Understanding Clumber Spaniel Health Issues and Care

Clumber Spaniels are prone to certain health issues that can affect their quality of life. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in this breed, with 55% of males and 45% of females affected.

As a breed that's prone to obesity, it's essential to monitor their weight and diet. A Clumber Spaniel's ideal weight is between 55-85 pounds, and a balanced diet can help prevent weight-related issues.

Clumber Spaniels also have a relatively short lifespan, with an average life expectancy of 10-12 years. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential health problems early on.

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The Clumber Spaniel is a healthy dog with an average lifespan of 10–12 years.

Responsible pet parents should consider pet insurance to address potential health concerns.

While not overly prone to severe conditions, the Clumber Spaniel may still require some extra care to stay healthy.

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Obesity is a significant health problem in Clumber Spaniels, causing joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease.

Clumber Spaniels are prone to obesity, especially if fed leftover people food and doggie treats. Giving them people food can lead to weight gain and related health issues.

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in preventing obesity and related health problems. Choose a dog food with appropriate calorie levels and consider portion control to prevent overfeeding.

Regular exercise, such as swimming, is a great way to keep your Clumber Spaniel healthy and happy. Exercise your dog regularly, but don't overdo it at first.

Clumber Spaniels generally have good teeth, but they still need regular brushing to keep them perfect. Brush your Clumber's teeth at least twice a week to maintain their oral health.

Here's a rough guide to monitoring your Clumber's weight and body condition:

Obesity can contribute to various health issues, including joint problems. Regularly monitor your dog's weight and body condition, and work with your veterinarian to maintain an ideal weight.

Choosing the right dog food for your Clumber Spaniel is crucial in preventing obesity and related health problems. Look for products with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement on the packaging.

Clumber Spaniels have different nutritional needs at different stages of their life. Choose a dog food that aligns with your dog's age and activity level.

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Clumber Spaniels can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs, a condition called eosinophilic panosteitis, or pano, which usually starts at around six to ten months of age.

This condition can cause no permanent damage, but requires pain medication, and if your dog has developed an abnormal gait to compensate for the sore leg(s), rehabilitation exercises may be required.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are also common issues in Clumber Spaniels, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis.

Stiffness in your Clumber's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures, and you may notice lameness in his legs or difficulty getting up from lying down.

Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet is essential for joint health, and responsible Clumber Spaniel breeders who screen for dysplasia can help reduce the prevalence of this condition.

In severe cases of hip dysplasia, surgical intervention may be necessary, and maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to prevent arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering.

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Hip and Elbow Dysplasia is a common issue in Clumber Spaniels, where the joints don't develop properly, leading to arthritis and mobility problems.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't fit properly into the hip socket, a common issue in larger dog breeds, including the Clumber Spaniel.

In severe cases of hip dysplasia, surgical intervention may be necessary. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet is essential for joint health.

Elbow dysplasia, where the elbow joint develops abnormally and leads to mobility issues, can also be an issue for Clumbers. This condition can cause problems by affecting the growth of the cartilage that forms the surface of the joint or the structures around it.

Most Clumbers are found to be free of elbow dysplasia, but responsible breeding practices and screening can help reduce the prevalence of this condition. Stiffness in your Clumber’s elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures.

You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain.

Regular exercise is crucial for your Clumber Spaniel's joint and bone health. Make sure she gets plenty of exercise to keep her joints moving and her bones strong.

A daily walk of at least 30 minutes is a great start. This will help her stay active and prevent joint stiffness.

Regular exercise can also help maintain a healthy weight, which is essential for reducing the risk of joint issues. Watch her diet and ensure she's not overeating.

Brushing her coat regularly can also help prevent matting and tangling, which can put unnecessary strain on her joints.

Clumber Spaniels can be prone to digestive issues, but they're not overly common.

Colitis is a condition that occasionally affects Clumber Spaniels, causing inflammation of the large bowel or colon. Fæces tend to be soft and may contain spots of blood and an increased amount of mucus.

