What diseases are Sussex Spaniels prone to?

• 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 adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present 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 a Sussex Spaniel, have them checked out by a vet to see if they are prone to dysplasia.

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): Intervertebral disc disease causes a bulge or rupture in the discs between the vertebrae. When that happens, it can cause pain, nerve damage, and paralysis. Sometimes, IVDD is mild and may be relieved through crate rest and medication, but dogs with severe cases could need surgery or the use of a wheelchair cart. If a Sussex Spaniel is having trouble walking, refuses to jump, is incontinent, won’t eat, or appears anxious, they should be taken to the vet as soon as possible.

• Pulmonic stenosis: This heart defect occurs when a malformation of the pulmonic valve (the structure that connects the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle) prevents blood from flowing properly through the heart. The poor blood flow may create an obstruction and make the heart work harder. This often causes the heart to become enlarged and leads to heart failure.

• Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA): PDA is a common heart condition present at birth. It occurs when the blood vessel that connects the aorta and the pulmonary artery in a developing fetus doesn’t close after birth. If this blood vessel remains open, blood will start to flow into the lungs, causing an accumulation of fluid that leads to labored breathing, fainting, dizzy spells, coughing, heart murmurs, collapse, and heart failure. Though it can be deadly, PDA is easily corrected with surgery.

• Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency (PDH): Twenty percent of Sussex Spaniels are carriers for this exercise intolerance syndrome, which can cause collapse after short periods of exercise. The condition can be managed with a special diet.