HI

I my English springer pup is 10 weeks old and in good health, but i know that they (like all breeds) can have certain problems. What should i be looking for? Are there any tests i should have done now even though he is still only a baby? Any advice would be welcome.

Any Springer people here that can help?

Melody :)

Hi,
I have a Springer but not had any health problems apart from a delicate stomach occasionally. Some things to watch out for are ear infections and grass seeds getting into the ears, eye problems, skin problems and hip dysplasia.

Kath. :)

There are many test which should be carried out on prospective parents - Springers are prone to eye problems (progressive retinal atrophy - comes in two types - Generalised which can lead to total blindness, and Central which rarely leads to blindness), they are also suspected of suffering from glaucoma, as well as entropian (where the eyelashes roll in and irritate the surface of the eye. Other conditions they can suffer from are hip dysplacia and fucosidosis (an enzyme deficiency peculiar to Springers)......... Assuming your pups parents were tested for these conditions and found to have good results, your pup SHOULD be OK (but this is no gaurantee)..........

Springers are wonderful family dogs (I currently own one and a ESS x BC) and we have a lot of fun - I hope you do too..........

I have an English Springer who seems to have had quite a few health problems. He has mild Hip Displasia :-( which is now under control with supplements and restricted exercise. He has a delicate stomach(3 upsets) and a violent allergy to chewing dead frogs(YUK!) and now has an ear infection and is on antibiotics. My vet is worried this could be the start of other skin infections later on and has suggested Evening Primrose Oil capsules daily. He also had an op a couple of weeks ago to remove a thorn from his eye - I seriously thought about putting goggles on him after that! He gets right into the undergrowth snuffling around - I'm sure he's gonna poke his eyes right out one of these days! He's only just over 1 year old.
Good luck with your pup - I'm sure we have just been unlucky :-)
P.S. Thank goodness for PetPlan! :-D
P.P.S. Despite Oscar's health problems we love him to bits and have alot of fun with him - he's great!

Sorry you've had such bad luck, Rachel. I know what you mean about the undergrowth, there's no stopping them is there? Nice to watch them enjoy a good snuffle though. :) We've only had Bess at the vets once fortunately, for a big lump on her head, we think it was caused by her racing round and bumping into something.

They're totally bonkers sometimes but aren't they gorgeous? :D

Kath. :)

Yes Kath, completely bonkers, but we think that may be why he suits us so well! :-D :-D

:D :D :D

Same here. :D

Kath xx

I have 5 springers, 1 of them has retinal dysplasia, he is blind in one eye and has limited sight in the other but this doesnt stop him doing what the others do, he is such an adorable and lovable dog. The other 4 dont seem to have any problems apart from the usual with springers the delay in getting their brains.
Enjoy your springer they are very loyal and fun loving dogs.

5 Springers, my idea of bliss. I bet you have some fun!. :D

Kath.

hubbys got 2 working ones---fondly known as "THE STINKERS"