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Springer Spaniel Health Problems: What to Watch For in the UK

English Springer Spaniels are energetic, affectionate dogs and one of the most popular working and family breeds in the UK. They are generally healthy and robust, but have several specific health concerns that owners should know about, from ear disease to serious neurological conditions.

Ear Infections: A Chronic Problem for Springer Spaniels

Springer Spaniels' long, pendulous ears create a warm, poorly ventilated environment that is ideal for bacterial and yeast overgrowth. Ear infections (otitis externa) are one of the most common veterinary presentations in the breed, and many Springers develop chronic, recurrent ear disease.

Signs include head shaking, scratching at the ears, a foul smell, brown or dark discharge, and pain when ears are touched. A vet consultation for ear disease typically costs £40–£65, plus the cost of ear drops or ear cleaners (£10–£25). Chronic ear disease may require deeper investigation including ear cytology (£30–£60), culture and sensitivity testing (£60–£100), and in some cases referral for video-otoscopy.

Prevention involves regular ear cleaning (weekly for most Springer Spaniels), keeping ears dry after swimming, and trimming hair from the ear canal opening. Chronic ear disease that does not respond to medical management may eventually require a Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) surgical procedure, costing £1,500–£3,000.

Eye Conditions: Retinal Dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy

English Springer Spaniels are affected by several hereditary eye conditions. Retinal Dysplasia causes abnormal development of the retina and can range from mild folds (which may cause no visual impairment) to complete retinal detachment with blindness. DNA and BVA/KC eye testing are available.

PRA is also seen in Springer Spaniels, with the prcd-PRA mutation being the most relevant. A DNA test is available. As with other forms of PRA, the condition causes progressive vision loss without any effective treatment. Buying from eye-tested, DNA-clear parents is the only prevention.

BVA/KC eye testing costs approximately £30–£50 per dog through approved testing sessions. Breeders registered with the Kennel Club should provide evidence of current eye certificates for both parents of any litter.

Hip Dysplasia in Springer Spaniels

Hip dysplasia affects English Springer Spaniels at higher rates than many working breeds. The BVA Hip Scheme is well-established for the breed, and the breed mean score (the average score for the breed) is around 12–15. Breeders should only use dogs scoring below the breed mean.

Signs of hip dysplasia in an active Springer Spaniel may include reluctance to jump, stiffness after rest, reduced exercise tolerance, or an unusual 'bunny-hopping' gait. X-ray diagnosis costs approximately £150–£350 under sedation. Management involves weight control, anti-inflammatory medication (£30–£60/month), physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy.

Femoral head ostectomy (£900–£2,000) may be considered in young dogs without arthritis, while total hip replacement (£3,000–£5,500 per hip) is an option in severe cases. Early diagnosis and conservative management often preserve good function for many years.

Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency

Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency is a metabolic condition unique to English Springer Spaniels (and a small number of other breeds). Affected dogs lack an enzyme essential for energy production in red blood cells and muscles. This leads to episodes of exercise intolerance, muscle weakness, fever, and haemolytic anaemia — often triggered by intense exercise or excitement.

PFK Deficiency is caused by a recessive genetic mutation, and a DNA test is available. Responsible breeders test all breeding stock. Carrier dogs are clinically normal but can pass the gene on — breeding two carriers together will produce affected puppies. There is no cure, but affected dogs managed with careful exercise restrictions can live relatively normal lives.

A DNA test for your Springer (if not already done by the breeder) costs approximately £40–£70 through a Kennel Club-approved laboratory.

Springer Spaniel Rage Syndrome and Epilepsy

Springer Spaniel Rage Syndrome — also called sudden onset aggression or episodic dyscontrol — is a poorly understood neurological condition reported more often in English Springer Spaniels than in most other breeds. Affected dogs show unpredictable, sudden, and extreme aggression that appears to have no trigger and is followed by a period of apparent confusion.

The condition is rare and not fully understood; it may represent a form of epilepsy or another neurological disorder. It should not be confused with normal aggression. If a dog shows sudden unprovoked aggression, veterinary neurological assessment is important. Epilepsy more broadly is also seen in Springer Spaniels, and antiepileptic medication may be required long-term.

Always seek a qualified veterinary or veterinary behaviourist assessment for any unexplained aggression before making decisions about the dog's future.

Find a Vet Near You

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