Spinone Health

On the whole, Spinoni are generally a healthy breed. However, there are health conditions that occur with some frequency in this breed.

Among other goals, SCOA Health aims to: evaluate and review Spinone health issues, encourage members to participate in health surveys, and endorse standards of health testing and clearances.

This website is NOT a substitute for veterinary advice, but to provide information about canine health issues. Please consult your vet if your Spinone shows signs of medical problems.

Smart Breeding Decisions Lead to Healthier Dogs

The relatively small gene pool from which Spinoni are descended demands that careful consideration must be made before breeding. Health testing provide researchers with measurable indicators to illustrate trends or concerns so that breeders can decrease the occurrence of testable conditions in their programs on behalf of owners and the veterinary community.

Many local AKC kennel clubs host health clinics at conformation show weekends, including our annual National Specialty.

At a minimum, SCOA Health recommends hip and elbow x-rays as well as eye testing. These are all required for Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) certification for Spinone Italiano. SCOA Health also advocates that breeders consider including Cerebellar Ataxia, Heart, and Thyroid in their health screenings.

See the Health Resources section at the bottom of this page for additional information on Organizations, Reports, Surveys, and Databases.

The Skeletal System

With a large breed dog, it’s essential to pay attention to any stiffness or pain in hip, elbow, shoulder, and knee joints.

  • Hip and Elbow Displasia

    Dogs affected by hip dysplasia are born with normal hips, but quickly develop subluxation of the femoral head. Degenerative joint disease follows. When the three bones of the elbow joint don’t fit together due to growth abnormalities, weight is distributed incorrectly leading to pain, lameness, and arthritis associated with elbow displasia.

    Excessive weight and exercise have been found to play a significant role in the development of displasia.

    Patellar Luxation

    This condition occurs when the knee is flexed and the knee cap rides outside of the femoral groove, potentially resulting in discomfort and loss of function. There are different types of patellar luxations.

    Osteochondrosis

    OC is a developmental orthopedic disease affecting young, large breed dogs. An area of bone fails to mature and mineralize properly, creating a thickened area of cartilage within the joint. The thickened cartilage becomes susceptible to injury from normal activity and can form a flap of cartilage exposing the underlying bone. It commonly occurs in the shoulder, stifle, hock, and elbow. Treatment includes arthroscopic removal of the cartilage flap.

    Inter-Vertebral Disc Disease

    IVDD is condition caused by compression of the spine, resulting in pressure on the spinal cord in the neck, thoracic, or lumbar spine. This results in the delay or inability of nerves to send signals to and from the brain. When it is critical, get your dog to the hospital to relieve this compression. With milder cases, rest and medication may help the inflammation subside.

    Cruciate Ligament Tears

    Similar to the ACL in humans, ruptures or tears in the CCL reduce shock absorption, proprioception, and bearing loads.

    Panosteitis

    Pano is a bone condition involving the long leg bones between ages 5 and 18 months. While painful during its flare-ups, dogs ultimately outgrow it.

  • SCOA Health recommends (and the CHIC Certificate requires) hip and elbow x-rays on all breeding dogs over 2 years old. X-rays evaluate the joints for signs of dysplasia, arthritic changes, and/or joint laxity. X-rays at an earlier age can be evaluated, but not used for certification

    Both OFA and PennHIP evaluate and certify hip x-rays and OFA evaluates elbow x-rays. For the Spinone, OFA has recorded a 15.6% abnormal hip rate / 6.4% abnormal elbow rate. The OFA will provide results of Normal or Abnormal (Grade I - III) for Elbows.

    Although patella and shoulder x-rays are optional, SCOA Health recommends breeders also complete these tests at 12 months. Spinone have a 0% abnormal patella rate / 5.3% abnormal shoulder rate with OFA with a limited number of evaluations.

