Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Springer Spaniel Eye Problems

Of the main Springer Spaniel eye problems,some
are hereditary and some may occur because of the
shape of the eye and lids (which after all is a
hereditary predisposition). Accidents to the eye
(perhaps grit getting in) can also trigger a
problem. Most are treatable, and laser surgery
and impants may be recommended.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy ("PRA")

This also affects some other breeds, and is a
degenerative condition affecting the eyesight and
can lead to partial or total blindness in its
various forms. The gene can skip a generation and
therefore it is almost impossible to know whether
your dog will suffer from it.

Retinal Dysplasia

This again is an eye condition which can vary
from unnoticeable to total blindness. This is
widely tested for and test results should be on
the pedigree papers.

Entropion

This is the eyelashes growing inwards and
irritating the eyeball. This can be cured by
removal of some eyelashes at its simplest, or
surgery if it is more severe. It usually presents
in a pup by the age of 6 weeks (congenital
occurrence). Also, it be caused by eyelid damage
healing improperly, for example, and can also
occur on the lower eyelashes. Red eyes in an
adult dog can be a sign, so check his eyelids.
Without treatment, ulceration and serious eye
damage may result. This condition is sometimes
known as 'redeye'.

Ectropion

Ectropion is less common than entropion, and is
the outward rolling of the lower eyelids.
Corrective surgery may be possible in many cases.

Cataracts

Noticeable by a milky whiteness of the iris,
these can lead to total blindness. Besides a
hereditary cause, cataracts can occur for other
reasons, including as a consequence of other
diseases (e.g. diabetes) or treatment for other
conditions such as radiation for cancer. Surgery
may be possible and some veterinarians might
recommend implants depending on the age, general
condition of the dog and the severity of the
condition. In humans, doctors do not operate on
cataracts until they are sufficiently developed.

Avoiding and Treating these Conditions

As with most genetic matters, a good place to
start is with the parents. So, when you consider
buying a springer spaniel, then seeing the
parents first is always a good step, if possible.
Check the pup's pedigree papers for the obvious.

If you are unfortunate to have a dog with one of
these problems, then treatment is possible, but
could be expensive particularly if you are
referred to a specialist veterinary eye surgeon
who may be in another city. So, pet insurance
could be a worthwhile investment, but check the
policy terms and conditions carefully to ensure
that specific problems or treatments (such as
laser surgery or implants) are not excluded.

Of course, whatever dog you buy will be
susceptible to health issues - they age seven
times as fast as we do and age inevitably brings
problems. None of us ages without something going
wrong eventually.

Springer spaniel eye problems are part of the
range of health issues which your spaniel may
face, but on the whole springers are reasonably
fortunate. After all, breeders are keen to breed
out these issues from their stock.

(c) 2010 Phil Marks

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The author has raised and kept springer spaniels
- English and Welsh - for many years, including a
rescue dog. Find out more about springer spaniels
at http://www.springerspanieladvice.com and
consider the comprehensive Springer Spaniel
Companion for a detailed guide on owning,
training and living with a Springer Spaniel at
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/ssa.html

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