Skin Problems
Unfortunately , skin problems are quite common in English Setters. Skin irritations have a variety of causes ranging from external parasites or simple bacterial infections to an allergic condition known as canine atopic disease. Research carried out by the University of Edinburgh suggests that English Setters are particularly allergic to house dust mites and also human dander. Generally speaking , problems with parasites and bacterial infections can easily dealt with, but allergic conditions are much more difficult you treat. Atopy literally means strange disease and many of the skin problems certainly fall within this category. Signs of atopic disease usually appear between the age of 6- 18 months and nearly always begin with itchy feet. This usually progresses to the tummy and underneath the tail and an affected dog will constantly scratching and biting itself to such an extent that the hair is removed, leaving the affected area red, sore and sometimes bleeding. Some dogs appear to suffer more at certain times of the year, particularly in the spring and summer. This may indicate an allergy to pollen and grasses. Others seem to react to certain foods and sometimes bitches are worse (or occasionally better) during their season - suggesting an hormonal influence. Some owners have found that wet, muddy conditions aggravate the condition, so careful washing and drying after exercise helps to keep the irritation at bay. This type of skin problem can range from just an occasional itchiness to such a debilitating disease that some owners prefer to have their pet put to sleep rather that see it constantly suffer.
Various treatments have been tried over the years - some working for certain dogs but not for others. Once parasitic problems and bacterial infections have been ruled out , it is usual to try various diets to see if the problem is caused by a food allergy. When trying this option, be careful to change just one component of the diet at a time - thereby allowing this to be identified as the culprit if an improvement of the condition is noted. Generally, English Setters do not tolerate maize very well so a maize free diet is worth trying. Supplements such as Evening Primrose are often recommended and some cases respond well to homeopathic remedies. If these measures are not successful, skin biopsies are usually the next step followed by intradermal skin testing. A dog suffering from skin problems almost always has ear problems as well
Unfortunately, atopic disease is rarely cured and treatment in the form of steroids is usually given to control the itch and make life bearable for the dog. In case there is a genetic element involved, severely affected animals should not be used for breeding