issues?
Yes, Jack Russell Terriers are prone to health issues, including:
- Legg-Calve-Perthes: This is a condition that causes the head of the femur to spontaneously degenerate. Over time, this will lead to erosion of the hip joint and arthritis.
- Lens luxation: This type of dislocation occurs when the support ligaments of the lens (a sphere-shaped area of the eye that focuses light on the retina) weaken or break. The weakening of the ligaments causes the lens to dislocate from its normal position. When the lens falls forward, it prevents proper drainage of fluid from the eye and can lead to glaucoma or blindness.
- Cataracts: This condition involves the clouding of the eye’s lens, affecting vision. Cataracts may lead to visual impairment and, if left untreated, can result in blindness.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a genetic disorder causing the degeneration of the retina, leading to gradual vision loss. It can eventually result in complete blindness.
- Patellar luxation: This refers to the dislocation of the kneecap from its normal position, causing lameness and discomfort. Patellar luxation can vary in severity.