Caring for your Field Spaniel

Quick answer

The Field Spaniel is a devoted, intelligent, and affectionate companion that thrives when given a purpose. While they are generally hardy dogs, they are prone to specific health conditions including hip dysplasia, chronic ear issues, progressive retinal atrophy, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Maintaining a lean body condition is the single most important step you can take to support their long-term health and comfort.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, leading to abnormal wear and tear within the joint. This is a well-recognised tendency in the breed. At home, you might notice your dog is reluctant to jump, struggles to climb stairs, or shows a swaying gait in their hindquarters. You may also observe them bunny-hopping when they run, which is a common compensatory movement.

When you bring your dog to the clinic, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination to check for pain or reduced range of motion in the hips. A definitive diagnosis is typically confirmed through radiographs, which allow the vet to visualize the structure of the joint. Keeping your dog at a lean body weight is essential to reduce the stress placed on these joints. If your dog shows sudden signs of lameness or extreme difficulty rising, this is a sign that they need a prompt assessment to manage pain and prevent further joint damage.

Ear Infections

Due to the structure of their ears, Field Spaniels are prone to recurring ear infections. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You will likely notice your dog shaking their head frequently, scratching at their ears, or holding their head at an unusual angle. You might also notice an unpleasant odor or discharge coming from the ear canal.

Your veterinarian will use an otoscope to look deep into the ear canal to determine if the eardrum is intact and to identify the presence of yeast, bacteria, or foreign objects. They will likely take a swab to examine under a microscope. The most common mistake owners make is attempting to treat the ear with leftover medication or over-the-counter drops before the vet confirms the cause. Always have the vet check the ear first, as using the wrong medication can be ineffective or even harmful if the eardrum is damaged.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a group of genetic diseases that cause the gradual degeneration of the retina. This is a recognised tendency in the breed, though how this passes down is not settled. The first thing you might notice at home is that your dog seems hesitant to move around in dim light or appears clumsy when walking in the dark. As the condition progresses, you may notice their pupils appear more dilated than usual.

Your veterinarian will perform an ophthalmic exam to look at the back of the eye. If they suspect PRA, they may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist who can use specialized equipment to assess retinal function. While there is no cure for this condition, early detection helps you prepare for your dog's eventual vision loss. You can help your dog by keeping furniture in the same place and avoiding sudden changes to their environment.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Autoimmune thyroiditis occurs when the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to a decrease in hormone production. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice your dog becoming lethargic, gaining weight despite eating a normal amount, or developing skin and coat issues such as thinning hair or dullness. Some owners also report a change in temperament or increased sensitivity to cold.

A veterinarian will suspect this condition based on these clinical signs and will confirm it through blood tests that measure thyroid hormone levels. Once diagnosed, the condition is typically managed with daily medication. The most important thing is to follow the medication schedule strictly, as missing doses can cause the symptoms to return.