Choosing an Irish Water Spaniel

Choosing an Irish Water Spaniel

By: Dr. Dawn Ruben

Common Diseases and Disorders

In general, the Irish water spaniel is a healthy dog with few medical concerns. However, the following diseases or disorders have been reported:

  • Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, lameness and arthritis.

  • Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that develops between the ages of 2 to 5 years.

  • Megaesophagus is a condition where there is decreased or absent muscular contractions of the esophagus.

  • Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland does not function adequately. Without enough thyroid hormone, illness can occur.

  • Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.

  • Cataracts cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye.
    The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.

    The Irish water spaniel is also prone to skin allergies and ear infections.


    Life Span

    The average life span of the Irish water spaniel is approximately 10 to 12 years.


    We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.

    •  
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Review the Most Frequent Questions
    Answered by Dr. Jon and His Staff of Veterinarians
    Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Sporting Breeds

      The Sporting Breed group of dogs is primarily composed of dogs used to hunt birds. Some work as gun dogs and others excel in water. Most breeds alert the hunter to the presence of game as well as retrieving...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 What You Need to Know About a Breeder's Contract

      The contract you sign when you buy your dog from a breeder is much more than a simple bill of sale – it guarantees your rights and the seller's rights in the transaction, sometimes for the life of your...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 How to Pick a Good Breeder

      If you pick a good breeder, the dog you choose will have a leg up on life from the start – after all, it's in the breeder's own best interests to make sure his dogs are healthy, well-socialized and the...

      Read MoreRead More
    Related Articles
    • 1Sporting Breeds

      The Sporting Breed group of dogs is primarily composed of dogs used to hunt birds. Some work as gun dogs and others excel in water. Most breeds alert the hunter to the presence of game as well as retrieving...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2How to Pick a Good Breeder

      If you pick a good breeder, the dog you choose will have a leg up on life from the start – after all, it's in the breeder's own best interests to make sure his dogs are healthy, well-socialized and the...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3What You Need to Know About a Breeder's Contract

      The contract you sign when you buy your dog from a breeder is much more than a simple bill of sale – it guarantees your rights and the seller's rights in the transaction, sometimes for the life of your...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1Sporting Breeds

      The Sporting Breed group of dogs is primarily composed of dogs used to hunt birds. Some work as gun dogs and others excel in water. Most breeds alert the hunter to the presence of game as well as retrieving...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2How to Pick a Good Breeder

      If you pick a good breeder, the dog you choose will have a leg up on life from the start – after all, it's in the breeder's own best interests to make sure his dogs are healthy, well-socialized and the...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3What You Need to Know About a Breeder's Contract

      The contract you sign when you buy your dog from a breeder is much more than a simple bill of sale – it guarantees your rights and the seller's rights in the transaction, sometimes for the life of your...

      Read MoreRead More