Health Issues

Fortunately English Setters aren’t affected by many of the serious hereditary diseases that have been identified in many other breeds. However this does not mean that the breed is free from hereditary conditions, so it is most important that you check with breeders before making a purchase. Ask about hip and elbow dysplasia; also hereditary deafness, which while rare, does sometimes occur. A responsible breeder will be only too pleased to answer these questions, plus supply you with worming and vaccination schedules, advice on proper housing, exercise and diet. Do not purchase from a breeder who isn’t prepared to furnish you with information and further support.

Some information on Hip Dysplasia

Almost all breeds suffer from hip dysplasia which is an abnormality of the hip joint, whereby the ball and socket joint of the hip does not fit correctly.  Hip dysplasia can cause great pain and also affect mobility.  In extreme cases surgery is the only option to relieve the pain.  On the other hand many dogs affected by hip dysplasia show no clinical signs such as lameness or reluctance to move.  In fact the way a dog moves is not an indication of the health of its hips.

More and more breeders are having their breeding stock x-rayed for hip dysplasia to ensure that only "healthy" animals are bred from.   The breed average for the English Setter under the "Willis" scoring system which is that generally used by the Australian Veterinary Association, is approximately 20 at this time.  It is recommended that breeding should occur with animals that are below the breed average, as hip dysplasia is a polygenic and therefore inherited condition.  By limiting selection of breeding stock to those with low HD scores we should see the breed average decrease over the years resulting in lower hip dysplasia susceptability.

Club policy on Hip Dysplasia

The English Setter Association of Victoria Inc supports the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) position that all breeding stock be hip x-rayed, and that only animals with scores below the breed average be bred.  This policy to be reviewed and amended as required.

This policy statement was agreed upon by the ESA of Vic Inc committee at its meeting on 1 October 2002. The policy has been reviewed and further updated in 2004.

Updated policy July 2004

As of July 30, 2004, the ESAV will no longer endorse litters from matings of parents that have not been HD tested.  For sales to be passed on by the ESAV, members will be required to formally notifying the Puppy Sales Officer/s of litter details accompanied by written proof of HD test results.  The information provided on hip score results is not for publication and the details to be passed on to potential purchasers will be that the parents have hip scores at or below the breed average.   Breeders will be required to sign a statement authorising the club to pass on this information along with details of sire, dam, puppies available and breeder contact details.