Are English Springer Spaniels healthy?
Yes, English Springer Spaniels are healthy in general and have a long lifespan for their size. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions, including:
- Hip dysplasia: A common orthopedic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to discomfort and lameness.
- Elbow dysplasia: A similar condition to hip dysplasia, affecting the elbow joint and causing pain and lameness.
- Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency: An enzyme deficiency that makes dogs unable to properly use sugar for exercise. Symptoms vary in severity but can include muscle wasting, fever, depression, general weakness, and exercise intolerance.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A genetic eye condition that leads to progressive vision loss and blindness.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat): A serious and potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself.
- Skin disorders: English Springer Spaniels can be prone to various skin disorders, some of which may have a genetic component. Common skin issues seen in English Springer Spaniels include allergies, atopic dermatitis, hot spots, folliculitis, seborrhea, and pyoderma.
- Ear infections: English Springer Spaniels have floppy ears that can trap moisture, leading to ear infections if not kept clean and dry.
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by seizures.
- Autoimmune disorders: English Springer Spaniels may be prone to certain autoimmune conditions, such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) or hypothyroidism.