Upset tummy

Question
Hello Carol, I have a 5 year old JRT. Just about every 8-9 months we seem to
go through an upset stomach problem. As with this time and the others,
Jackson gets shaky (then again he usually shakes) and his stomach swells,
gets hard, and he does not poop. The last time this happened he hadn't felt
well for two days and on the morning of the third day, I took him to the vet.
After the hour drive, he promptly hopped out of the truck, pooped, and was
back to his usual self. I still had him checked and the vet said he was fine.
Currently, he is still eating and drinking. I HATE to see him like this but
wonder how long I can wait before taking him to the vet, I hate to spend so
much money for the vet to say he's fine. I'm almost 100% certain he hasn't
had any bones or anything dangerous. However, he was at my parent's house
and they tend to give him "treats" consisting of meat snacks. THey could have
over done it and this could make him ill. I also wonder, he only had one
testicle drop and we haven't had it removed yet for fear of changing his
personality (I know it's selfish and I'm working on my husband to convince
him to have it done). Could this make his stomach hurt too? Just wondering if
you have any helpful advice, I can't stand to see my dog in such agony. He's
so little whenever he gets sick it REALLY affects him.

Answer
Hi Danielle,

Poor Jackson :(
I think you're probably correct in assuming that your parents over did it with the rich snacks! (why do parents do these things!) You didn't say how many days it has been this time but 3 days without pooping has got to be making him feel miserable. Is he able to get outside and RUN? Exercise helps move things along, and also taking him to a place where other dogs do their business may help. (The smell of other dogs poop makes them go!) Don't feed him anymore but make sure he drinks water. If he still hasn't gone by today, you should bring him to the vet for sure. He could have a blockage which could kill him (could he have eaten a sock or other household item?).
AS for the testicle, no that wouldn't cause constipation but your husband is wrong for thinking his personality will change if he is neutered. Undescended testicles are notorious for getting cancerous and should absolutely be removed.
All of this is strictly guessing what it could be because without actually seeing Jackson it's hard to diagnosis. Watch him carefully and head to the vet if you don't have success today.
I wish you the very best of luck!!!!