If your Clumber Spaniel develops colitis, withholding food for 24 hours and providing plenty of water can help. Then, feed a light diet like chicken and rice or fish and rice for a couple of days before gradually returning to their normal diet.

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Colitis is a condition that can affect some breeds, such as Clumber Spaniels. It's the inflammation of the large bowel or colon. Fæces tend to be soft and may contain spots of blood and an increased amount of mucus. The dog appears to be healthy in all other respects.

If your dog is diagnosed with colitis, you can try managing it with dietary changes. Withhold food for 24 hours while ensuring an adequate supply of water is available. After this time, feed the dog on a light diet, such as chicken and rice or fish and rice for a couple of days. Then, gradually put them back on to their normal diet.

If your dog's colitis problem reoccurs frequently, you may want to consider feeding them a diet especially formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Dental Abnormalities are a common issue in dogs, especially in purebred dogs like your Clumber Spaniel.

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Teeth abnormalities are often genetically induced, meaning your Clumber may be more likely to develop issues with their teeth due to their breed.

An overbite or underbite is called a malocclusion, or a bad bite, and can cause problems for your dog.

Oligodontia is a condition where only a few teeth are present, which can lead to difficulties with eating and speaking.

Misaligned teeth can also occur and cause lots of problems, but can usually be corrected with braces or extractions.

Your veterinarian will be watching your Clumber's developing teeth closely to catch any potential issues early on.

In some cases, teeth abnormalities can be corrected with braces or extractions, so it's essential to catch them early on.

Skin problems are commonly reported in Clumber Spaniels, but most are treatable and caused by allergies or environmental reactions.

Clumber Spaniels can develop skin irritations due to parasitic infestations, bacterial infections, contact allergies, food allergies, or anal gland impaction.

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Regular brushing can help prevent matting and skin problems, especially in areas prone to matting like the feathering on their ears, chest, abdomen, and legs.

Brushing your Clumber Spaniel at least two to three times a week can keep their coat in good condition.

As a big shedder, your Clumber Spaniel will require regular grooming to remove excess hair and prevent matting, even though they don't need professional grooming.

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Parasites can invade your Clumber's body, inside and out, causing pain, discomfort, and even death.

Fleas, ticks, ear mites, hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms are just a few examples of the kinds of worms and bugs that can infest your Clumber's skin and ears.

Drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito are common ways for these parasites to get into your Clumber's system.

Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member, making them a serious concern for everyone.

For your canine friend, these parasites can cause significant health issues, so regular testing is essential to keep them healthy.

We'll recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep your Clumber free from these parasites and maintain their overall health.

Regular brushing is essential for Clumber Spaniels to prevent matting and remove loose hair. Aim to brush them at least two to three times a week to keep their coat in good condition.

The feathering on their ears, chest, abdomen, and legs are more prone to matting, so pay special attention to these areas. Regular grooming can help prevent matting and keep your Clumber Spaniel's coat looking healthy.

Clumber Spaniels are big shedders, so be prepared for white clouds of hair blowing around the house. Maintaining an at-home grooming routine can help remove excess hair from their weather-resistant coats.

Brushing your Clumber Spaniel one to two times a week with a pin brush followed by a dog comb can remove excess hair and prevent matting. This simple routine can help keep their coat looking its best.

Bathing your Clumber Spaniel once a month is sufficient to keep their coats clean, but be sure to trim their nails while they're in the bath to make the process easier.

Clumber Spaniels are more likely to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). This condition occurs when some of the blood supply meant for the liver goes around it instead, depriving it of the blood flow it needs.

If your Clumber has PSS, their liver can't remove toxins from their bloodstream effectively. This can lead to symptoms like stunted growth and seizures.

To check for PSS, your vet will conduct a liver function test every time your Clumber undergoes anesthesia. In some cases, surgery may be needed, but in others, a special diet and medication can be used to treat the condition.

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Infections can be a real concern for Clumber Spaniels, just like with any other dog breed. Bacterial and viral infections are common, and they can be prevented with vaccination.

