English Springer Spaniel health
English Springer Spaniel health is a broad subject. Many Springers enjoy active lives into their teens; the Polish article gives a typical lifespan of 12–14 years. No breed, and no crossbreed, is free from every disease.
Health is a priority in our breeding decisions. As we learn more about the breed, we share that knowledge with owners.
The sections below introduce selected conditions that can occur in Springers. They are general information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Symptoms should be assessed by a vet.
SELECTED EYE CONDITIONS IN ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIELS
Entropion means that an eyelid margin rolls inwards. It may affect the lower lid, upper lid or both.
Hair or eyelashes then rub against the eye, causing irritation, pain and sometimes corneal ulcers or damage to vision.
One or both eyes may be affected. Eyelid shape can have a hereditary component, but scarring and painful eyelid spasm can also contribute. Entropion may become apparent at different ages.
When a hereditary defect is suspected, breeding decisions should be discussed with the vet and the appropriate breed-health programme.
Treatment — assessment and correction of the eyelid.
In young puppies, a vet may use temporary eyelid-tacking sutures to hold the lid away from the eye while the puppy develops.
Some dogs later require a more permanent correction. In adult dogs, different surgical techniques are used according to the eyelid’s shape and the underlying cause.
Outcomes are often favourable with appropriate treatment, but the individual prognosis depends on any damage already present.
Entropion and ectropion can occur together.
Ectropion
Ectropion is an outward rolling or drooping of the eyelid, usually the lower lid.
The exposed surface may become dry or irritated and collect debris, leading to inflammation and discomfort. It often affects both eyes.
Treatment depends on severity: a vet may recommend eye care, treatment of associated inflammation or surgical correction when needed. Ectropion and entropion can occur in the same dog.
PRA — Progressive Retinal Atrophy
PRA is a group of inherited diseases in which the retina’s light-sensitive cells deteriorate, gradually reducing vision and potentially causing blindness.
The retina contains rods and cones. In many forms of PRA, rods, which support vision in dim light, are affected before cones. Owners may first notice difficulty seeing at dusk or enlarged pupils. The retinal degeneration itself is generally not painful.
Inheritance varies with the particular disease and breed. In an autosomal dominant condition, one disease-associated copy may be enough for expression. In an autosomal recessive condition, an affected dog generally inherits a relevant variant from each parent; a dog with one copy is usually an unaffected carrier. Two carriers can produce affected puppies.
In X-linked recessive conditions, males typically express the variant carried on their single X chromosome, whereas females may carry one copy without showing the same signs. These are general patterns; the specific test and condition must be interpreted correctly.
CPRA — Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy
The name CPRA has historically been used for retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy. Central retinal changes can reduce the ability to see stationary objects while some peripheral vision remains.
The course differs from the more familiar forms of PRA, and early night blindness may not occur. Genetic susceptibility and vitamin E metabolism or deficiency have been implicated. Diagnosis and nutritional assessment belong with a vet; vitamin supplements should not be used as a substitute for examination.
Cone–rod dystrophy — PRA cord1
In cone–rod dystrophy, cone function is affected before rod function. Visual changes may include difficulty in bright light and progressive loss of sight.
A DNA test for the cord1-associated variant is available in English Springer Spaniels. It can help breeders distinguish genetic test categories and plan matings. However, a test result is not a prediction of the exact age of onset or severity, and it does not rule out every other inherited eye condition. DNA testing and clinical eye examinations provide different information.
Cataracts
A cataract is an opacity within the normally transparent lens. It can interfere with light reaching the retina and reduce vision; the effect depends on its position and extent.
Cataracts may be inherited, but not every cataract present from birth is hereditary. Developmental abnormalities, inflammation, trauma and diabetes are among other possible causes.
A dog with a suspected hereditary cataract needs specialist assessment before any breeding decision.
For suitable patients, surgery removes the affected lens material and may include an artificial lens implant. The outlook can be good, but depends on the rest of the eye and the dog’s health. Examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist establishes the options.
RD — Retinal Dysplasia
Retinal dysplasia is an abnormality of retinal development. It may be inherited, although other developmental causes exist.
