Skin Problems With Springer Spaniels by:Phil Marks
There are 5 main causes of skin problems in springers
, but springer spaniels fare well compared to other breeds. The main causes are hereditary conditions, contagious diseases, immune system problems, dermatitis (allergic reactions), and internal diseases (which may present skin problems as one of the symptoms).
Fortunately, springers are not as susceptible as some breeds to inherited skin problems, or to immune system problems. Some of the skin conditions can be addressed easily, others are systemic and may require lifelong treatment and palliative therapies such as topical creams.
Like most breeds though, they are susceptible to infectious skin problems such as the mange, and dermatitis arising from a variety of causes.
Depending on what you see, any form of skin irritation could be termed 'dermatitis'. Now 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 other dogs is the most likely reason. Canine scabies is a fairly commonplace infectious problem. Ringworm (a fungal infection) is less common in adult dogs than in puppies.
Springers, like most dogs may also become infected with contagious lice.
If there is any suspicion that your springer has an infectious disease, then take him to a vet as soon as possible.
Dermatitis
There are many causes of dermatitis, including bacterial, fungal, yeast, or infection by a parasite (eg the mange), seborrhoea, food allergies, flea bites (their saliva is a common allergen), drug reactions; exposure to toxins, nutritional deficiencies, contact with solvents or other irritants, and even sunburn. Allergic reaction to food could be more difficult to track down, and dietary adjustments could be required. If you suspect an allergy, then talk to the breeder - your dog'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 should 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 one facet of a metabolic disorder.
Internal Disease Resulting in Skin Symptoms
These include metabolism disorders (the body's 'engine') and hormonal (endocrine) disorders. Cancer might give rise to 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 may be in response to, say, a flea allergy.
If not treated, then the over licking can lead to a staphylococcal infection which may need antibiotics 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 secondary infections.
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 more about springer spaniel health problems at
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/springer-spaniel-health-issues/ "The Springer Spaniel Companion" eBook is now available at
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/ssa.html - all you need to know about how to find, nurture and have fun with a springer spaniel!
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