  • Exercises for Young Dogs

    10 Most Important Things to Know about Canine Hip

    High dose vitamin C supplementation in growing puppies does not prevent hip dysplasia and excess calcium and vitamin D contribute to genetically predisposed dogs to develop hip displasia.

The Nervous System

While a relatively healthy breed, it is important to watch for specific neurological, endocrine, or immune conditions.

The Cardiovascular & Circulatory System

Similar to how humans test their hearts, we can check canine heart health with general and in-depth testing by vets or canine cardiologists.

  • A common early sign of heart trouble is coughing, due to a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Swift veterinary care and medications can ease the symptoms of heart disease or failure. Nutritious foods and exercise play an important role in cardio health.

    Dilated Cardiomyopathy

    DCM can cause heart failure and has been linked to genetics as well as a lack of grains commonly found in most dog foods. In-progress studies suggest feeding food produced where there are licensed nutritionists on staff and long-term testing.

    Heart Murmurs

    This occurs when blood flow inside the heart isn’t normal, but they are not always serious. Watch for a low tolerance for exercise, including difficulty breating, coughing, or fainting and contact a vet as an EKG, chest x-ray, or ultrasound may diagnose the problem.

    Von Willebrands Disease

    vWD is an inherited bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia in humans. Dogs with vWD may show signs of bleeding, such as skin bruising, bleeding from the gums or nose, and excessive bleeding during surgery. While there is no cure for vWD, dogs can have a normal lifespan with proper care. The “type” corresponds to the ability for blood to clot — Type 1 is mild, Type 2 must be tested to determine level of severity and Type 3 is severe. Responsible breeders are using DNA testing to eradicate it.

  • Heart Testing

    Although heart tests are optional, SCOA Health recommends breeders complete these tests at 1 year or older. Performed by a board-certified cardiologists, heart testing determines the presence of structural abnormalities, arrhythmias (abnormal heart beats), and/or congenital abnormalities (birth defects). The most common is the Auscultation test to listen to the dog’s heart for murmurs. An Echocardiogram (ultrasound and doppler of the heart) is a more advanced heart test.

    Spinone participating in both these testings will receive an OFA certificate indicating clearances for both congenital and adult onset cardiac disease. CA in the test registration number indicates the Basic and ACA indicates the Advanced OFA cardiac testing.

    Spinone have a 1.2% abnormal rate.

    von Willebrands Disease DNA Testing

    Although von Willebrands Disease Type 2 (vWD2) DNA tests are optional, SCOA Health recommends breeders also complete these tests at any age to show clear, carrier, or affected genes. An “affected” or “at risk” result requires a vWD factor antigen assay to categorize the severity. The vWD2 DNA test is available at UCDavis.

    Through diligent testing, carriers of vWD2 can be managed in a breeding program. Dogs with “Carrier” status MUST ONLY be bred to a dog with “Clear” status and their offspring must also be tested.

  • Canine Heart Disease

    Heart Disease May Be Linked to Dog Food

The Epidermis

With their harsh coat and ample, thick skin, Spinone can develop a number of skin conditions to look out for.

  • Ear Infections

    The most common cause is either yeast or bacteria trapped in the ears. Ear mites, wax buildup, or allergies can also cause painful ear infections. There are three kinds of ear infections — otitis externa, media, and internal — affecting different parts of the canine ear.

    Lip Fold Dermatitis

    It often occurs when moisture and debris, such as particles of food, become trapped in the dog’s lip folds. Affected areas will be unusually damp, and may appear red and irritated, give off a strong, unpleasant odor, and may feel slightly warm to the touch. When severe, hair loss can occur as the irritated skin breaks, ulcers form, and a bacterial infection can occur. As yeast thrives in the warm, moist environment of skin folds, the lip folds are also prone to yeast infections.

    Red-Staining Atopic Dermatitis

    This red or brown staining on the feet, bib, mouth, stomach, vulva, or penis is caused by an over growth of fungus and sometimes bacteria.

