Russell Terrier Health Guide
Back to Russell Terrier OverviewUnderstanding the health profile of the Russell Terrier helps owners make informed decisions about screening, insurance, and preventive care. Like many pedigree breeds, the Russell Terrier is prone to certain hereditary and acquired health conditions, most notably Patellar Luxation, Lens Luxation, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease. With attentive care, most Russell Terriers can be expected to live 12–14 years. Smaller breeds often enjoy longer lifespans but can be prone to dental disease and patellar luxation; regular dental care and weight monitoring are particularly important.
Conditions Affecting Russell Terriers
- Category: Eye Typical onset: 3-8 years Est. treatment cost: £1,500-£3,500
Lens luxation is displacement of the lens from its normal position due to breakdown of the suspensory ligaments (zonules). Primary lens luxation is hereditary. A luxated lens can cause acute glaucoma and retinal detachment.
Key symptoms: Sudden eye pain · Visible lens displacement · Watery eye · Corneal oedema · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment - Category: Orthopedic Typical onset: 5-12 months Est. treatment cost: £1,500-£3,000
Legg-Calvé-Perthes is an avascular necrosis of the femoral head in small and toy breeds. The blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, causing the bone to die and collapse, resulting in severe hip pain and lameness.
Key symptoms: Progressive hind leg lameness · Pain on hip extension · Muscle wasting of affected leg · Reluctance to bear weight · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment - Category: Orthopedic Typical onset: 4 months - 6 years Est. treatment cost: £1,500-£3,500
Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal groove in the femur. It can be medial (inward) or lateral (outward) and ranges from grade 1 (occasional slipping) to grade 4 (permanent dislocation).
Key symptoms: Intermittent skipping on hind leg · Sudden leg lifting · Bunny-hopping · Hind limb lameness · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment
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