Health Info

The breed has like all breeds had a few health problems, here are some that have occured in the Spinone and you should be made aware of:

Cerebellar Ataxia: A brain disorder which is easy to avoid as it is a simple recessive gene, so no two carriers in my view should ever be mated together. The ISCGB has a code of ethics for breeders and stud dog owners. Thanks to the Kennel Club and the AHT we now have a test that can identify carriers with a 95% accuracy, so all breeding dogs should now be tested prior to mating.

Osteochondrosis Dissecans: A growing disorder in young usually heavy boned animals, which most commonly manifests itself in the shoulder or elbow causing intermittent lameness. Spinoni seem predisposed towards this in the shoulder joint, but with correct feeding and rearing it can be avoided.

Bloat or Torsion: A horrible condition where for no rhyme or reason the stomach fills with gas and distends (bloat) and can twist (torsion), if this happens then it is imperative you go straight to your vet as it is a true emergency.

Pseudomonas: A bacterial infection of the ears. Pseudomonas is resistant to a lot of antibiotics and this makes this condition incredibly difficult to clear and often results in a surgical procedure of which it is painful and not guranteed a success As a breeder of 23 years I use Thornit ear powder in all my Spinoni ears from 7 weeks of age and put a pinch in once a month troughout their lives and this keeps the ears clean and healthy and allows excess hair growth to be easily pulled out.

Fitting dogs/Epilepsy: Spinoni like most of the canine species are not exempt from these conditions. Currently no known mode of inheritance, reearch being undertaken by the AHT for all breeds.