It ranges from small folds to larger geographic areas of abnormal retina, or severe detachment. Small folds may have little effect on sight; extensive abnormalities can cause major visual impairment or blindness.
The abnormality develops early in life and is different from a progressive degeneration such as PRA. A veterinary eye examination is needed to identify its form and implications.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve and retina, commonly associated with increased pressure inside the eye. It can cause irreversible loss of sight and can be painful.
A red or painful eye, a cloudy eye or sudden visual difficulty requires urgent veterinary assessment.
Treatment aims to lower pressure and preserve comfort and remaining vision. Depending on the case, a vet may use medicines that reduce fluid production or improve drainage, or recommend surgery.
The choice and timing of treatment are important and must be individualised by the veterinary team.
OTHER CONDITIONS IN ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIELS
CHRONIC HEPATITIS
Chronic hepatitis is persistent inflammation and injury of the liver, potentially leading to scarring and liver failure. It is not necessarily a viral disease. English Springer Spaniels are among the breeds in which a predisposition has been reported.
Signs can be vague or initially absent. They may include reduced appetite, lethargy, vomiting or jaundice. Both sexes and a range of ages can be affected.
Diagnosis may require blood tests, imaging and a liver biopsy. Treatment and prognosis depend on the cause and extent of the disease.
Hip dysplasia in English Springer Spaniels
To understand hip dysplasia, it helps to know how the hip works.
The hip connects the hind limb to the pelvis. The rounded head of the femur fits into the pelvic socket. In a healthy joint, these surfaces fit together and move smoothly.
Ligaments and the joint capsule help hold the joint together. Cartilage covers the joint surfaces, and synovial fluid lubricates them.
With hip dysplasia, the developing joint may be too loose or fit poorly. Partial displacement is called subluxation. Uneven loading then contributes to changes in the shape and condition of the joint surfaces.
Dogs that develop hip dysplasia may have apparently normal hips at birth.
Genetic susceptibility and other developmental influences can contribute to abnormal joint laxity and subluxation.
The resulting changes may affect one hip or both. Over time, abnormal wear can lead to osteoarthritis and pain of varying severity.
Hip dysplasia has a complex, polygenic inheritance and is also influenced by environmental factors. The outcome is not predicted by a simple carrier/clear model. Even dogs without obvious symptoms can pass on susceptibility.
Breeding decisions should take account of recognised hip assessments, family information and professional advice, rather than appearance or movement alone.
Feeding a Springer Spaniel and hip development.
Energy intake, body weight and growth rate influence the stresses placed on developing joints. Excess body weight can increase the severity of problems in susceptible dogs.
The aim is steady growth and a lean, healthy body condition, rather than maximising a puppy’s size or growth speed.
Overfeeding during growth and an unbalanced intake of calcium or other minerals can adversely affect skeletal development.
Choose a complete diet appropriate for growth and avoid adding mineral supplements unless your vet recommends them. Individual feeding amounts should be adjusted to the puppy’s condition and development.
Inappropriate exercise can add to joint stress.
Activity should suit the dog’s age, development and health. Repeated high-impact jumping or prolonged forced running can place excessive demands on a growing or painful joint.
Suitable regular exercise helps maintain muscle and general fitness, but a dog with suspected hip disease needs an individual plan from its vet. Swimming is not automatically appropriate for every dog or every stage of treatment.
Diagnosis combines clinical examination with appropriate imaging, usually radiographs. Limping, stiffness or reluctance to move should be investigated. English Springer Spaniels can be affected, so health screening remains relevant.
Fucosidosis
Fucosidosis is a severe inherited disorder caused by deficiency of the enzyme alpha-L-fucosidase. Without adequate enzyme activity, substances that should be broken down accumulate in cells, including cells of the nervous system.
Signs may include loss of coordination, altered behaviour and impairment of hearing or sight. The disease is progressive and fatal.
DNA testing can identify dogs that are clear of the tested variant, carriers or genetically affected. For this recessive condition, carriers are generally healthy but may pass the variant to offspring. Appropriate mating decisions can prevent affected puppies while taking the breed’s genetic diversity into account.