Field Spaniel Health Guide
Back to Field Spaniel OverviewUnderstanding the health profile of the Field Spaniel helps owners make informed decisions about screening, insurance, and preventive care. Like many pedigree breeds, the Field Spaniel is prone to certain hereditary and acquired health conditions, most notably Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Hypothyroidism. With attentive care, most Field Spaniels can be expected to live 11–13 years.
Conditions Affecting Field Spaniels
- Category: Orthopedic Typical onset: 1-2 years Est. treatment cost: £1,500-£6,000
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, causing the ball and socket to not fit together correctly. This leads to joint deterioration, pain, and arthritis over time.
Key symptoms: Difficulty rising · Reluctance to jump · Bunny-hopping gait · Loss of thigh muscle · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment - Category: Eye Typical onset: 3-8 years Est. treatment cost: £0 (management only)
PRA is a group of hereditary diseases causing progressive degeneration of the photoreceptor cells in the retina. It leads to night blindness first, followed by complete blindness. There is no treatment, but DNA tests exist for many forms.
Key symptoms: Night blindness (early sign) · Reluctance to enter dark rooms · Dilated pupils · Reduced daytime vision · +1 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment - Category: Endocrine Typical onset: 4-10 years Est. treatment cost: £300-£800/year
Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in dogs, caused by reduced thyroid hormone production — most often from immune-mediated thyroiditis or idiopathic follicular atrophy. It affects metabolism, skin, and coat quality.
Key symptoms: Weight gain without diet change · Lethargy · Cold intolerance · Bilateral symmetrical hair loss · +2 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment - Otitis Externa (Ear Infections) Low RiskCategory: Ear Typical onset: Any age Est. treatment cost: £150-£500/episode
Otitis externa is inflammation of the external ear canal, usually caused by bacterial or yeast (Malassezia) overgrowth secondary to underlying factors such as allergies, foreign bodies, or conformational abnormalities. It is the most common reason for veterinary visits.
Key symptoms: Head shaking · Scratching at ear · Ear odour · Discharge (brown, black, or yellow) · +2 moreFull details, symptoms & treatment
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