Why is my springer spaniel being sick

Chronic, frequent, or long-term vomiting is also a cause for concern, especially if it is accompanied by the following symptoms:. As with acute vomiting, there are a number of conditions that can cause frequent or chronic vomiting:. Most of these conditions are very treatable, especially if they are addressed as soon as possible.

The majority of the issues caused by chronic or frequent vomiting will not go away on their own and require the intervention of a veterinarian. A dog vomiting is potentially serious, but puppy vomiting should always be treated as a potential emergency. After six weeks, puppies lose the immunity given to them by their mothers.

Since young puppies only just begin receiving vaccinations , they are at an increased risk of contracting serious diseases like parvo or parasites. She or he will then perform a physical examination. If your vet feels it is necessary, she will run any additional tests, such as blood work, ultrasounds, x-rays, endoscopic evaluations, biopsies, and urine tests.

Vomiting itself can create issues like dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and acid-based disorders.

Your vet will address these problems by treating the symptoms and in some cases prescribing anti-nausea medications. If your dog vomits once and then resumes his normal activities and eats and poops normally, chances are it was a minor incident, although it never hurts to play it safe. If your dog vomits more than once, or has recurring bouts of vomiting, you need to call your vet immediately.

Vomiting is a symptom of many serious diseases, illnesses, and complications, and as owners we owe it to our dogs to take it seriously. Ignoring your dog's vomiting could have serious, even fatal consequences. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Springer Spaniel. By knowing about health concerns specific to English Springer Spaniels, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks.

That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in English Springer Spaniels to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for English Springer Spaniels.

At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Springer looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your English Springer Spaniel is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. English Springer Spaniels are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper.

Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity can be a significant health problem in English Springer Spaniels. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk.

Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. One of the best things you can do for your Springer Spaniel is to have her spayed neutered for males.

In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies.

Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.

Unfortunately, English Springer Spaniels can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects English Springer Spaniels and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes.

Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick!

Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Springer Spaniels. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA is an inherited disease in which the eyes are genetically programmed to go blind. Unfortunately, English Springer Spaniels are a bit more likely than other dogs to have this condition.

PRA is not painful, but also not curable. In dogs with the bad gene, early symptoms such as night blindness or dilated pupils generally begin around three to five years of age. A genetic test is available for this condition. Some breeds like your Springer Spaniel can be born with a variety of heart defects. They can also cause problems with the electrical signals that control the heartbeat or with heart valve function.

Special testing will be recommended if we hear a heart murmur or you notice any unusual symptoms such as tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting. Extra poundage is the No. Most veterinarians will begin by asking a few basic questions to help them understand the history of the problem: When did you first notice the lethargy or exercise intolerance? Has it changed? How has your pet been acting otherwise? Physical examination. Examining the entire body is a necessary part of the process.

Laboratory testing. In most cases, a vet will order blood, fecal and urine testing. Aside from a basic urinalysis and a CBC and chemistry panel, your vet may order additional tests to help identify specific infectious, metabolic, or endocrine diseases. X-rays and imaging studies.

If your vet suspects orthopedic pain, cancers or certain other processes, she will order X-rays. Some pets may require additional imaging, such as ultrasounds of the chest and abdomen, CT scans or MRI studies. Vets who believe that a patient may have heart disease can perform an electrocardiogram. The correct course of treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause of the lethargy or exercise intolerance.

Any pet who appears lethargic or exercise intolerant — especially if the symptoms surface suddenly — should visit a veterinarian. This is a symptom of gastric dilatation and volvulus GDV or bloat , which can be life-threatening. Similar rules apply to puppies suffering sickness as adult dogs, but be aware that puppies are a lot quicker to become dehydrated. Your vet will check your dog over by performing a clinical examination and also ask you questions to see what you have observed at home.

They may also need to perform blood tests, urine tests, x-rays or an ultrasound to work out what is going on. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis but may include intravenous fluids — a drip — to correct dehydration, antibiotics if an infection is suspected, anti-vomiting medication and stomach protectants. Many causes of vomiting cannot be prevented. Need Help? Hello Are you worried about your Pet? Video Vet Consultation Video chat with a vet in minutes.

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