Dr. Joseph Alroy, a veterinary pathologist at Tufts University, would like to contact any Springer breeders or owners who have had Springers with encephalomyelopathy with morphological abnormalities in mitochondria or brain (Leigh Disease).
If you have knowledge of this condition in any Springers, please contact Dr. Alroy. His address is Joseph Alroy, DVM, DACVP, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111.
The following is a list of the major health & hereditary disorders that can affect English Springer Spaniels. Also included are any research forms that are available through the ESSFTA or the ESSFTA Foundation. If you would like to submit a question about ESS Health, please email us at ESShelp@essfta.org
ACTINOMYCES/NOCARDIA Infection (Serious Health Issue)
Aggressive behavior and "Rage Syndrome"
Bloat
Cancer Registry
Canine Health Testing Clinics
Canine Hip Dysplasia
Canine Influenza: An Emerging Concern
Cushings Disease - Rocky's story (by Barbara Boettcher)
DNA Bank: Frequently Asked Questions
Ear infections
Epilepsy: "Maddie's Story"
Epilepsy: Can be Devastating in Dogs
Eye disorders - Hereditary
Fucosidosis
Lyme Disease Foundation, Inc.
PFK: Phosphofructokinase Deficiency
PFK: Phosphofructokinase Study, Preliminary Report
PFK: Phosphofructokinase Deficiency Frequency in ESS
PRA: Progressive Retinal Degeneration Announcement - April 20, 2007
PRA: Inheritance of Progressive Retinal Degeneration in the ESS
PRA: Your Help is needed for a PRA Project
Recessive Gene Inheritance Patterns
Seizure disorders
Seizure Research Abstracts
Skin disorders
Tail Docking and Dewclaw Removal
Temperament problems
Canine Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a developmental abnormality of the hip joints caused by laxity within the joint. Changes in bone size, shape and structure occur as the hips attempt to compensate for abnormal stresses on the joints. Dogs with hip dysplasia may exhibit lameness at some time in their lives. By the time affected dogs are two years of age, hip dysplasia is detectable by x-raying the hips.
Young dogs (3 to 12 months of age) with hip dysplasia may be afflicted with acute inflammatory joint pain. Spontaneous temporary improvement usually occurs between 6 and 12 months. Older dogs (1.5 to 10 years of age) with hip dysplasia may have a slow onset of painful arthritis.
Treatment for young dogs is often unnecessary. For the older dog, medications can be used to reduce the arthritic pain. Surgical procedures are also available to limit pain and reconstruct the hip joint.
Your puppy's chances of developing hip dysplasia are minimized if both parents have normal hips. Ask for documentation to affirm that the sire and dam have had hip x-rays that have been appropriately evaluated. Accepted methods of evaluation are certification of normal hips by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), which is indicated on your dog's official American Kennel Club pedigree after the registered names of his/her predecessors. Hip evaluations by board-certified veterinary radiologists also provide acceptable evidence of conscientious efforts by the breeder.
For additional information, visit the OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website.
Hereditary Eye Disorders: The eyes of English Springer Spaniels are susceptible to a number of genetic-based disorders, some of which are present at birth and others that may develop at various times throughout life.
Retinal dysplasia is a developmental malformation of the retina. Affected puppies are born with the disorder. Most cases are mild; small folds and areas of retinal degeneration occur on the surface of the retina with no detectable loss in vision. These abnormalities are diagnosed by certified veterinary ophthalmologists when puppies are 7 to 12 weeks old. Retinal dysplasia should not affect a dog's ability to function as a pet; however, affected Springers should not be bred.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (or PRA) is a degeneration of the layers of the retina that are responsible for vision. The disease is progressive, eventually resulting in blindness. The onset in Springers is variable, but usually occurs between 2 and 6 years of age. The disorder is still considered rare; however, its incidence has increased in recent years. There is no pain or discomfort for the dog but, unfortunately, there is no treatment.
