Back to contents
#BestForPets
Possible health conditions to be aware of in Cockers If you’re considering welcoming a Cocker, or already have one as part of your family, you should be aware of the following health conditions:
Atopic Dermatitis: For those of us who own dogs with atopy, we’ll be all too aware of how frustrating this condition can be. Dogs experience skin flare ups after allergen exposure and may show signs such as paw licking, face rubbing and scratching. Secondary skin and ear infections are not uncommon. Indeed, the floppy Spaniel ears make chronic ear infections common. The aim is to identify the dog’s trigger or triggers and to avoid them. When not possible, immunotherapy may be suggested. Ongoing medication, allergy tests and immunotherapy can cost several thousand pounds over a dog’s lifetime. Addison’s Disease: This relatively uncommon disease can cause vague symptoms that wax and wane, making it tricky to diagnose. Affected spaniels may show signs including chronic diarrhoea and vomiting, episodic tremors, lethargy and bloody stools. For some, they are not diagnosed until they become very unwell during an Addisonian crisis. Blood tests can confirm the vet’s suspicion and dogs will be treated with ongoing hormone replacement. As the condition is not curable and dogs require frequent check- ups, owners will end up spending hundreds of pounds every year.
Ocular Disease: There are several eye conditions that we should have breeding Cockers tested for. This is to prevent faulty genes being passed down to litters of puppies. There are a total of twelve eye diseases which can be tested for, including progressive retinal atrophy, persistent pupillary membrane and primary glaucoma.
English Cocker Spaniel The energetic and affectionate
The English Cocker Spaniel is classed as the most popular spaniel within the UK and is one of the most common pet dogs around. The reasons for this are simple; this is a fun-loving, energetic and affectionate dog. Their size is seen as an attractive feature, as they aren’t too large and can be accommodated in most homes. A versatile companion dog, the Cocker Spaniel makes an excellent hunter and can also be used as a sniffer dog. They take well to training and are keen to please their master. Intelligent and biddable, most can be trained to a high standard. These dogs need at least an hour of exercise each day and relish the opportunity to be outdoors. With the possible health care conditions to be aware of, it is always worthwhile considering a lifetime dog insurance policy to protect you against unexpected veterinary fees.
Breed Profile
Life: 10+ years Exercise: One hour per day Size: Small Temperament: Fun-loving Grooming: Every day
Diabetes: An excessive amount of sugar in the blood results in symptoms including weight loss, an insatiable appetite and a perpetual thirst. This endocrine disorder is easily diagnosed as excess sugar is detected in both the blood and the urine. For most Cocker Spaniels, diabetes is managed and not cured. This can mean many years of expensive insulin and check-ups. The good news is, with the right ongoing care, most dogs have a good prognosis.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy: The Cocker Spaniel is one of several dog breeds to be prone to a heart disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy or DCM. As the heart becomes unable to pump blood efficiently, dogs suffer from episodes of weakness and collapse. We may also see ongoing coughing and shortness of breath. To diagnose DCM, your vet will want to run some tests such as a chest x-ray and echocardiogram. While we can’t cure DCM, Cocker Spaniels tend to have a slowly progressive form of the disease which can be managed with ongoing medication.
And so, on to the canine conclusion…
A dog breed suited to an outdoors and active lifestyle, the Cocker Spaniel can make a wonderful family pet, just as long as they get enough exercise. These dogs are fast learners and bond strongly with their owner. As there are a number of health conditions they can be prone to, it pays to purchase your pup from a reputable breeder who health screens their dogs.
34
35
Made with FlippingBook Online document maker