English Toy Spaniel Health Concerns

- Taken from the Canada's Guide to Dogs ET Reference Page

Some of the health issues which may be of concern for the English Toy Spaniel include:

Slipped Knees (Slipped Patellas or Stifles)

Likely the biggest problem in the English Toy Spaniels, Medial Patellar Luxation (also known as Kneecap Luxation and Slipped Stifles) may be congenital or acquired. The congenital form is most common in the toy and miniature breeds, and may occur simultaneously with other pelvic limb deformities. Most researchers believe luxated patellas to be heritable (inherited) as well, though the exact mode of inheritance is not known.

When patellar luxations are present early in life, the major muscle groups of the thigh pull toward the inside of the leg, putting abnormal pressure on the knee joint cartilage. The result is a bowlegged stance and an abnormal pull on the patella.

When the patella is in its normal position, its cartilage surface glides smoothly and painlessly along the cartilage surface of the trochlear groove with little or no discomfort. As the patella "pops out" of its groove these cartilage surfaces improperly rub each other. The dog may cry out and try to straighten the leg to "pop it back in" or may hold the limb up until muscle relaxation allows the kneecap to reposition itself. There is little or no discomfort until the cartilage is effectively "rubbed off" or eroded to a point where bone touches bone. From this point on, each time the patella "pops out" into its abnormal, luxated position it will cause pain.

Additional Information:

Patellar Luxation in Small Breed Dogs by Teri Dickinson, DVM
Patellar Luxation — Canine Inherited Disorders Database

Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)

Patent Ductus Arteriosus is in every mammal at birth. It is a duct that blood flows through while the fetus is still using the mother's oxygen supply. When the baby is born and starts to breathe, this duct is supposed to close within a few hours to a few days. PDA is the most common congential heart defect in dogs. PDA may be genetic, polygenetic, or classified as a random event.

Progressive Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

This is another cardiac problem and is a defect in the mitral valve (the left atrioventricular valve) causes backflow of blood into the left atrium. Less commonly, a narrowing or stenosis of the valve can be identified. This in turn makes the heart less efficient at pumping blood to the body. Mitral valve insufficiency is the most common acquired cardiac disease in older dogs, affecting over one third of dogs greater than 10 years of age. In some breeds however, mitral insufficiency develops at a much younger age, due to an inherited predisposition for this disorder.

A relatively high incidence of early development of Mitral Valve Disease exists in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cairn Terrier, Miniature Poodle, and Bull Terrrier (particularly in the United Kingdom). In general, small breeds are most often affected.

Eye Problems

Some hereditary eye problems exist for the English Toy Spaniel, such as Glaucoma, Cataracts, and Retinal Dysplasia. For additional information on these and other eye problems, see Eye Problems in the Health section of Canada's Guide to Dogs.

Other Issues

Brachcephalic Syndrome (ie; short faced) - Due to their short noses, Charlies do not do well in hot and humid weather, especially in heavily polluted areas. They may suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) if over exposed in these situations. It is best to provide them with air conditioning in these climates.

Click here to read a more detailed description of brachycephalic syndrome.

Collapsed Trachea — The Health Problem Every Owner of a Small Dog Should Understand (full article via link)

References

* Health and Nutrition Section — Canada's Guide to Dogs

* Canine Inherited Disorders Database

* English Toy Spaniel Club of America

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