The short answer
Check and dry a Springer’s ears weekly. Treat a red, painful eye as urgent. If your dog becomes weak, jaundiced or passes dark urine after hard exercise, see a vet and ask about PFK deficiency, which has a DNA test. Learn what a seizure looks like and keep the dog lean for its hips. Price pet insurance in your first week.
Ears
Long, floppy, hairy ears trap moisture, and VCA Animal Hospitals notes such dogs are more prone to ear infections. Head shaking, scratching, redness, odour and discharge are the signs. Check the ears weekly, dry them after swims, and see your vet before using drops, since some are unsafe if the eardrum is damaged.
Browse adoptable English Springer Spaniels
Foster notes often mention ears, eyes or energy level, which is exactly what to raise at your first vet visit.
See Available English Springer Spaniels →Eyes
Progressive retinal atrophy, a painless inherited loss of vision that starts with poor night vision, is a condition VCA lists for English Springer Spaniels, and DNA testing exists.
Springers are also on VCA’s glaucoma list. A red, painful, cloudy or bulging eye is an emergency, because vision can be lost within hours.
PFK deficiency
Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency is an inherited enzyme defect the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals lists for English Springer Spaniels. It affects red blood cells and muscle, causing episodes of anaemia and muscle trouble, with weakness, exercise intolerance, cramps, jaundice and dark urine, often after strenuous exercise or excitement.
A cheek-swab DNA test shows whether a dog is clear, a carrier or affected. If your dog is affected, your vet will advise on exercise and on care during episodes.
Epilepsy and hips
English Springer Spaniels are on VCA’s epilepsy list. A seizure that will not stop, or several close together, is an emergency.
Hip and elbow dysplasia occur in active, medium-sized breeds; a lean weight and gradual conditioning protect the joints, as VCA explains.
The first vet visit after adoption
Ask for an ear exam, an eye exam, a joint assessment, a body condition score and baseline bloodwork. Ask whether a PFK DNA test is worthwhile, and mention any seizures in the rescue’s notes. Bring the rescue’s records.
Price pet insurance the same week. Every Canadian provider excludes conditions documented before enrolment, and chronic ear care and eye disease are common costs.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common English Springer Spaniel health issues?
Ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, PFK deficiency, epilepsy and hip dysplasia.
What is PFK deficiency in Springer Spaniels?
An inherited enzyme defect that affects red blood cells and muscle, causing weakness, cramps, jaundice and dark urine, often after hard exercise. A cheek-swab DNA test identifies affected dogs and carriers.
Why does my Springer keep getting ear infections?
Long, floppy ears trap moisture. Weekly checks, drying after swims and treating any allergies help. See your vet before using drops.
My Springer’s eye is red and cloudy. Is it urgent?
Yes. Springers are among the breeds associated with glaucoma, which can cost vision within hours. Go to a vet the same day.
Are Springer Spaniels healthy dogs?
Generally, yes. They are active and often long-lived, with a manageable list of breed concerns.
Should I get pet insurance for a rescue Springer Spaniel?
It is worth pricing in your first week. Canadian pet insurance excludes conditions documented before enrolment, and ear and eye care are common long-term costs.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Ear Infections in Dogs: floppy, hairy ears more prone; vet check before drops
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Progressive Retinal Atrophy: English Springer Spaniel named; DNA testing
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Glaucoma in Dogs: English Springer Spaniel named; emergency
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: PFK Deficiency: English Springer Spaniel; anaemia and exertional myopathy; signs; DNA test
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Epilepsy in Dogs: English Springer Spaniel named
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: weight and exercise advice
General information, not veterinary advice. Diagnosis and treatment decisions belong with your veterinarian.
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