The Kennel Club has announced changes to accepted laboratories it will accept DNA results from in order to align with the changing landscape of the genetic testing industry.

In line with the KC policy the FSS will be running a health survey.  The following is a statement from our Breed Health co-ordinator giving full details of what is required. The survey will also be sent out via the KC to all owners of registered Field Spaniels and we would urge breeders who have sold puppies to ask the new owners if they will take part.  The Society hope that all Field Spaniel owners will take the time to complete the survey.

During February 2023 The Kernel Club will be releasing a Field Spaniel Breed Health Survey on behalf of the Field Spaniel Society.  The survey is a collaboration between the Kennel Club and the Field Spaniel Society. Completed surveys will be returned to the Kennel Club, who will do the analysis of the survey for the Field Spaniel Society. Paper copies will be sent by the Field Spaniel Society to members who are unable to access online facilities. The survey is carried out in strictest confidentiality.

I ask you all to please complete the survey (one survey per dog and for dogs deceased in the last five years).  Breeders please urge owners of Field Spaniels purchased from you to complete the survey.  The outcomes from this survey will benefit the breed.

I take this opportunity to thank the members of the Kennel Club Health team for their assistance and support. Thank you all for continuing to care for our beautiful breed.  

Heather Weeks Field Spaniel Breed Health Coordinator

Testing for Heart Problems – how and why it is done:

Aims

• To identify dogs free from any cardiac abnormality.
• To ascertain the prevalence of heart murmurs, abnormal rhythms or specific heart defects in Field Spaniels.
• To confirm the cause of heart murmurs or abnormal rhythms by further investigation of affected animals
• To collate data for investigation of a possible genetic basis to a specific heart problem in a given breed by a breed club nominated person, geneticist or veterinary surgeon
• To advise the owner, breeder and dog’s veterinary surgeon when an abnormality has been identified and recommendations about any further investigation, if indicated

The Auscultation (examination with a stethoscope) method of heart testing. This is an essential part of examining the animals’ heart and circulation. Any heart murmurs are identified, timed, localised and graded (grade 0 – 6).

David Fisher is a specialist in this area and has examined many Field Spaniels, he came and did a Heart Testing Day at our Society Show some years ago – it was felt that after talking to him, this was not an issue within the breed, but one that needs monitoring to ensure that it does not cause health issues within the breed.  David Fisher has also kindly given a very informative talk on the subject and was quite clear that to maintain a healthy breed we need to monitor and make sure we only breed with healthy dogs – we as a Society would hope that this is the case for all breeding dogs and bitches that only the healthiest are bred from as this is the only way to maintain a healthy Field Spaniel for future generations. 

Hip Dysplasia (HD) is a term which encompasses a number of specific developmental and other abnormalities involving the hip joint. Developmental changes come first and being related mainly to growth are known as primary changes. Others come later; these are related to wear and tear from usage and are termed secondary changes. The end result is that one or a pair of joints becomes mechanically unsound and therefore does not function properly. An unsound joint is usually a painful one and lameness will result. In extreme cases the dog may find movement very difficult and much suffering will be involved.

BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme

The current BVA/KC scoring scheme for hip dysplasia (HD) has been in operation since 1984 and since then over 250,000 X-rays have been assessed. Dysplasia means abnormal development, and the degree of hip dysplasia present is indicated by a score assigned to each hip. The hip score is the sum of the points awarded for each of nine aspects of the X-rays of both hip joints. The minimum hip score is 0 and the maximum is 106 (53 for each hip). The lower the score the less the degree of hip dysplasia present. An average (or mean) score is calculated for all breeds scored under the scheme, as is the median (or middle) score. Advice for breeders is to use only breeding stock with scores well below the breed mean score and ideally below the median.

The minimum age for hip scoring is one year, and each dog is only ever scored once under the scheme.

Breed Specific Statistics

The Breed Specific Statistics are the Breed Median (BM), Breed Mean Score (BMS) and rolling five year mean, which are calculated from the scoring records of each breed to give a representative overview of the HD status of the dogs scored in that breed. At the time the certificate is returned to the submitting veterinary surgeon, a copy of the current Breed Specific Statistics will be enclosed so that the veterinary surgeon may best advise his/her client regarding the dog’s suitability for breeding. The Breed Specific Statistics are also available on the BVA and Kennel Club websites

A link to the BVA site which will give you more details on how,why and what they are looking for:  https://www.bva.co.uk/Canine-Health-Schemes/Hip-scheme/

Breed Information from the KC

Dog Health Group report 2016

Hip Scores by Breed

Data Calculated to 01/01/17

The following is an annual summary that is now prepared for the BVA, covering all breeds, using data from the current approximated breeding population (data from dogs scored in the last 15 years only). By representing dogs scored in the last 15 years, a more accurate reflection of each breed’s current state of health and improvement is given. The 5-year median here refers to dogs scored between 1st January 2012 and 31st December 2016.

