Health and Welfare

The English Springer Spaniel is, generally, a very

healthy breed with good prospects for a long life – many

living to fourteen years and above.

There are some known inherited diseases , although

rare, for which there is testing and we would always

advise anyone buying a puppy to establish that both its

parents have ‘clear’ test certificates or x-ray results for

the following:

Eyes: Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia (MRD), Generalised and Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (GPRA & CPRA), Goniodysgenesis (primary glaucoma), GPRA Cord 1 mutation (DNA test).

Canine Fucosidos – this is also a DNA test so stock can be hereditarily clear from clear parentage.

Hips: X-Ray. Average score for an English Springer is 6:7=13

English Springers may also be predisposed to various auto immune diseases and, of course, can suffer from heart disease, epilepsy and cancer like any other dog but these conditions are not inherited as far as we know.

To keep your dog as healthy as possible, it should be well nourished, innoculated, wormed regularly, protected against infestation from fleas, well exercised and groomed carefully.

Pay particular attention to its ears which, because of the shape, can harbour moisture which in turn can cause infection. Clean them out regularly with a veterinary cleanser and seek veterinary advice if they become sore. Check for invasive objects like grass seeds, both in the ear and inside the pads of the feet. Clean teeth regularly with a toothbrush and tartar-removing paste. Keep toe nails short.

The breed health co-ordinators are always prepared to offer further help and guidance on any health issue affecting the English Springer Spaniel.

Their contact details and our Health Leaflet will be here shortly.

First Aid Kit

Every Springer owner should have a basic First Aid Kit in their home as well as keeping one in your car.

A triangular bandage (can be used as a dog muzzle, the most loving of dogs when in pain could bite)

Dog boot (this will protect an open wound on a dog's pad from dirt which could make the wound worse)

Blunt-ended scissors (for trimming hair around a wound)

Tweezers (removal of stings and thorns)

Steripods (eye/wound rinse)

Gloves

Micropore tape

Gauze pad

Cotton wool

Thermometer

Vaseline for use with thermometer

Melolin patch (shiny side to wound)

Medium padded wound dressing

Plastic syringe/pipette for flushing out wounds

Small bandage (vetwrap is a self-sticking bandage that many owners use

2 antihistamine tablets (bee/wasp stings, adder bites and allergic reactions) one tablet to be given

Antiseptic wipes/cream/powder or wound wash to clean a wound, colloidal silver is a very good natural antiseptic

Hibiscrub is an antimicrobial wash, must be diluted as appropriate according to the manufacturers instructions.

Always keep your Veterinary Clinic's telephone number with your first aid kit and in your mobile phone in case of emergency

A Dog's Vital Statistics:

Pulse and Heart Rate:

Normal resting rates:

Small dogs 90-120bpm

Medium dogs 70-110bpm

Large dogs 60-90bpm

Pulse should be strong, regular and easy to locate

Checking the pulse

The easiest place to locate a pulse is the femoral artery in the groin area. Place your fingers on the inside of the hind leg and slide your hand upward until the back of your fingers touches the abdomen. Gently move your fingers back and forth on the inside of the hind leg until you feel the pulsing blood. Count the number of pulses in 15 seconds and multiply that number by 4. This will give you the beats per minute (bpm).

Temperature

Normal for dogs: 100-102.5 degrees

Thermometer should be almost clean when removed

Abnormalities are indicated by blood, diarrhea, or black, tarry stool.

Respiration

Respiration can be checked by watching for chest movement

If there is none visible, double-check by holding a hand or tissue in front of dog's nose to feel or see movement as it breathes.

Caring for English Springers since 1990

PATRONS

Lord Astor of Hever DL Maj-Gen John Badcock CB MBE DL Archie Norman Jenny Seagrove