Responsible breeders pay close attention to the eyes of their breeding stock throughout the dogs' lives, monitoring puppies and adults for the development of hereditary eye disorders. Annual examination of the eyes by a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists is recommended for all breeding stock. Ask your dog's breeder for proof that an ACVO examination has been conducted on the sire and dam of your puppy within the last year, and ask for proof that the puppy's eyes have been examined. Eyes that are normal -- free from hereditary disorders -- may be certified annually by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF). If the puppy's parents are normal, the puppy's chances of developing eye disorders are significantly reduced.
Eyelid defects occasionally occur. Entropion is an inward folding of the lower eyelid that results in chronic irritation of the surface of the eye. It is usually observed within the first year of life. Entropion can be surgically corrected.
Aggressive or Timid Temperament: Temperament and behavior problems happen in all breeds of dogs. Behavior is influenced by many factors, not only genetics but also training, family interactions, and general health. A puppy should be curious and playful, without resisting being held. He should not be aggressive or overly timid. Make every effort to ensure that your puppy comes from breeding stock with good, solid temperaments. Meet both parents and related dogs, if possible, and spend enough time with them to be comfortable with their personalities. Ask your breeder if he/she is aware of any temperament problems in your puppy's pedigree. As your puppy grows, nurture him with proper training. Neuter your puppy to minimize the effect that sex hormones have on undesirable behavior. If your puppy or dog exhibits signs of behavioral problems, notify the breeder immediately and seek the help of a qualified professional. Click here to read the article about aggression, by Lyn Johnson, DVM.
Seizure Disorders: Hereditary seizures are relatively rare in English Springer Spaniels. A familial pattern to the disorder exists in many pedigree lines, and some cases of seizures in English Springers are not controlled with treatment. Seizures usually begin before the age of five years. In many cases, seizures can be controlled with medication. You should ask your puppy's breeder for full and complete disclosure of any seizure disorders within your puppy's pedigree.
Skin Disorders: Typical signs of skin disease include scaliness, greasiness, itching, pyoderma (infection), and occasional hair loss. There are genetic as well as other factors involved in the development of skin diseases.
Seborrhea may be local, or may occur over large parts of the body. It usually results in scaly, thickened, itchy skin with a greasy feel and an associated odor. Secondary skin infections are not unusual. Treatment may include medicated baths, topical medications, and antibiotics.
Allergies occur in all breeds of dogs. Canine allergies usually cause symptoms in the skin. The primary symptom is itching, but seborrhea, skin infections and hair loss are also common. Inhaled pollens or house dust, certain types of food, flea bites and other materials can trigger allergic reactions in the skin. Symptoms may be seasonal. While there is no cure for allergies, treatment may involve eliminating contact with the offending allergen (a diet change, for example, if the allergy is to a food substance), treating to relieve itching and other symptoms, and allergy testing and injections.
Ear Infections: are common in English Springer Spaniels due to their pendulous ear flap, which decreases air circulation within the ear canal. The resulting environment contributes to bacterial and yeast infections. Most can be prevented with an ear care program that keeps the ears clean and dry. There are several very good ear care products available from your veterinarian. All Springers should get regular ear care. Acute and chronic infections should be treated by your veterinarian.
Bloat (Gastric dilation or gastric torsion): Bloat results from a build-up of gas or fluid in the stomach. This condition can be life-threatening, so if you suspect your dog is suffering from bloat you should consult a veterinarian immediately. Some breeds of dog, particularly larger, deep-chested breeds, are suspected of having genetic susceptibility to bloat. At this time, no evidence suggests that this is the case in the ESS. For additional information on current research in this area, refer to Purdue University's Center for the Human-Animal Bond Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) Research Section
Bloat: First Aid for aka Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Syndrome (GDV), prepared by Siefried Zahn D.V.M; Adapted from "Bloat in Large Dogs"; Published by Univelt, Inc. 1983; (ISBN 0-912183-00-4)
Bloat Research Program & Bloat Notes Newsletter and Recent Findings Purdue University, School of Veterinary Medicine