Springer Spaniel Health

As in most breeds, there are some health problems that are more likely to occur in the Springer Spaniel.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joints that leads to arthritis. It can develop in various degrees of severity, from loose hips to total dislocation. 

It is an inherited disease but it can be exacerbated by other factors, such as poor nutrition, overexercise, especially in a younger dog, and rapid growth.

Causes
Most people agree that Hip Dysplasia is a genetic problem passed down from the parents to the pups. If one of the dog's parents has the condition, the chances that their offspring will develop it are much greater. When getting your springer spaniel puppy it is important for you to ask the breeder if there is any history. The more history you can get from the breeder the better.

Hip scores for breeding dogs can be carried out. This is when a dog, either male or female, is assessed under anaesthetic and a number of x-rays are taken to assess the health of the dogs. Also the check can give the likelihood that hip dysplasia, will be passed on to their offspring.

When buying your pup from the breeder make sure you talk to them about the test they have had for both dogs the general health of both dogs any problems they have had, if they pull a blank face or don't know what you are talking about it isn't a sign the dog will have problems but it does show that test have not been caried out so there is obviously a risk. However just because both parents are clear of problems it doesn't mean your pup will be healthy it just narrows down the chance.

Symptoms

In the extreme cases, puppies as young as five months have shown symptoms of hip dysplasia, however in majority of cases, signs begin to appear in their middle or later on in life.
The symptoms will come in the form of pain and discomfort after lots of exercise. Soon daily activities become hard work for your dog. Springer Spaniels with hip dysplasia often resist stretching their legs out and, in some instances, when they run it looks like they are hopping.
If you suspect that your dog has hip dysplasia you should take your Springer Spaniel to the vet if you have any concerns, there are a number of methods to treat your dog's condition ranging from using medication to surgery, but you really need to see a Vet for the best advice for your dog and to confirm the condition.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) which is a degeneration of the retina which causes vision loss which then leads to blindness, is a  disease which veterinarians are working on genetic markers to determine carriers.

Diagnosis

Progressive vision loss in any dog in the absence of canine glaucoma or cataracts can be an indication of PRA.

It normally starts with decreased vision at night, or nyctalopia. Other symptoms may include dilated pupils and decreased pupillary light reflex. Fundoscopy to examine the retina will show shrinking of the blood vessels, decreased pigmentation of the nontapetal fundus, increased reflection from the tapetum due to thinning of the retina, and later in the disease a darkened, atrophied optic disc.

Secondary cataract formation in the posterior portion of the lens can occur late in the disease. In these cases diagnosis of PRA may require electroretinography (ERG). For many breeds there are specific genetic tests of blood or buccal mucosa for PRA.

Another problem can be elbow dysplasia.

Retinal dysplasia (RD)

Retinal dysplasia (RD), which can cause blindness and Phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFK), which is a genetic deficiency which impairs the ability of cells using carbohydrates for energy are two other hereditary conditions for which both lines of the English springer spaniel should be screened prior to breeding.

Health issues are usually similar in both types of English Springer however phosphofructokinase deficiency in particular can appear more in field lines, however carriers in show lines have been identified.

Other Issues

As with most spaniels and floppy eared dogs, they are prone to ear infections. Treatment can including cleaning the ear canal weekly with a solution that will leave the ear in an acidic state to retard the growth of yeast and bacteria.

Other health problems include autoimmune diseases, which include allergies and other sensitivities to the environment. They can also be susceptible to various eye problems including inward or outward curling eyelashes or even an additional row of eyelashes, all of which can require corrective surgery.

They tend to gain weight easily, and owners need to be careful about their food consumption.

Got a question? Don't forget to visit the Springer Spaniel Forum.