Health

The most common conditions in the Spanish Water Dog are PRA and goniodysplasia (eye diseases), hip dysplasia (HD), epilepsy, neuroaxonal dystrophy (a neurological disease) and thyroid disorders. Testing is available for several of these conditions. In addition to specific eye and hip tests, we recommend creating a DNA profile to identify hereditary diseases. We recommend Embark
as it is an international organisation with a large collection of DNA data from around the world. The average life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years. We also believe that titre testing , or 'tailored vaccination', is very important. This helps prevent your Perro from receiving unnecessary vaccinations and ensures that the vaccination is providing protection.


Prcd-PRA

Prcd-PRA stands for progressive retinal atrophy. PRA is an inherited eye disorder found in several dog breeds, including the Spanish Water Dog. With prcd-PRA, the retina progressively degenerates, and symptoms can begin at different ages. This means that the retina gradually deteriorates. Prcd-PRA causes degeneration of the retinal cells in the eye; initially, the rods degenerate, leading to progressive night blindness. Eventually, the cones also gradually lose their function in full daylight, resulting in complete blindness. Most dogs affected by prcd-PRA (genetically PRA/PRA) will become completely blind. Only Spanish Water Dogs affected (PRA/PRA) will go blind as a result of prcd-PRA; carriers (N/PRA) and clear dogs (N/N) will not. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for dogs that go blind as a result of prcd-PRA.


A genetic test is available to test Spanish Water Dogs' DNA. It determines whether dogs are clear, carriers or affected (these dogs will go blind) with prcd-PRA. It is important to test breeding dogs for prcd-PRA before breeding them. Our dogs have also been tested; see the results on the our dogs page. The abbreviations used mean the following:

  • NN = normal = clear
  • NPRA = carrier = carrier, but will never develop the condition
  • PRA/PRA = affected = has it and passes it on


Because prcd-PRA is a genetic condition inherited recessively, offspring can only be affected by prcd-PRA if they inherit the disease gene from both parents. Below is an overview of the possible offspring from different parent pairings.

  • A mating between a clear (NN) dog and a clear (NN) dog results in 100% clear offspring (NN)
  • A mating between a clear (NN) dog and a carrier (NPRA) produces 50% clear offspring (NN) and 50% carriers (NPRA)
  • A mating between a carrier (NPRA) and a carrier (NPRA) results in 25% clear offspring (NN), 50% carriers (NPRA) and 25% affected offspring (PRAPRA)
  • A mating between a clear dog (NN) and an affected dog (PRAPRA) results in 100% carrier offspring (NPRA)
  • A carrier (NPRA) bred to an affected dog (PRAPRA) will produce 50% carriers (NPRA) and 50% affected puppies (PRAPRA)
  • A mating between an affected dog (PRAPRA) and an affected dog (PRAPRA) will produce 100% affected offspring (PRAPRA).


Glaucoma (gonioscopy)

The eye is filled with fluid that flows in and out. The amount of fluid determines the pressure inside and the shape of the eye. Glaucoma is an increase in this pressure. In most cases, the drainage channel is blocked, while fluid continues to flow in. This causes the eye to become distorted. It is a very painful condition. Increased pressure in the eye also puts pressure on the optic nerve. The optic nerve sends information to the brain to form images. If too much pressure is placed on the optic nerve, it will lose its function. Glaucoma can be caused by more than just a hereditary defect. Trauma, infection, an eye tumour and lens luxation can also cause it. With a hereditary defect, both eyes will be affected.


Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia (HD) is a developmental disorder of the hips, which can affect one or both sides. HD is most common in medium- to large-sized dog breeds. It is caused by both genetic and environmental factors (including excess weight, rapid growth and inappropriate exercise). A dog with hip dysplasia may suffer considerably, but this is not always the case. To determine whether your Spanish Water Dog has HD, X-rays need to be taken.


X-rays can show several different results:

  • HD A (=negative): based on the X-ray, your dog is free of HD; this does not mean your dog cannot be a “carrier” of the condition.
  • HD B (= transitional form): slight changes due to hip dysplasia are visible on the X-rays.
  • HD C (= mildly positive): your dog shows clear changes consistent with HD.
  • HD D (=positive): your dog shows clear changes consistent with hip dysplasia.
  • HD E (=severe): the hip joints are severely malformed.


Our dogs have been tested for hip dysplasia. See the results on the page our dogs. The overview uses several abbreviations. Here's what they mean:

NW = Norberg angle  OA = poor fit  SA = bad fit  OK = shallow socket* foreign result** PennHIP


Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition in which repeated seizures occur. During an epileptic seizure, the transmission of electrical signals in the brain is disrupted. This disruption causes a sudden, intense discharge in groups of brain cells, similar to a short circuit, resulting in an epileptic seizure.


Symptoms:

  • Before a seizure: The period before a seizure is also called the “aura.” It can be brief (a few seconds) or last longer (hours to days). Owners often notice that their dog starts behaving differently and is more restless than usual. This stage can sometimes go unnoticed because it may be very brief, or because the dog may be asleep before a seizure.
  • The seizure itself: An epileptic seizure is also known as an ictus. It is often brief, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes. Symptoms you may see include: paddling movements of the legs, convulsions throughout the body, loss of consciousness, falling over, jaw chomping, foaming at the mouth, vocalization (whining, whimpering, screaming), and loss of urine and/or stool
  • After the seizure: The period after a seizure is called the postictal phase. This phase can last anywhere from a few seconds to several days. The seizure is over, but your dog's behaviour is often still unusual. Your dog may be restless, whine, ask for food, sleep for long periods, etc. Owners sometimes don't recognise their own dog by its behaviour.


Causes of epilepsy:

  • Primary epilepsy: Epilepsy for which no cause is found after a thorough examination is called primary epilepsy. Primary epilepsy usually occurs between 5 months and 6 years of age. Between seizures, your dog is healthy and behaves normally.
  • Secondary epilepsy: This is a form of epilepsy for which a cause can be found. In some cases, the cause can be treated, which may make the epilepsy go away or easier to manage.


Genetic testing for epilepsy:

Unfortunately, there is not yet a test for epilepsy in Spanish Water Dogs. However, research into epilepsy in (purebred) dogs is being conducted worldwide. If your Spanish Water Dog is affected by primary epilepsy, we recommend submitting a blood sample for genetic research into epilepsy. Hopefully, this will enable the development of a genetic test in the future, helping us prevent epilepsy in the Perro de Agua Español.