AWS Health Issues

All dogs, whether purebred or mixed breed have the potential for medical issues at any time throughout their life. The American Water Spaniel is no different.  There are always those unexpected health issues that we have no control over, just like in humans, but in general the breed tends to be fairly healthy and hardy.  With proper feeding, plenty of exercise and good medical care, the average AWS should be part of your life for 12-15 years. 

Health issues may be caused by everything from viral infections, to a traumatic injury, to an inherited condition. Still, every breed of dog seems to have its own set of specific problems, some of which show a solid hereditary component, affecting a diverse group of a breed's population without regard to family ties while others may show little more than a possible tendency to affect certain families. This is why it is important for all breeders - big or small, old or new - to screen for hereditary problems prior to breeding any AWS. With screening we stand a good chance of reducing the occurrence of certain health issues which makes for a healthier American Water Spaniel population and makes life easier for everyone.

The AWSC recommends screening for: hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and cardiac abnormalities. These are screened following criteria established by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). An AWS that has gone through the process of having these health screenings will be assigned a Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) number. That number is only an indicator that the dog has undergone health screening and does not show that the dog was found in good health or free of any abnormalities. 

Other health conditions that occasionally effect AWS include epilepsy, hypothyroidism, degenerative myelopathy, pattern baldness and diabetes. When considering the purchase of an AWS, be sure to talk to the breeder about the health screening he or she has done and their strategy for stewarding the genetic health of their puppies and the AWS breed.

While there are many things that are simply out of our control when it comes to genetics, there are some tools breeders can use to try to lessen and, in some cases, completely prevent the occurrence of certain conditions that are known to be hereditary.  It is important to make sure that the parents of any litter you are considering a puppy from have had their health testing done.  This does not guarantee that you will have a dog that is completely free of any possible health issues but it does mean this breeder has done everything they possibly can to produce healthy puppies for not only the new family but for the future of the breed.  You can easily verify testing on the OFA website (ofa.org) by putting the full registered name of the dog, registration # of the dog or you can search through a list of dogs by kennel name.

“Health Clearances provide basic information for breeders to make more informed breeding decisions in order to reduce the incidence of inherited disease. The results also provide valuable information for potential puppy buyers looking for responsible breeders that health test their breeding stock”.

Health Clearances

“Health Clearances provide basic information for breeders to make more informed breeding decisions in order to reduce the incidence of inherited disease. The results also provide valuable information for potential puppy buyers looking for responsible breeders that health test their breeding stock”.
(Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)

The following minimum health clearances are recommended by the AWSC prior to breeding. AWS breeders may choose to use additional screening tools or to screen more frequently. Owners of non-breeding AWS are also encouraged to screen their dogs to help the AWSC better understand the prevalence of these conditions in the breed.

Dogs and bitches should have satisfactory results on these exams and be free from other serious hereditary problems if they are to be bred.

Hip Dysplasia: OFA screening and classification as “Normal” at two years of age or older.

Eyes: OFA Eye Certification within one year prior to breeding and up to eight (8) years of age. 

Heart: OFA Basic Cardiac Exam: Within one year prior to breeding, preferably by a veterinary cardiologist.
OR
Advanced Cardiac Exam: At least once, at one year of age or older.