Understanding the Health and Care of Your Sussex Spaniel

Quick answer

The Sussex Spaniel is a loyal and affectionate companion known for its distinct appearance and strong sense of smell. While they are generally good-natured, they are predisposed to specific health concerns including hip dysplasia, pulmonary valve stenosis, intervertebral disc disease, and ear infections. By monitoring your dog for changes in movement, breathing, or behavior and maintaining a healthy weight, you can ensure your dog receives timely care.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, leading to abnormal wear and tear over time. This is a well recognised condition in the breed. At home, you might notice your dog struggling to rise from a lying position, showing a reluctance to jump, or displaying a swaying gait when walking. Some owners notice their dog seems to tire more quickly during walks than they once did.

When you visit the vet, they will perform a physical examination to check for pain or reduced range of motion in the hind limbs. The test that settles the diagnosis is a series of X-rays, which allow the vet to visualize the structure of the joint. Urgency is determined by the level of pain the dog is experiencing. If your dog is suddenly unable to walk or is crying out in pain, this requires prompt attention. A common mistake is assuming that a dog is simply slowing down due to age when they are actually experiencing chronic discomfort that could be managed with appropriate veterinary support.

Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

Pulmonary valve stenosis is a heart defect that affects the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Early signs are often subtle, but you might notice your dog becoming unusually lethargic, struggling to keep up during exercise, or showing signs of heavy breathing even when resting. In some cases, owners may notice a faint cough or an exercise intolerance that seems out of character for their dog.

The vet will listen to your dog’s heart during routine check-ups to detect any abnormal sounds known as murmurs. If a murmur is detected, an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, is the test that confirms the diagnosis. Urgency is decided by the presence of fainting episodes or severe respiratory distress. Never ignore a persistent cough or a dog that seems to faint, as these are significant indicators of cardiac strain.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Intervertebral disc disease involves the degeneration of the cushions between the vertebrae in the spine. This is a well recognised condition in the breed. Owners often notice this condition when their dog begins to arch their back, shows hesitation when climbing stairs, or appears sensitive to touch along the spine. In more severe cases, you might notice a lack of coordination in the hind legs or dragging of the paws.

Your vet will perform a neurological exam to check your dog's reflexes and pain response. Advanced imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, is often used to pinpoint the location of the affected disc. Urgency is critical here; if your dog shows signs of weakness or paralysis, this is a time-sensitive issue that requires immediate assessment. A common mistake is waiting to see if the dog gets better on their own after an injury, which can lead to permanent nerve damage.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are a frequent issue for dogs with heavy, pendulous ears. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You will likely notice this at home if your dog is shaking their head, scratching at their ears, or if there is a noticeable odor or discharge coming from the ear canal. The ears may also appear red or inflamed.

During an exam, the vet will use an otoscope to look deep into the ear canal to check for inflammation, debris, or a ruptured eardrum. They will often take a swab of the discharge to look under a microscope to determine if the infection is caused by bacteria or yeast. Urgency is determined by the level of discomfort and whether the dog is causing trauma to the ear through scratching. A common mistake is using over-the-counter ear cleaners when an infection is already present, which can sometimes push debris deeper or cause further irritation.