Previously mean has been denoted as Breed Mean Score (BMS), however to be in keeping with the most up to date BVA recommendations and reduce confusion, Mean and Median are now used.

By going onto the KC Site  you can type in any KC registered Field Spaniel and the  BVA Tests Results for that dog will appear  – you have to type the name exactly as the KC has it, this is a very useful tool and is ideal when choosing a Stud or Dam for a forthcoming litter or indeed for prospective puppy owners to check the parents BVA Scores.

Remember the Field Spaniel Mean (average ) is now 11.6 based on the current data and the Median (middle) is 10 – so you are ideally looking for dogs that are within these ranges or as near as possible to these.  It is also heartening to see that the Mean (average) has come down over the last few years from 14.3 to 11.6 so shows that we are indeed going in the right direction and doing the best for the breed!

Multiple gonioscopy results are now viewable via the online health tests results finder & MyKC for individual dogs.

As with BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme results, only the most current gonioscopy will be published on the Kennel Club registration certificate.

Primary closed angle glaucoma is significantly associated with an abnormality within the eye called goniodysgenesis (gonio = angle, dysgenesis = defective development; goniodysgenesis is therefore defective development of the drainage angle). Goniodysgenesis is inherited in several breeds and is tested for by a technique called gonioscopy.

All dogs, including crossbreeds are at risk of suffering from eye disease. Common breeds at risk are:

• Border Collie
• Cocker Spaniel
• English Springer Spaniel
• French Bulldog
• Golden Retriever
• Labradoodle
• Labrador Retriever
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Pug

For further information regarding the routine eye examination (BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme) and Gonioscopy test, please refer to the British Veterinary Associations website here.

Exciting New Development form the BVA and KC announced August 2015 – Due to many breeders asking for this the KC and BVA are now recording some date on the Eye Exams carried out .

However as the Field Spaniel is under the  Schedule B it will only record the date of the examination – but it is surely a step in the right direction to monitor and check health and status of the Field Spaniel – something that is imperative if the breed continues to be a fit and health one .  The BVA advice is for yearly exams so now we will be able to monitor this better for prospective puppy owners and breeding programmes.

Kennel Club and Bva Set Sights on Improved Dog Eye Health by Recording Test Results for More Breeds

The Kennel Club (KC) and British Veterinary Association (BVA) are now recording eye examinations which have taken place under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme for non-Schedule A Breeds.

Schedule A Breeds are those with identified breed-associated inherited eye diseases, for which it is considered that there is enough scientific information to show that the condition is inherited in that breed. To support breeds outside of Schedule A, and the responsible breeders who use the scheme to routinely test their dogs, the Kennel Club and BVA have made the decision to record that a test has taken place, recognising this as a request from a number of breed clubs and owners.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “Recording that an eye examination has taken place for dogs that are not Schedule A breeds will enable other breeders, prospective puppy buyers, or simply those who love the breed, to find out whether or not a particular Kennel Club registered dog has been tested under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.

“There are many hugely responsible breeders who already routinely test their dogs, and we want to support the active role they play in the health of their breeds, as ultimately they drive dog health through responsible breeding decisions and enable puppy buyers to choose healthy and happy pups.”

Although any breed can be examined for eye disease, previously only the results of those breeds that appear on Schedule A of the Eye Scheme were sent to the Kennel Club for inclusion on computer records and printing in the Breed Records Supplement. An individual dog’s health test results can be viewed on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club’s Mate Select online service.

For non-Schedule A breeds, the date of the examination will be recorded against the dog’s record and can be viewed via the Health Test Results Finder and details of the examination can be sought directly from the owner.

The results for breeds on Schedule A will continue to be recorded in the normal way and the results published in the Breed Record Supplement.

For those owners who have previously tested their dogs using the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme, this can be recorded retrospectively by owner request.

This applies to an individual dog’s BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme examinations only, and does not include litter screenings.

There is a list available, from either the BVA, of appointed eye panellists who can issue certificates under the scheme and owners can make an appointment with one of the panellists directly or through their own veterinary surgeon.

