Springer Spaniel health problems

The aptly named springer spaniel adores ‘springing’ to action whenever adventure calls (especially if there’s opportunity to go swimming)!

Thanks to being such an energetic breed, springer spaniels tend to excel at many canine sports – including agility, scent work, and flyball. Their exceptional intelligence means the springer spaniel loves to learn, so they’re usually fantastic to train as well.

To keep your springer spaniel’s coat shiny and tangle-free, it’s essential to brush them daily, paying close attention to their ears (which can become matted easily). Alongside this, your springer spaniel may need to visit a professional groomer every so often to have their coat and claws trimmed.

Explore our springer spaniel breed guide for more information about these spirited dogs!

Potential health conditions linked to the springer spaniel breed

Please remember that while the following health concerns are frequently seen in springer spaniels, each dog is a unique individual. So, your canine companion isn’t necessarily going to suffer from any of the health conditions commonly experienced by springer spaniels. But, if you’re considering pet insurance, you could read our guide to insuring your springer spaniel for more information.  

Always speak to your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health.   

Don’t forget to visit our dog first aid guides to discover the basics of canine first aid.

Ear infections

Due to the shape of their ears, and love of swimming, springer spaniels are known to be prone to ear infections.

As well as the shape of a springer spaniel’s ears, and their love of spending time in water, there are many other potential causes of ear infections, including:

• Excess wax, hair, or moisture in the ear.
• Allergies.
• Foreign objects, e.g. grass seeds.
• Ear mites.
• A bacterial infection, e.g. otitis externa.

An ear infection is both irritating and painful for your springer spaniel. So, if you notice any of the following symptoms in your springer spaniel, it’s important to contact a vet for advice:

• Head shaking.
• Scratching (e.g. rubbing their face along the ground).
• Redness and inflammation.
• Heat and/or swelling.
• Discharge and/or a foul smell from their ear.
• Pain (they may not let you touch their ear).
• Head tilt and/or loss of balance.

To treat your springer spaniel’s ear infection, a vet will begin by finding out what’s caused it. Along with examining your springer spaniel’s ear, a vet might perform tests to determine whether a specific type of bacteria is causing the ear infection.

Once your vet understands the cause of your springer spaniel’s ear infection, they can advise as to the best course of treatment, which could include:

• Ear drops.
• Ear cleaning.
• Anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication.
• Antibiotics
• Dealing with the underlying cause, e.g. surgery to remove a grass seed.

Elbow dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia in dogs is a condition that impacts the elbow joints of their front legs. There are a number of causes of elbow dysplasia, with genetics, diet, growth rate, and exercise levels affecting the disease outcome and severity. Unfortunately, elbow dysplasia is sometimes seen in dogs of the springer spaniel breed.

The word ‘dysplasia’ means ‘abnormality of development’. So, a dog with elbow dysplasia has an elbow joint that doesn’t quite fit together properly, which causes an uneven distribution of pressure on that joint.

A vet can diagnose elbow dysplasia in your springer spaniel through a combination of physical examinations and diagnostic imaging, like x-rays and MRI scans. 

Symptoms of elbow dysplasia in dogs can include pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion, as well as limping and a reluctance to exercise. Eventually, elbow dysplasia can lead to arthritis and may even cause small fractures over time.

There are several treatment options for canine elbow dysplasia, including:

• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication.
• Weight control (to prevent additional strain on their joints).
• Gentle exercise routine.
• Physiotherapy and/or hydrotherapy.
• Surgery.

Hi dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic condition (something a dog is born with) that impacts their hip joints. For springer spaniels with hip dysplasia, either one or both of their hip joints are unstable and can cause them to experience pain, swelling, and stiffness – resulting in lameness. Eventually, hip dysplasia can cause springer spaniels to develop arthritis.

Treatments for canine hip dysplasia include weight management, anti-inflammatory medication, and surgery.