8 yr old Jack Russell Health Concerns

[chanel67]

Hi,
My 8 yr. old jack russell terrier has had chronic diarrhea, vomiting, extended tummy, bouts of shaking and sensitivity to touch.  Has anyone else experienced this?  He tends to mope around a couple of days per week.  Any experiences with similar symptoms would be appreciated.  Thank you.

[Red931]

Ginger is right. Your thread got jacked but recovered.

Did you get a dianosis from your Vet?

Please let us know how your dog is doing if you get the chance.

[ginger899]

I am afraid we've hijacked someone else's original post here! I'm very sorry chanel67.
When there's a new question I always think it's a better idea to make a brand new thread, rather than posting on the back of another thread. (Too late now, never mind. I'm to blame too!)
Also, there's always a better chance of more people seeing the post, and more answers and responses that way.

[ginger899]

This sounds very much like a type of epilepsy. It may only be a mild form.
If not epilepsy, then I would say it had to be some type of mild seizure. I would take her to the vet to be checked . It may well be these episodes will stop with medication'

As for the discomfort in her back and belly...I don't know if these symptoms would be related or not. Has she been spayed? If not, trouble in her womb could cause both belly and back pain. Does she have any vaginal discharge?

Is she drinking unusual amounts of water? Or has lost her thirst entirely? Or are there any urination problems?  Is her appetite still the same? If there were some urinary infection which had also affected the kidneys, that could cause such symptoms.

Problems with a spinal disc could feasibly cause 'referred' pain to the abdomen.

There are so many possible causes for back/abdominal discomfort. It would only be when observing other additional symptoms, that it could be narrowed down.

I would definitely get her checked for the possible epilepsy. But when you go to the vet with her, mention the other symptoms too, and it might be a good idea to take a fresh urine sample with you.

[Jackie2009]

We have a 8 yr old female jack russell terrier has spells where she wobbles, foams at mouth, has blank stare, and trouble walking-recently it seems she has discomfort in her belly and back-any suggestions?

[ginger899]

I think it is important to let the vet check him over. Take a stool sample with you, as it will help if they run tests. But there is definitely something wrong in his tummy to give all these symptoms. It could be a parasite, it could be an allergy, it could be IBS.....a host of things. He needs tests.

[ginger899]

She sounds probably a little young for this to be anything like arthritis (?)
But check her paws, to see if there is any redness/swelling/or anything stuck there, like a small thorn. Some thorns are tiny, and if they get very embedded they are quite hard to spot. I know. My dog got one once. I checked her pads and could see nothing, but she kept limping, until I got the magnifying glass onto it. Then I saw the tiny thorn, and got it out. If pulling one out with tweezers be careful to pull it out in one piece.

Alternatively, she could have a muscle or tendon strain. this could be anywhere from her foot right up to her upper back/shoulder area. If my dog gets a strain or knot in a muscle, if I gently feel along the leg/shoulder I can usually locate the position of it by feeling a slight 'bumping' sensation in the affected area. Then I warm it up and massage it gently, until the 'knot' loosens up. Then she'll be much better the next day.
However if this has been going on for a while, it might be good to rest her (I know....! REST a Jack Russell??) She might not like it but it may help the injury to heal. (If she's resting she will need less food)

[leese01]

My 2 year old female jack russell has started walking with a slight limp and doesn't put alot of pressure on her paw.She isn't crying out in pain and still walks and runs with our other 2 jacks. Other than the limp, her health is perfect. Any ideas on what the problem could be? We are taking her to the vet in 2 days but are curious if any other owners have experienced this.

[AHP84]

Have your vet check him for pancreatitis. The symptoms are similar.

[mercyone]

What does your vet say? If your dog is otherwise healthy and no underlying disease issues, I would change his food - it maybe an allergy. Feed only cooked rice, eggs boiled in water, and cottage cheese - if he is allergic to milk then no cottage cheese and then add some cranola oil and minced carrots to balance out the diet - but number one your dog needs a good work up at the vets.

Extended tummy does not sound good - so please take your dog to the vet and get a really good check up.