    Baldness (Alopecia)

    It is often a cosmetic condition only and skin biopsies should be taken to eliminate other diagnoses — allergies, infection, hypothyroidism, or Cushing’s Disease. Some dogs have seasonal flank alopecia that comes and goes as the seasons change.

    Interdigital Cysts

    Any irritation or injury to the haired skin of the paws can cause “plugged,” or dilated, hair follicles which appear as large bumps or nodules between a dog’s toes. Dogs may limp or lick or chew at their paws.

    Histiocytoma

    This benign skin growth usually goes away by itself in several months. Because other growths look similar, get the right diagnosis from a vet as the other conditions may not be as benign. Histiocytoma can be removed if they do not resolve on their own.

    Sebaceous Cysts

    These cysts occur when the sebum becomes trapped inside the wax or oil-producing sebaceous gland. They can be found anywhere on the body and at any age. They may increase as well as decrease in size over time and are not considered dangerous unless they rupture externally and become infected.

    Mange

    Caused by mites, this skin condition results in open sores, scabs, and hair loss due to intense itching. The more common sartopic mange is highly contagious. The more rare demodectic is only passed between a mother and her puppies.

  • Canine Flank Alopecia

    Seasonal Affective Disorder: Canine Hair Loss

The Reproductive System

As owners of large purebred dogs, it is important that we understand the fundamentals of canine reproduction whether in a companion or pet home.

  • Neutering

    Owners should understand the benefits and disadvantages of having an intact dog. As a large and thick-boned breed, the Spinone community recommends allowing dogs to achieve their full size (usually at 2 to 4 years) before neutering. Sexual maturity can occur as early as 6 month or as late as 2 years. Research indicates that sex hormones promote bone and joint development and prevent obesity and certain cancers. Neutering can decrease drive in working dogs and of course dogs that are shown or part of a breeding program must remain intact.

    A responsible vet will work with every owner and decide on the best option based on their individual needs.

    Intact Males

    Owners must weigh the decision to keep their dog intact against unplanned pregnancies and the behavior of unneutered dogs. Vasectomies are an option for owners who want to maintain sex hormones but not worry about pregnancies. Also, testicular cancer (most common in older males) and enlarged prostates are associated with intact male dogs.

    Intact Females

    Female dogs reach sexual maturity as they enters their first reproductive cycle. They will continue to cycle every 6 months or so. Since females may have their first heat cycle before they are fully grown, SCOA recommends waiting to breed them until they is at least 2 years old. Owners must weigh the decision to keep their dog intact against unplanned pregnancies. Ovary-sparing spay or tubal ligation are options for owners who want to maintain sex hormones but not worry about pregnancies.

    Pyometra & Tumors

    Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection which can occur after a heat cycle. It affects 25% of intact female dogs by age 10. Also, the chance of mammary tumors increases over 25% if females are spayed after their second heat cycle.

  • Responsible breeders conduct SCOA recommended and OFA required tests before choosing dogs for their program.

  • We have compiled additional reproductive health resources.

    New study offers more fodder to spay/neuter discussion

    Risks and Benefits to Spaying/Neutering Your Dog

    AKC’s Guide to Responsible Dog Breeding

    A Dog Breeding Roundtable with CHF

    Information for People Who Want to Breed Dogs

    The Gonads and Genital Tract of Dogs

    Estrous Cycles in Dogs

    CHF and Zoetis Reproduction Series

The Digestive System

The ingestion of food, breakdown into usable nutrients, and excretion of waste is an extremely dynamic and under-appreciated process.

  • Diarrhea or Constipation

    Examine stool consistency when introducing your dog to a new diet. Stools that are too loose or too firm, diarrhea or constipation, are symptoms that your dog struggles to properly digest their food and may benefit from a different formula or quality supplements.

