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American Cocker Spaniel Health ProblemsCommon American Cocker Spaniel health problems include deafness, hypothyroidism, seborrhea, and certain autoimmune diseases.
Cocker Spaniels are divided into two groups - American Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel. American Cocker Spaniels are smaller with a slightly smaller head and shorter nose than English Cocker
Spaniels. Both Cockers originated as hunting dogs; however, over the years, the American Cocker has become primarily a pet while the English Cocker has remained a hunting
dog.
Originally bred for hunting birds, the American Cocker is the smallest of 26 dog breeds in the sporting group. It is a popular breed in the U.S.A. (ranked 21st in 2008
according to AKC Dog Registration Statistics).
Common Cocker Spaniel Health ProblemsLike all other breeds, American Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to certain health problems, some of a genetic nature, others viral. Some of the more common cocker spaniel health problems include:
Cocker Spaniel Health Problems - DeafnessThere have been reports of congenital deafness in American Cocker Spaniels. Most instances of congenital deafness are caused by the degeneration of blood supply to the inner ear or cochlea three to four weeks after birth. This type of deafness is permanent and may affect one or both ears. A puppy that fails to be woken up by a loud noise is likely to have bilateral deafness. This type of deafness is associated with white pigmentation (i.e. white hair, blue eyes) TopCocker Spaniel Health Problems - Food AllergiesCocker Spaniels are prone to food allergies, the primary symptom of which is itching. In case of Cocker Spaniels, the itching is likely in their ears which predispose them to ear infections. To a varying degree, some Cockers may also have digestive problems such as diarrhea, gas, or increased incidence of bowel movements. Providing a natural diet and vaccinating only when necessary and for the fewest diseases helps prevent and manage immune problems such as allergies. TopCocker Spaniel Health Problems - Ear InfectionsBecause of their long ears, Cocker Spaniels are prone to ear infections. Also, as mentioned above, food allergies also predispose them to this ear condition. Common symptoms of ear infections include incessant scratching of the affected ear, head shaking, and you may notice a foul odor and discharge from the ear. TopCocker Spaniel Health Problems - SeborrheaPrimary seborrhea, which is hereditary, is a common skin problem in Cocker Spaniels. They may develop dry or greasy flaking skin that gives out an odor. From a holistic point of view, seborrhea, like all other types of skin disorders, has a close relationship with a dog's diet and the immune system of the dog. Feeding the dog a natural diet and building up his immune system will make him less susceptible to skin disorders such as seborrhea. TopCocker Spaniel Health Problems - Dry EyeDry eye, medically known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), occurs when there is insufficient tear production to keep the eye lubricated. This condition is rather prevalent in Cocker Spaniels. Common symptoms include redness and obvious irritation, a yellowish discharge. and recurrent eye infections. Avoid medications such as sulfa antibiotics that may predispose dogs to develop dry eyes. TopCocker Spaniel Health Problems - Cherry EyeCherry eye is a common problem in American Cocker Spaniels. Medically known as "nictitans gland prolapse", or prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid, cherry eye is an eye condition in which the gland of the third eyelid comes out of its normal position and becomes red and swollen, making it looks like a cherry - thus the name cherry eye. It is not difficult to see and diagnose this eye condition. If your dog has cherry eye, you can see the following signs and symptoms:
Cocker Spaniel Health Problems - Entropion and EctropionEntropion is a condition where the bottom eyelid rolls inward and causes the eye lashes to rub against the cornea, resulting in pain, tearing, and inflammation. It can be present in both eyes. Ectropion is an eyelid that rolls outward so that tears are not channeled into the tear ducts but drain on the face. Both entropion and ectropion can be treated by eyelid surgeries. TopCocker Spaniel Health Problems - DistichiasisDistichiasis is a condition that refers to ingrown eyelashes and is rather common in Cocker Spaniels. It occurs when the eyelashes grow abnormally, placing them in direct contact with sensitive eyeball tissue. The hairs are often long and stiff and grow out of oil glands within the eyelids. In most cases there are multiple improperly grown hairs, and both eyes are affected. If left untreated, the eyelashes rub continuously on the eyeball, causing pain and constant watering of the eye. Eventually, the lashes can cause a tear in the dog's cornea, which may result in scarring and vision loss. Symptoms to look out for include:
Cocker Spaniel Health Problems - Patellar LuxationPatellar luxation is a hereditary condition in which the knee cap slips out of its groove. Sometimes the kneecap will slip back into place; while other times a veterinarian may need to put it back in place. The dog will show signs of this condition only when the knee cap is sliding out of place. You will see the dog limping or running with the affected leg held off the ground, and he will often stretch it out behind him in an effort to click the cartilage back into place. It is also likely to be painful particularly if the kneecap is out of joint. If it is not corrected through surgery, then osteoarthritis will usually result. It is a good idea to prevent this condition by starting Cockers on chondroprotective medications (glucosamine and chondroitin) when they are young. TopCocker Spaniel Health Problems - HypothyroidismCocker Spaniels have a predisposition for hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body fails to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can be caused by problems in the dog's own immune system, or it can be caused by certain medications, toxins, or even a lack of exercise. Symptoms are related to a slowed metabolism including mental dullness, exercise intolerance, lethargy, weight gain (without increase food consumption), hypothermia, dry skin, and hair loss. TopCocker Spaniel Health Problems - Autoimmune ThyroiditisCocker Spaniels have a high predisposition for autoimmune thyroiditis, which also results in hypothyroidism. This is an autoimmune disease in which immune system forms antibodies that attack the body's own T3, T4, and thyroglobulin, a substance necessary for forming thyroid hormones. Symptoms and treatment of this condition are similar to those of hypothyroidism. TopCocker Spaniel Health Problems - Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)
Auto-immune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a blood disorder. This condition results when red blood cells are destroyed by the immune system faster than
the rate at which new ones can be produced, resulting in anemia. The Cocker Spaniel is susceptible to this blood disorder, which occurs most commonly in middle-aged dogs.
The condition of AIHA may be mild and hardly noticeable, or it may be sudden in onset and severe.
Symptoms of AIHA are usually vague and indistinct, such as poor appetite, weakness, listlessness, and lethargy. The dog may have a rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing.
If you examine his gums, you may notice that they are pale, or they may be yellowish due to jaundice as a result of the breakdown of red blood cells.
Reduced red blood cell counts means reduced oxygen being transported to the organ tissues. Most dogs that die with this condition do so in the first few days due to kidney,
liver, or heart failure, or because of a bleeding problem.
Conventional treatment includes the use of corticosteroids to slow the destruction of red blood cells. Sometimes, chemotherapy drugs may be given as well. Most forms of
AIHA are treatable but, as mentioned above, death may occur due to blood loss and/or organ failure.
References Canine Inherited Disorders Database - American Cocker Spaniel (http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/breeds/cockerspaniel2.htm) Dog Breed Facts - Hereditary Diseases (http://www.dog-breed-facts.com/articles/hereditary-diseases.html) TOP of Cocker Spaniel Health Problems |
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