Do English Setters have health issues?

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing an English setter, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to dysplasia.

• Ear infections: Due to their floppy ears, English Setters can be prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and monitoring for signs of infection can help prevent issues.

• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat. It can be managed with medication.

• Others: Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), a joint disease that results from brittle bones and causes pain/lameness; epilepsy, a neurological condition that causes seizures; allergies; and self-limiting lameness or temporary limp (known as panosteitis) are also a concern. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, hearing, and imaging tests for your dog.