Parvo, rabies, and distemper are some of the infections that Clumber Spaniels are susceptible to. These infections can have serious consequences if left untreated.

Regular vaccinations can go a long way in preventing these infections. The specific vaccinations recommended will depend on the diseases prevalent in your area, your dog's age, and other factors.

Ear infections are another type of infection that Clumber Spaniels can get, and they're quite common. They often respond well to treatment, but dogs prone to ear problems may experience recurrent infections.

Your Clumber is more likely than other dogs to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). This means some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly.

If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. This can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.

To check for PSS, a liver function test will be conducted in addition to a standard pre-anesthetic panel every time your Clumber undergoes anesthesia. This is crucial for early detection and treatment.

Symptoms of PSS may include stunted growth or seizures, which are serious warning signs that require immediate attention. If your friend develops these symptoms, his blood will be tested and possibly an ultrasound scan of his liver will be conducted.

In some cases, surgery may be needed to treat PSS, but in others, a special diet and medication can be effective treatments.

Hypothyroidism is a common condition that can affect Clumbers, where the body doesn't make enough thyroid hormone.

Dry skin and coat, hair loss, and susceptibility to other skin diseases are just a few of the signs of hypothyroidism in Clumbers.

We'll conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for the disease, so it's essential to stay on top of regular check-ups.

Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill can help alleviate the symptoms.

Weight gain, fearfulness, and aggression are all potential behavioral changes that can occur in Clumbers with hypothyroidism.

By catching the disease early, we can prevent more severe symptoms from developing.

Clumber Spaniels are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM.

This condition causes the heart to become so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body.

As the problem advances, your Clumber Spaniel may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough.

To catch this condition early, we'll conduct a yearly electrical heart screening (ECG) and/or an echocardiogram starting at age one.

If we find abnormal heart rhythms, we'll treat the condition with medication and may also recommend dietary supplementation.

Clumber Spaniels can inherit or develop a number of eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Clumbers, with the lenses of their eyes becoming more opaque over time.

Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is common in Clumber Spaniels, causing sore, itchy eyes and infections due to a lack of tears.

Entropion is a painful condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea, and can ultimately lead to blindness if not treated.

Regularly checking your Clumber Spaniel's eyes for signs of redness, discharge, or other abnormalities can help catch issues early on.

Clumber Spaniels are prone to ear infections due to their long, droopy ears, which can restrict air circulation and create a warm, moist environment ideal for bacteria or yeast to grow.

Regular ear cleaning with a pet-safe ear cleanser and monitoring for signs of redness, swelling, or an unpleasant odor can help prevent infections.

Clumber Spaniels are prone to ear infections, which can be caused by a lack of adequate ventilation in their long, droopy ears.

Regular ear cleaning with a pet-safe ear cleanser is essential to prevent infections.

Excess hair in the ear canal can trap moisture and debris, contributing to ear problems, so it's a good idea to have your veterinarian or a professional groomer safely remove excessive ear hair to promote better airflow.

The shape of a Clumber Spaniel's ears can restrict air circulation, creating a warm and moist environment ideal for bacteria or yeast to grow.

Monitor your Clumber Spaniel for signs of ear infection, such as redness, swelling, or an unpleasant odor, and seek veterinary attention if you notice these symptoms.

Ear infections can be painful for dogs, and in severe cases, the ear may smell and the dog may shake its head.

Clumber Spaniels can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Clumbers, causing the lenses of their eyes to become more opaque and cloudy.

Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine, but surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option.

Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is common in Clumber Spaniels, causing sore, itchy eyes and infections due to a lack of tears.

Symptoms of dry eye include a thick discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye, or a dull, dry appearance of the eye.

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea and leading to irritation and pain.

Entropion can happen in any dog breed, but Clumbers are especially at risk for this heritable disorder.

Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early, but it's essential to catch the condition before it leads to blindness.