Venue: Stoneleigh Village Hall, Stoneleigh CV8 3DD
Date: Saturday 25th March 2017
Speakers: Professor Mike Herrtage – Endocrine Diseases, Dr Jane Dobson – Mammary Tumours and Relative Cancers

Mike opened his presentation by discussing the link to the nervous system and endocrine system via the Pituitary gland. The Hypothalamus found in the brain regulating these systems.

His talk centred on diseases of the Thyroid found in dogs, Hypothyroidism being the most common.  The Thyroid gland has different functions including its role in regulating metabolism, by producing thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism occurring from the impaired production and secretion of thyroid hormone, the dogs own immune system kills the cells of the thyroid gland. This disorder can be found in all canines with some breeds having higher rates of the disorder.

Clinical symptoms can include all or some of the following; lethargy, hair loss, weight gain, slow heart rate, dry hair/shedding coat excessively, intolerance to cold, high blood cholesterol, anemia

He pointed out that these can also be symptoms for other diseases or illness.  There are a number of blood tests available to help in diagnosis.

Most dogs respond well to treatment using drugs such as Soloxine or Thyforon and symptoms should be gone in around 8 weeks.  If symptoms continue then the dose is not correct and should be titrated by the vet, or the diagnosis is incorrect and further tests should be carried out.

Please see Mikes slide presentation in PDF format CLICK HERE

Jane discussed the different types of tumours/ cancers occurring in dogs, concentrating her talk on tumours of the mammary glands, oral tumours and osteosarcoma.

Mammary tumours occur frequently in female dogs. Normally these happen after the age of 2 years.

There is some debate about if and when bitches should be spayed, as research shows that spaying can alleviate the occurrence of mammary tumours.   Tumours are removed surgically, but as the mammary glands are connected removal of the affected gland may not be sufficient and therefore more glands may need to be removed to afford success. She stated that as a small breed in numbers we may see higher rates of mammary tumours as we tend to leave more bitches entire.

Malignant Melanoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are the most common oral tumours found in dogs. The reason for oral cancers in canines is not really known.

Symptoms; increased salivation, blood in the saliva, odorous breath.  Tumours can be found on the dog’s lips, tongue, gums and lymph regions surrounding the mouth.  Oral tumours can be treated in most cases, other than the tongue, with dogs managing to eat and live successfully.

Osteosarcoma, bone cancer, in dogs, affects any breed but most commonly found in the larger breeds. Osteosarcoma tends to be extremely aggressive and have a tendency to spread rapidly to other parts of the body.  Jane is interested in bone cancers and is working with the Flat Coated Retriever breed in this area.

Both talks were extremely interesting and well presented at a level for those attending to understand and questions were answered in depth.

The day started and ended with tea/coffee, with a lovely lunch served midday where everyone sat together at one long table to eat. We held a raffle and were able to raise a wee bit of money.

Thank you to our speakers and to committee members for providing such a good seminar and of course to those who took the time to attend, giving such positive feedback.

Heather Weeks
Field Spaniel Society Breed Health Coordinator

Speaker Profiles: 

Professor Mike Herrtage MA BVSc DVSc DVR DVD DSAM DipECVIM DipECVDI MRCVS

Professor of Small Animal MedicineDean of Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital, speaking on Enocrine Diseases

Personal profile:

Mike Herrtage graduated from the Liverpool University and is currently Professor of Small Animal Medicine. He is Dean of the Cambridge Veterinary School and is in charge of the small animal medicine and diagnostic imaging services at the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital. His clinical responsibilities include all aspects of small animal medicine and diagnostic imaging.

He was awarded the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (B.S.A.V.A.) Woodrow Award in 1986 for outstanding contributions in the field of small animal veterinary medicine and the B.S.A.V.A. Blaine Award for outstanding contributions to the advancement of small animal medicine in 2000. In 2014, he was awarded the World Small Animal Veterinary Association International Award for Scientific Achievement for outstanding contributions by a veterinarian, who has had a significant impact on the advancement of knowledge concerning the cause, detection, cure and/or control of disorders of companion animals.

He has been President of the British Veterinary Radiology Association, President of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, President of the European Society of Veterinary Internal Medicine and President of the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation. He is a Diplomate of both the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and was until recently President of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

He has spoken at many international meetings and published over 200 articles in refereed journals.

Special interest in endocrine and metabolic disorders.

