English Springer Spaniel health: what owners should know

The breed is predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections and several inherited eye conditions, including a form of progressive retinal atrophy and goniodysplasia, which is linked to glaucoma. Two inherited metabolic conditions, fucosidosis and phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency, have specific DNA tests. Responsible breeders hip and elbow score their dogs, arrange annual eye examinations including gonioscopy, and DNA test for these conditions.

Keeping your Springer lean, drying the ears after swimming and checking for grass seeds after every summer walk prevent many common vet visits. Call a vet promptly if you see a red, painful or cloudy eye, sudden weakness or dark urine after hard exercise, persistent head shaking or a smelly ear, or an unexpected change in temperament such as snapping when touched, which can be a sign of pain.