    Bloat / Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

    Stomach bloat is potentially life-threatening if not recognized and treated early. It occurs when a dog's stomach rapidly fills up with gas and rotates or flips over on itself, resulting in the blockage of both the entrance and exit of the stomach. The most apparent symptom is a distended stomach. Also look for: retching, drooling, panting, pacing, whining, restlessness, increased heart rate, and pale gums.

    Periodontal Disease

    It is common for all dogs over 4 years old. Healthy teeth and gums help your dog break down food before digestion.

    Allergies

    A dog’s outward appearance reflects how they tolerate a food. Is their coat shiny and dander free? Are they itchy? Are their eyes clear and bright?

    Anal Glands

    Impacted anal glands develop an infection that results in inflammation or an abscess. It is uncomfortable to the dog, then painful and could result in rupture.

  • Introduction to Digestive Disorders of Dogs

    The Canine Digestion Process

    What every pet owner should know about food allergies

    How to Choose Dog Food

    Symptoms of Bloat (GDV) in Dogs & Treatment Options

    Dental care and oral health for cats and dogs

    Liver Health in Dogs

    Anal Glands: What to Do When They Are Infected

The Urinary System

The kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra perform several important functions, including the removal of waste products from the blood and the elimination of this waste as urine.

Health Resources

SCOA Health aims to reduce the prevalence of Spinone health issues through better informed breeding choices.

  • Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)

    OFA established the the Canine Health Information Centre (CHIC) to help decrease genetic diseases in partnership with many breed clubs, including SCOA.

    The CHIC Breed Certificate program tracks trends and concerns in their annual breed statistics. They also have a DNA Repository & Database, Spinone-specific quarterly reports, and health surveys.

    Spinone Health Foundation

    They collect, maintain, and disseminate information about health issues, pedigrees, and physical characteristics involving Spinoni with their open, honest, reliable, and freely-accessible database drawn from voluntarily submitted data from owners, breeders, and trustworthy public sources.

    Italian Spinone Club of Great Britain

    They are proactive about Spinone health and work closely with the Animal Health Trust clinical and genetics teams to provide information for breeders and owners. They have a comprehensive database containing pedigrees and health information about Spinoni worldwide.

    AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF)

    CHF is dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs and their owners by funding scientific research and supporting the dissemination of health information to prevent, treat, and cure canine disease. SCOA sends representatives to their conferences which present scientific progress and facilitate discussions about canine health so that our members can stay abreast of the latest information.

    SCOA CHF REPORTS

    Purina Parent Club Partnership Program (PPCP)

    For owners of 5 or more dogs who feed Purina products, sign up for the Purina Pro Club, select SCOA as the PPCP recipient, and upload your receipts. PPCP supports Spinone Health with Donor Fund donations to AKC Canine Health Foundation on behalf of SCOA members and donations directly to SCOA for health initiatives. PPCP has raised in excess of $3.5 million for canine health research, education and rescue efforts since 2002.

  • OFA Canine Health Information Centre

    Breed Health Survey

    Breed Statistics

    Spinone Specific Quarterly Reports

    SCOA Health Committee

    Annual Reports from the General Meeting to Club Membership

    Italian Spinone Club of Great Britain

    Updates & Surveys

  • Canine Health Information Centre (CHIC)

    Their DNA repository and database collects and stores canine DNA samples along with corresponding genealogic and phenotypic information to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited disease in dogs.

    Spinone Health Foundation

    Their open, honest, reliable, and freely-accessible database drawn from voluntarily submitted data from owners, breeders, and trustworthy public sources.

    Italian Spinone Club of Great Britain

    Their comprehensive database containing pedigrees and health information about Spinoni worldwide.

Contact SCOA Health with questions or research inquiries.

Make a donation.

Lena Amirian Memorial Spinone Health Fund

Lena touched so many with her generous spirit, wealth of knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, gracious manner, and passion for the Spinone. Through your support, SCOA hopes to achieve longer and healthier lives for our beloved breed.

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