All About Your Fox Terrier

These dogs are known to be active, playful and very close to the family.

The Fox Terrier is a beautiful breed of dog that can be found in two coat versions: the short-haired and the long-haired. These dogs are known to be active, playful and very close to the family. As its name implies, this terrier used to hunt foxes in the past and, for this reason, it is so full of energy. As much as the Fox Terrier is in good health, there are some diseases of genetic or hereditary origin that can affect you and you can learn a little more about each one below.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, also known as aseptic necrosis of the femoral head or osteochondritis dissecans, is a locomotor condition that affects mainly small and young dogs (between three months and one year old). The pathology is related to the lack of blood supply in the region of the femur bone (thigh), which leads to a fragility at the site and later cell death (necrosis), causing deformity on the joint surface. There is a genetic predisposition in Fox Terrier that increases the breed’s risks of developing Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease. The main clinical signs are difficulty in moving, limping and pain when touched.

Demodicosis

Also known as demodectic mange or “black mange”, demodicosis is a skin disease caused by the excessive multiplication of Demodex canis mites inside the dog’s hair follicles. This excessive proliferation is caused by genetic factors (as in the case of Fox Terrier) or when the pet’s immunity is affected, since the parasite normally lives in the follicles of most healthy dogs. Transmission occurs during the first hours of life through direct contact with the mother with demodicosis. The main signs that the dog has demodectic mange are hair loss, redness in the skin followed by browning and seborrhea.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease that in addition to affecting humans, can also affect genetically predisposed pets, as in the case of Fox Terrier. Glaucoma happens due to the excessive production of a fluid that lubricates the eye, causing an increase in eye pressure. Excess of this liquid in the eye can cause serious problems, even wearing out the optic nerve, causing blindness. If diagnosed early, the disease can be treated, but when it does not, the pet can lose vision as the pathology progresses

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disease of genetic origin caused by the low production of thyroid hormones, a gland responsible for secreting these hormones that participate in the metabolic processes in the body. Because it is a disease that affects several systems, the clinical signs are varied, but the main ones can be weight gain, indisposition to physical exercise and intolerance to cold.