General Health and Maintenance
First and foremost it is important to remember that the English Springer Spaniel is not troubled in general by serious health problems. It is important, as with all dogs, that you maintain regular periodic healthcare. This means that you should:
  • Keep to a regular worming programme with your dog, as advised by your Veterinary Surgeon.
  • Keep to an informed and regular vaccination programme – especially if you intend to use Boarding Kennels, travel abroad etc.Keep teeth clean by regular brushing with a proprietary tooth brush and toothpaste, and ensure that the dog can massage its gums and clean its own teeth by providing chews specially made for this purpose (available from all pet shops/dog shows/veterinary surgeries etc.
  • Keep ears free from excess debris by maintaining regular checks and gently cleaning out with the use of proprietary ear cleansers. Make sure that the hair underneath the earflap is kept short to enable as much air as possible to circulate around the opening of the ear canal.
  • Keep to a routine for brushing & combing, so that you can make certain that the skin and coat are kept in a good, healthy condition. As your dog will need some trimming, you should find out the best place to go to keep your dog’s coat free from knots and excess feathering (especially around the feet, ears, and neck, underneath legs and rear end). The breeder of your dog should be happy to advise or show you how to do this.
  • Keep an eye open for any signs of problems with regard to the general well being of your dog. When in doubt, always consult your veterinary surgeon.
On the download page of this website you will find a Health Check Information sheet which you may find useful.
 
 
Inherited Diseases
The following diseases are inherited in the English Springer Spaniel. They are known to exist, but are not widespread. However, it is important to be aware of them and to use common sense and caution whether breeding English Springers, or looking for one to own.
Eye Diseases Know to Exist
(Breeders are strongly advised to ensure their stock is tested for these) Ethical Guidelines for Breeders are available HERE  
  • Generalised Progressive Retinal Atrophy (GPRA) (This condition will always result in blindness)
    A late onset disease (4 – 5 years, but can show itself as early as 2 years of age) which is identifiable by regular eye screening under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Schemes. Your Veterinary surgeon will be happy to refer you to a Specialist or you can contact the English Springer Spaniel Clubs’ Health Co-ordinators*. (We are at present in the process of initiating a Research Project to find a DNA test for GPRA in The English Springer Spaniel. Please consult the Health Co-ordinators for further information).
  • Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA)- Complete blindness is unusual. Detectable between 12 – 18 months of age, under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Schemes.Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia (MRD (A type of retinal malformation. Dysplasia means ‘defective development of an organ or structure’. Can cause blindness)
    Identifiable at 6 weeks of age, under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Schemes. An information sheet about GPRA and CPRA is available HERE
  • Primary Glaucoma - Suspected (under investigation) (Goniodysgenesis Pressure of the fluid inside the eye increases causing the eye to become painful and inflamed. Immediate attention by a Veterinary surgeon is absolutely essential. Will cause blindness unless early treatment is sought.(Can be investigated by Ophthalmologic examination) More Information is available HERE
  • Entropion This is where the edge of the eyelid rolls in so that the lashes rub against the surface of the eye causing irritation of the eyeball. This condition is usually identifiable around 6 weeks of age. Your Veterinary surgeon can advise you what action is required to correct this.
General Diseases Known to Exist  
  • Fucosidosis - An enzyme deficiency peculiar to only The English Springer Spaniel and for which there is a DNA test available. (Where a DNA test is available breeders are obliged to use it) If you would like to read more about this, please contact The Health Co-ordinators*, an information sheet about Fucosidosis is available HERE. Ethical Guidlines for Breeders are available HERE. Forms for the AHT are available HERE.
  • Hip Dysplasia - A malformation of one or both hip joints more easily detectable in mature adults. Use of the BVA/KC Schemes is available. Please ask your veterinary surgeon or Health Co-ordinators for further information
  
Hepatitis Research Project  
  • Health bulletins issued by the Health Co-ordinators acting on behalf of the English Springer Spaniel Breed Clubs in the UK, have advised breeders/owners that during the last few years there have been a number of English Springer Spaniels reported as suffering from hepatitis. Full details of this condition may be found HERE and the ongong Research Project may be found HERE
  
PHOSPHOFRUCTOKINASE (PFK)  
  • PFK deficiency is an autosomal recessive inherited storage disease which causes abnormalities in red blood cells and muscle cells. Clinical signs include intermittent dark urine, anemia, fever, weakness, or muscle fatigue. More information is avaialble HERE
  
Canine AutoImmune Disease  
  • Awareness Guidelines for Canine AutoImmune Disease are available HERE. A Report by Dr Jeff Sampson Bsc, DPhil - KC Canine Genetics Co-ordinator is available HERE
  
    If anyone wants to know more details about the health status of The English Springer Spaniel, they can consult the many and various publications available that are Breed specific or non-specific. We are sure they will find these informative and helpful.
    Your Health Co-ordinators are available to provide and update information as and when it comes to hand, and to receive input from breeders and owners alike covering the many varied aspects of the subject of health, no matter how big or small.
    In any event, the most important thing to do is to take pleasure from this loving breed. Then you may experience many happy years of unconditional love and companionship. We hope that you discover fun and enjoyment from your English Springer Spaniel, as we have.
 
English Springer Spaniel Health Co-ordinators:
Mrs Lesley Bloomfield
Tel: 01923 823579 Fax: 01923 836130 E-mail
Mrs Louise Scott
Tel: 020 8427 3396   E-mail:

References:
Yvonne Billows – English Springer Spaniel – An Owner’s Guide – Publisher Harper Collins
The Kennel Club/BVA
Webmaster Canouan
© The English Springer Spaniel Club 2002/7