Staying up to date with common, let alone rare, health risks in susceptible dog breeds can be difficult. In this regular feature, our Educational Partner, the International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD), signposts resources on a particular breed and highlights breed-specific diseases
Meet the English Setter – Update Your Knowledge!
Meet the Shih Tzu – Update Your Knowledge!
IPFD has published “Get a GRIHP! on the English Setter” as an in-depth examination of health and well-being of this breed.
An active upland bird hunting dog
English Setters are upland bird hunting dogs which also make excellent companions.
An owner with an active lifestyle, and able to provide mental and physical activities is a good fit for an English Setter’s needs.1
Quite a healthy breed – neoplasia the most important health condition
English Setters are quite healthy, and typically live to 10 years or older.
As active dogs, English Setters are prone to injury. Injury (trauma skin and claw, snake/insect bite, poisoning) was one of the three main reasons for veterinary care in Swedish English Setters during 2011-2016 (Agria insurance statistics).
The most important health conditions in the breed are:
- tumors (mostly skin and mammary),
- skin conditions,
- osteochondrosis,
- deafness,
- hypothyroidism, and
- digestive conditions.
Prone to bloat
Vets should advise clients and prospective owners to recognise signs of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus, GDV), as the breed is prone to it as a large, deep-chested breed.
Excessive skin on the head may cause problems with eyes, ears, and lips, and should thus be avoided when choosing dogs for breeding.
Having a silky, medium-length coat, English Setters require regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting.
See chart for health testing recommendations in different countries.
References
-
- Get a GRIHP on the English Setter – https://dogwellnet.com/content/health-and-breeding/breeds/breed-specific-health-reports/get-a-grihp-on-english-setter-r814/
The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) is a non-profit working for dog health, well-being, and welfare. This article has been prepared by its Business and Project Coordinator, Katariina Mäki, PhD (Anim Sc)
full