The Cocker Spaniel, with it's wonderful, happy disposition, has ranked as one of America's most popular breeds for decades. Although the cocker is generally a healthy breed, with a lifespan of 12-15 years, like any purebred dog, he does carry defective genes that can cause hereditary problems. Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Autoimmune Disease, and hip dysplasia are a few of the most common.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited disease that will cause blindness. This can be detected by a slit lamp exam performed with specialized equipment by a certified veterinary opthalmologist. The healthy animal is issued a slit lamp certificate, which means he is clear of eye defects at that time. Afflicted animals should never be used for breeding.
Autoimmune Disease is an affliction that causes the immune system to raise antibodies to attack its own tissues. The three most common manifestations of this disease are Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, Dry Eye, and Immune-Mediated Skin Disease.
Hemolytic Anemia is a serious, often fatal disease in which the immune system starts destroying red blood cells.
Dry Eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is linked to thyroid disease in the cocker. The eye wil become dry and dull, sometimes reddened, with a thick discharge that is difficult to clear away. Dry Eye is treatable, but usually requires artificial tears throughout lifetime.
Immune Mediated Skin Disease can have varied signs, including scratching, hair loss, skin ulcers, abscesses, and pigment change. Several tests can be conducted to rule out other causes, such as allergy testing and biopsies. Thyroid screenings of breeding stock may be indicated if symptoms of these diseases continually repeat themselves.
Hip Dysplasia is the most common of inheritable disease, which is a malformation of the hip joint. The bone and socket don't fit together properly, causing abnormal rubbing, which causes inflammation, pain, and cartilage damage, which leads to osteoarthritis. Fortunately the incidence of hip dysplasia in cockers is moderate: of the 49 breeds represented by the OFA, the cocker ranks 35th. It is recommended that breeding stock be x-rayed for this malformation, and be checked for luxated patellas, a problem involving the stifle joint of the hind legs.
As dark and dreary as these diseases are, responsible cocker spaniel breeders have long had an interest in identifying genetic disease and are working to eliminate them in their breeding stock. With the onset of health registries, it is possible to knowledgably breed healthy stock, thus improving bloodlines, and reducing the chances of developing these diseases. Also, the continuing appreciation of nutrition and over-vaccination sheds light on how disease presents and the avoidance thereof in the canine.