Dr Jane Dobson MA BVetMed, DVetMed, DipECVIM-CA (IntMed, Oncol, RadOnc) MRCVS

University Reader in Veterinary Oncology, speaking on Mammary Tumours and related cancers

Personal profile:

Graduate of the Royal Veterinary College, worked as houseman / registrar at the Beaumont Hospital (RVC) before studying comparative oncology at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London. In 1984, moved to Cambridge as research assistant working on hyperthermia in the treatment of cancer, leading to DVetMed in 1989. Received BSAVA Woodrow award in 1994, Diplomate of ECVIM-CA, Internal Medicine in 1997, received BSAVA Blaine award in 2001.

Founding Diplomate in the subspeciality of Oncology in ECVIM, 2004 and founding member of the European Radiation Oncology Education & Credentials Committee, 2013. RCVS recognized specialist in Veterinary Oncology.

Special interests:

Main interests are in anti-cancer chemotherapy, radiotherapy and research into breed associated tumours in dogs. Co-author of Small Animal Oncology, co-editor of 2nd & 3rd edition of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Oncology and author of over 70 peer reviewed publications.

A Report on the Health Seminar Day on February 28th 2016 from Heather Weeks – Field Spaniel Breed Health Coordinator

The first speaker was Veterinary Specialist Dr John E F Houltom talking about IOHC, Incomplete Ossification of the Humeral Condyle, Hip and Elbow scoring schemes.

John began his talk by explaining the development of bones in young puppies. The bones should normally be fused by 8 – 12 weeks of age. Continuing with a description of how the fissures in IOHC manifest in the bone. Dogs may present with intermittent lameness and following CT scan are diagnosed with IOHC and in some cases no lameness is observed but the dog breaks the elbow during activity and again following CT scan we see a fissure, therefore 2 causes of the condition IOHC and stress. He did say the stress break dog will have had IOHC. Lots of work has been carried out both in the United Kingdom and abroad into treatment of this condition but no significant work has been done into the cause. John was asked if we could presume that findings undertaken for another breed, could be assumed to be correct for our Field Spaniels, he said that each breed should be taken individually and due to the different genes in each breed, you cannot assume the same findings for both. He explained as an example this is why DNA testing for illnesses like epilepsy cannot be used for every breed, as it depends on the DNA set up of the breed, some are similar but others are not, therefore assumptions can not be taken across breeds.

His talk on the scoring systems was also informative. John explained the chosen positions for providing the best radiographs how the graphs are read and interpreted.  He also thought elbow testing now that it was available was a good test to have done – prevention was better than cure so to test to ensure our breed remains healthy could only be a good thing.

Our second speaker was due to be Shannon Sage , but unfortunately she was taken ill so Paddy Galvin kindly stepped into the breach and spoke on canine nutrition. He described the canine digestive system and its working. Discussed the vitamins and amino acids required in the diet. Then talked about tailored diets and food amounts for each individual dog. Looking at age, condition of the dog and its environment and how this can affect what and amounts fed. Thus providing our dogs with the best for their development.

Our third speaker Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Ophthalmology Peter Bedford gave a talk on eye disease and the need for screening. Again very informative. Peter began by talking about eye shape and condition , what is good and bad about the way dogs have been designed. He explained anatomy of the eye and it’s working. He then talked about being aware of what hereditary diseases can affect the Field Spaniel. Peter has been screening eyes for our breed since the seventies and said then the health of our breed’s eyes was good with nothing to concern us. However in more recent times the BVA/KC has seen Retinal Dysplasia  (RD) – a crinkling in the retina that depending on the severity does not effect the dog’s sight and Cataracts, which can be treated, he showed us a video of how they remove a cataract or part cataract .  But more importantly with careful breeding both can be eradicated. We have not got a large gene pool and should be very careful how we tackle hereditary problems as we could make matters worse, by dismissing certain dogs with certain genes you could then be encouraging another issue later down the line by focusing on just 1 issue, you really need to take the whole dog into consideration.  His best recommendation was to have litters screened and any older breeding dogs/ bitches tested.  Although he did mention a DNA test could be something we could look at for the future.

This was a truly informative Health Seminar and I know those attending enjoyed their day  – all the speakers answered numerous questions.

If you require further information on the topics discussed you can contact the BVA Canine Health Schemes or download information from their online site. https://www.bva.co.uk/Canine-Health-Schemes/

Heather C Weeks
Field Spaniel Breed Health Coordinator