Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Hereditary Conditions In Springer Spaniels

Springer spaniels are generally quite healthy
cpmpared to some breeds. Ss with any living
creature, there are hereditary conditions to
which they are susceptible. Some conditions can
be screened for using x-rays or other tests, and
some cannot be screened for. The health of the
parents is a good guide in many respects, but
some genetic conditions can skip generations.

Hip Dysplasia

This occurs when the hips of the dog grow out of
their proper shape - it is a fairly common
problem with pure-bred dogs. This can make it
difficult and painful for the dog to walk and can
lead to arthritis. It can be detected by x-ray
and Springer Spaniels are screened for it
usually at 3-9 months of age. It will eventually
become apparent in the gait of your dog, as he
tries to minimise the weight placed on the
weakest joint as he moves.

We do tend to forget that even with us as humans,
our joints wear and many of us suffer from
arthritis as we age. But because dogs age seven
time quicker than we do, then it seems to be more
visible.

Canine Fucosidosis

In the 1990's a hereditary condition known as
Canine Fucosidosis was found to be quite widely
present in the UK's English Springer Spaniel
breeding stock. It is believed to have been
introduced from Australian breeding stock. This
is a fatal disease which develops between the age
of 18 months and 4 years. Genetic screening is
possible, and the condition is thankfully very
rare these days as it has largely been bred out
of the stock.

Eye Problems

There are a number of retinal problems to which
the Springer Spaniel is susceptible. These are
Progressive Retinal Atrophy ('PRA') and retinal
dysplasia. PRA comes in two variations -
Generalised and Central. These can both lead to
blindness - from mild to total in extent. Some
opinions are that the generalised version always
leads to total blindness.

Pups can be scanned for retinal dysplasia (the
retina becomes detached or malformed), but PRA
can jump generations.

Another problem is in-growing eyelashes which
will irritate the eyeball. Depending on severity,
this can be cured by removal of some eyelashes at
its simplest, or surgery (and more recently,
laser) if it is more severe. It is usually
apparent in a pup by the age of 6 weeks
(congenital) and can also be caused later in life
by a damaged eyelid healing improperly, for
example.

This condition can also occur on the lower
eyelashes. If your dog is mature and you notice
red eyes, then check his eyelids (it is sometimes
known as 'redeye'). If left untreated, ulceration
and serious eye damage may result.

Another condition known as ectropion is less
common, and is the outward rolling of the lower
eyelids. Corrective surgery is possible.

Cataracts

These are apparent by a milky whiteness of the
iris and can lead to total blindness. Besides a
hereditary cause, cataracts can occur for other
reasons, including as a consequence of other
diseases, or arising from treatment for other
conditions. Surgery is possible and some
veterinarians recommend implants.

You should check your Springer Spaniel regularly,
including eyes, ears, teeth and paws. This is
easily done when trimming and clipping nails as
part of his full monthly grooming.

Some of these conditions can be corrected by
surgery, so it is worth considering a
comprehensive pet insurance policy which will
include the ability to claim for some surgery and
other treatments.

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The writer has kept Welsh and English Springer
Spaniels for many years, rescue dogs and pups.
Find out more about Springer Spaniel health at
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/springer-span
iel-health-issues/ and about the breed in general
at =>
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/about-english
-springer-spaniels/ where you can get a 10 part
mini-course on these great dogs.

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