Health Considerations
English Springer Spaniels do generally not have a lot of health problems other than the usual canine illnesses and diseases. They are known to have a life expectancy for up to 12-14 years. This breed can gain weight easily so it is important not to overfeed your dog which can lead to other health problems.
Some of the common health problems that are seen in this breed are:
Canine Fucosidosis
- Progressive deterioration of the nervous system over several months and it is fatal.
- Dogs will show a loss of control in movement, balance, change in behavior, temperament and visual and hearing impairment.
- Inherited through an autosomal recessive gene.
Progressive Retina Atrophy (PRA)
- Eye diseases which affect the back of the eye (retina) and lead to its deterioration and death.
- Generalized PRA affects the photoreceptor cells and will lead to blindness (onset at 4-5 years).
- Centralized PRA affects the retinal pigmented epithelium. The rate of vision loss is slower and doesn’t always lead to blindness (detectable at 12-18 months).
Phosphofructokinase Deficiency
- Is an enzyme storage disease which causes abnormalities in red blood cells and muscle cells.
- Inherited through a single autosomal gene.
- Clinical signs are dark urine, pale gums, jaundice, fever and a loss of appetite.
- Managing a dog’s activity and stress levels will help to manage the disease.
Epilepsy
- Repeated seizures caused by excessive electrical activity in the brain and affects communication between brain cells.
- One of the most common neurological diseases in dogs.
- Regular medication is used to control the seizures.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
- Dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip (or elbow) socket.
- Common in large breed dogs.
- Dog will show soreness or stiffness when rising, pain, abnormal movement, and reluctance to exercise.
Some of the common health problems that are seen in this breed are:
Canine Fucosidosis
- Progressive deterioration of the nervous system over several months and it is fatal.
- Dogs will show a loss of control in movement, balance, change in behavior, temperament and visual and hearing impairment.
- Inherited through an autosomal recessive gene.
Progressive Retina Atrophy (PRA)
- Eye diseases which affect the back of the eye (retina) and lead to its deterioration and death.
- Generalized PRA affects the photoreceptor cells and will lead to blindness (onset at 4-5 years).
- Centralized PRA affects the retinal pigmented epithelium. The rate of vision loss is slower and doesn’t always lead to blindness (detectable at 12-18 months).
Phosphofructokinase Deficiency
- Is an enzyme storage disease which causes abnormalities in red blood cells and muscle cells.
- Inherited through a single autosomal gene.
- Clinical signs are dark urine, pale gums, jaundice, fever and a loss of appetite.
- Managing a dog’s activity and stress levels will help to manage the disease.
Epilepsy
- Repeated seizures caused by excessive electrical activity in the brain and affects communication between brain cells.
- One of the most common neurological diseases in dogs.
- Regular medication is used to control the seizures.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
- Dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip (or elbow) socket.
- Common in large breed dogs.
- Dog will show soreness or stiffness when rising, pain, abnormal movement, and reluctance to exercise.