Springer Spaniel Health - Skin Problems

There are five main basic reasons for skin problems in springers, but springers do fare well compared to other breeds. The main causes are hereditary predisposition, contagious diseases, problems with the immune system, dermatitis (allergic reactions), and external skin symptoms of internal disease.

Fortunately, springer spaniels are not as prone as most other breeds to inherited skin problems, or to problems with their immune system. Some of the skin conditions can be addressed immediately, others are systemic and may need long-term solutions or palliative therapies such as topical creams.

As with most breeds though, they are susceptible to transmitted skin problems such as the mange, and dermatitis arising for a variety of reasons.

Depending on what references you read, arguably any form of irritation of the skin could be termed 'dermatitis'. Let's look at the 3 main problem areas with springer spaniel skin:

Infectious Diseases

By definition, these are picked up from other dogs and their traces, such as stools, vomit or even dead foxes, though for infectious skin diseases, contact with another dog is the most likely vector. Canine scabies is a fairly commonplace infectious problem. Ringworm (a fungal infection) is more common in puppies than adult dogs.

Springers, like most dogs may also become infected with contagious lice.

If you have any suspicion that your springer has an infectious disease, then take him to a vet as soon as possible.

Dermatitis

There are several causes of dermatitis, including bacterial, fungal, yeast, or infection by a parasite (eg the mange), seborrhoea, food allergies, flea bites/saliva, drug intolerance; exposure to toxins, nutritional problems, contact with an irritating substance, and sunburn. Food allergies may be harder to pin down, and dietary adjustments could be required. If you suspect an allergy, then talk to the breeder - your springer's parents may have had similar problems. If you are treating your dog for another condition, then an allergy could be due to an adverse drug reaction. Your vet would be aware of this. Problems arising from a nutritional deficiency could be due to bad diet, but this is rare for springers which are properly fed, unless their bodies are unable properly to process, say a particular mineral or vitamin. This of course could be an aspect of a metabolic disorder.

Internal Disease Presenting Skin Symptoms

These include metabolism disorders (the body's 'engine') and endocrine (hormonal) disorders. Cancer could result in excessive itching due to skin irritation. Secondary Problems Problems with the skin which give your springer 'an itch' can lead on to other problems such as Hot Spots. 'Hot spots' - acute moist dermatitis - arise from over-licking a particular spot on the skin (overlicking means licking more than would be usual form grooming or exploration and interferes with other activities such as eating and sleeping). This over licking might be in response to, for example, a flea allergy.

If not treated, then the over licking can lead to a serious bacterial (staphylococcal) which may need antibiotic treatment to cure it, and should always be examined by a vet. Indeed, any other skin problem which results in broken skin should be treated carefully to prevent infections taking hold.

Prevention

Because springers are love mucking about they should be cleaned and examined regularly. In most cases, prevention is straightforward. Groom your dog regularly, examining the coat and skin, and use a medicated pet shampoo. If you live in an area where ticks are prevalent (your vet will advise), then check his coat for ticks and use a tick powder regularly.

Obviously, if your dog has discovered any sort of dead animal when out with you, then a good cleanup is essential.

About the Author

The author has owned springer spaniels both Welsh and English, pups and rescue dogs. Find out a whole lot more about springer spaniel health problems and get "The Springer Spaniel Companion" at www.springerspanieladvice.com - all you need to know about having fun with a springer spaniel!

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