Skin & Ears

1993 Survey

Sometime ago all ESA members, together with some other English Setter owners who had voiced a particular interest, were asked to participate in the above Survey to obtain further information on these important subjects. The response to this request was most gratifying, confirming the concern that many breeders and owners had expressed in our initial Health Survey in 1991.

From the replies, a non-technical Report has been compiled by Dr.David Parkin of the Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Nottingham University and a copy is included in this report for your information. In addition, a separate Helpful Hints section has been compiled. This highlights practical comments and possible remedies which some members have expressed, or found to be successful in easing the problem in their setters.

In presenting these two documents, the ESA Health Sub-Committee also considered that it was important to emphasise the following aspects of management.

Owners should refrain from breeding from affected animals.
A change of diet should be considered, giving ample time for any changes in new diet to take effect. Preferably reduce the diet to a minimum of one meat source together with some biscuit. If found to be unsatisfactory, change one item at a time until improvement is seen.
During exercise, prevent dogs from becoming muddy, even if this necessitates exercising in a different location. Where necessary, brush/wash off excessive mud after exercise.
Where dogs are exercised in runs, these should be kept scrupulously clean and if necessary re-sited or rested in rotation.
Grass runs, especially on wet soils, should have concrete or stone paving where treading takes place, especially at gateways.

Any new developments that come to our notice will be reported in future Newsletters. This investigation is an on-going one and a continual interchange of ideas from both members and others interested, can only be of benefit to our breed in the long term.

NOTE
The English Setter Association accepts no responsibility for any views expressed or remedies described by ESA members and others who returned completed questionnaires and/or those referred to in the attached reports. Any such comments and views cannot be taken as necessarily representing the views of or being recommended by the Association.