Regularly checking your Clumber Spaniel's eyes can help you catch any issues early, so make it a habit to look for signs of redness, discharge, or other abnormalities.

If you notice persistent issues or changes, talk to your veterinarian right away to get your dog the help they need.

Back and knee issues are common health concerns for Clumber Spaniels. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common condition that can cause severe pain and paralysis if left untreated.

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If you notice your Clumber Spaniel is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump up, go up stairs, or move around, he is likely in severe pain. He may also drag his back feet or be paralyzed and unable to get up or use his back legs.

Weight control is essential in preventing IVDD, so make sure to monitor your dog's diet and exercise routine. Using ramps or steps from puppyhood can also help reduce the strain on your dog's back.

Patellar luxation, or kneecap dislocation, is another common issue that can cause your Clumber Spaniel to skip or hop on one leg. In mild cases, arthritis medication may be sufficient, but severe cases may require surgery to realign the kneecap.

Back problems can be a real concern for Clumbers, with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) being a common condition. Intervertebral disc disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures.

Symptoms of IVDD can be quite alarming, including sudden inability or unwillingness to jump up or go up stairs, reluctance to move around, a hunched back, crying out, refusal to eat or go potty, and even dragging back feet or paralysis.

If you see these symptoms, don't wait – call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem.

Surgical removal of the ruptured discs is often recommended for cases involving paralysis, and it's best to have this done within 24 hours of symptom onset for the best results.

Knee issues are common in Clumber spaniels, and one problem you might notice is the kneecap slipping out of place. This is called patellar luxation.

You might see your Clumber suddenly pick up a back leg and skip or hop for a few strides, then kick the leg out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place. This can happen repeatedly.

If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, arthritis medication might be all your Clumber needs. However, if symptoms are severe, surgery may be necessary to realign the kneecap.

Reproductive Difficulties can be a significant concern for Clumber Spaniel owners. Breeds with a large head and small pelvis, like the Clumber, are more prone to difficulties during the birthing process.

A Clumber's pelvis is just too small to pass puppies, which can lead to health issues for both the mother and her puppies. A C-section is often required for her health and that of her puppies.

If you're interested in breeding your Clumber, it's essential to speak with a veterinarian first. They can help you make an informed decision based on the body conformation of both the sire and dam.

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Clumber Spaniels are often afflicted by allergies, which cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere. This skin allergy is called "atopy", and it typically starts between the ages of one and three. Symptoms can get worse every year.

Common signs of allergies in Clumbers include excessive licking, itching, or rubbing, especially on the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears. Red skin, loss of fur, and recurring ear or skin infections are also common.

Ear infections can be painful and annoying, and they're often caused by allergies or other issues like swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, or an accumulation of earwax. Monitoring for ear infections and treating them early can reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness.

Here are some signs to watch out for:

Epilepsy is another condition that affects Clumber Spaniels, often starting between six months and three years of age. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

Allergies can be a real challenge for Clumber Spaniels, causing skin irritation and discomfort. They often develop allergies due to environmental factors, such as pollen, mold, or dust.

Clumbers are prone to skin allergies, which can cause itching and inflammation in the ears, feet, belly, and folds of the skin. These allergies can start as early as one to three years old and worsen over time.

Symptoms of allergies in Clumbers typically include excessive licking, itching, or rubbing, red skin, loss of fur, and recurring ear or skin infections. If you notice your dog shaking his head, scratching, or showing a foul odor from the ears, it's essential to consult a veterinarian.

Ear infections are common in Clumbers due to allergies, and they can be painful and annoying. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, you can reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage and deafness.

Here are some common signs of allergies in Clumbers:

While there's no specific cure for dog allergies, they can be managed medically with the help of a veterinarian. With proper treatment and care, you can help your Clumber Spaniel live a comfortable and happy life.

Epilepsy is a condition that affects dogs, causing seizures that can be distressing for both the pet and their owner. There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary.

Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma.

If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Clumber Spaniels commonly afflicted.

If your dog is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause.

Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

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