ESS-related Health Links

English Springer Spaniels... are susceptible to several hereditary problems. Plus any field dog in Southern California can be a victim of foxtails.   Examinations by certified veterinarians allow conscientious breeders to make the smart choices to produce healthy puppies.  Ask your breeder about certifications in the following areas:

1. Hip Dysplasia and other orthopedic issues

Go to the OFA website

Hip dysplasia is one of the hereditary defects that affects English Springer Spaniels. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) can certify dogs two years or older with normal hips.  The OFA has a panel evaluate hip X-Rays for each dog it clears. Certified dogs can be looked up on their Website, which explains the disease in more detail. Other joints of concern are elbows and knees. 
 
2. Eye Disorders


Several eye problems affect Springers, primarily Retinal Dysplasia (RD) and Progressive Retinal Disorder (PRA). RD can be diagnosed by examination by a certified veterinary opthamologist on puppies as young as 8 weeks. PRA has a later onset. For information on these diseases, location of ACVO (American College of Veterinary Ophthamologists) certified veterinary opthamologists, and a registry of dogs with eyes certified clear see the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF).

Go to the Canine Eye Registration Foundation website
3. PFK

Find out more about PFK  


Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency occurs in some Springers. It means they are missing an enzyme vital to converting blood sugar to energy. This an inherited disorder, with a simple blood test to determine if the dog is normal, affected, or a carrier (not affected, but can pass the deficiency on) for PFK.  If both parents are tested Normal, then any offspring are also Normal and do not require testing.
4. Foxtails Foxtails are a plant prevalent in Southern California that can be fatal to your field dog.   They are an invasive plant that can be inhaled by your dog, or easily work its way into his system via the ears or between the toes.  We had one serious foxtail incident, which fortunately did not end badly, but have friends who lost dogs to foxtails.   Coughing, vomiting, discomfort lying down, favoring a leg, shaking the ears are all potential signs of a foxtail.  Follow the link at the right so you can identify this tiny killer and avoid fields with them.

  See photos of foxtails.

Back to Drumbeat main page