Known Health Concerns in English Cocker Spaniels
‘When a test is developed for any disease, there should be no reason to ever produce a puppy adversely affected by that disease.’ Gary F. Mason (1999)
Because I am dedicated to breeding healthy cockers I volunteer my mime as an approved DNA Collector for Orivet - ASAP Labs in effort to encourage other top do the same. I currently DNA test for PRA, AHRN (FN), EIC PKF & AON
Unfortunately, almost every breed of dog is prone to a range of hereditary diseases and the cocker spaniel is no exception. A reputable breeder should be breeding from dogs that have been tested so that all genetic health conditions are known. Therefore it's a sensible precaution when looking for a puppy to choose a breeder who makes every effort to DNA test their breeding dogs. If you have any concerns check with your vets before making a final decision.
DNA testing (99.9% accurate) is now readily available and is part of any good reputable breeders program to test all breeding stock to ensure that a known disease is not passed on to the next generation. You owe it to your self to ensure that your new puppies parents have been tested for commonly inherited health conditions known in cocker spaniels.
Reputable breeders are doing all they can to eliminate these diseases from future generations, But its important that you understand what to ask about and the implications of purchasing a puppy with these inherited diseases. There are 3 potential health conditions which you should check on when talking to a cocker spaniel breeder about their breeding program and potential puppies that the parents can be DNA tested for prior to being mated - PRA & FN. A 3rd condition seen in NZ, which is not diagnosed by DNA is Entropion, this can only be diagnosed by a Canine Ophthalmologist.
I regularly get enquiries asking for advise about purchasing a cocker spaniel puppy. Its great that people are using the internet to make informed decisions before taking the plunge, so at the bottom of this page I have included copies of DNA certificates for PRA-prcd & FN and an Ophthalmologist Certificate so you'll know what to expect when you ask to see them from any reputable breeder.
Due to the ability to DNA test for some diseases breeders are able to choose sires & dam that will only produce un affected progeny - me advice is to look for a litter where the parents are either Clear to Clear mating or a Clear to Carrier mating - neither of these combination can produce puppies affected by the disease PRA or AHRN (FN)
The results will indicate one of the following status's:
Clear - This dog does not carry the gene at all, it will not develop the disease and can be breed from
Carrier - This dog carries 1 half of the gene, and it will not develop the disease, it should be mated with a dog with a Clear status to prevent
the spread to future generations.
Affected - This dog will develop the disease and should not be breed from.
Because I am dedicated to breeding healthy cockers I volunteer my mime as an approved DNA Collector for Orivet - ASAP Labs in effort to encourage other top do the same. I currently DNA test for PRA, AHRN (FN), EIC PKF & AON
Unfortunately, almost every breed of dog is prone to a range of hereditary diseases and the cocker spaniel is no exception. A reputable breeder should be breeding from dogs that have been tested so that all genetic health conditions are known. Therefore it's a sensible precaution when looking for a puppy to choose a breeder who makes every effort to DNA test their breeding dogs. If you have any concerns check with your vets before making a final decision.
DNA testing (99.9% accurate) is now readily available and is part of any good reputable breeders program to test all breeding stock to ensure that a known disease is not passed on to the next generation. You owe it to your self to ensure that your new puppies parents have been tested for commonly inherited health conditions known in cocker spaniels.
Reputable breeders are doing all they can to eliminate these diseases from future generations, But its important that you understand what to ask about and the implications of purchasing a puppy with these inherited diseases. There are 3 potential health conditions which you should check on when talking to a cocker spaniel breeder about their breeding program and potential puppies that the parents can be DNA tested for prior to being mated - PRA & FN. A 3rd condition seen in NZ, which is not diagnosed by DNA is Entropion, this can only be diagnosed by a Canine Ophthalmologist.
I regularly get enquiries asking for advise about purchasing a cocker spaniel puppy. Its great that people are using the internet to make informed decisions before taking the plunge, so at the bottom of this page I have included copies of DNA certificates for PRA-prcd & FN and an Ophthalmologist Certificate so you'll know what to expect when you ask to see them from any reputable breeder.
Due to the ability to DNA test for some diseases breeders are able to choose sires & dam that will only produce un affected progeny - me advice is to look for a litter where the parents are either Clear to Clear mating or a Clear to Carrier mating - neither of these combination can produce puppies affected by the disease PRA or AHRN (FN)
The results will indicate one of the following status's:
Clear - This dog does not carry the gene at all, it will not develop the disease and can be breed from
Carrier - This dog carries 1 half of the gene, and it will not develop the disease, it should be mated with a dog with a Clear status to prevent
the spread to future generations.
Affected - This dog will develop the disease and should not be breed from.
We are fortunate that ocker mostly suffer from autosomal recessive conditions, meaning that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected. A dog that inherits only one copy of the abnormal gene (from its mother or its father) will have no signs of the disease, but will be a carrier and may pass the gene on to any offspring.
The best way to minimize the chance of buying a puppy that will later be affected by one of these inherited eye conditions is by asking for copies of the DNA results of the parents, any reputable breeder will provide these for you.
The best way to minimize the chance of buying a puppy that will later be affected by one of these inherited eye conditions is by asking for copies of the DNA results of the parents, any reputable breeder will provide these for you.
AON - Adult Onset Neuropathy
DNA test available
Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive
AON is an inherited neurological disorder characterised by a weakness in the hind limbs, eventually leading to weakness in the front limbs. Neurological signs of this condition seem to progress gradually over 3 to 4 years.
Clinical signs usually begin between 7 and a half to 9 years of age, and first indications are of an uncoordinated gait or wobbling in the hind limbs. The stance in the hind limbs is wide-base and the hocks will drop lower to the ground. The weakness eventually progresses to also involve the front limbs. When dogs become non-ambulatory in all limbs, difficulty in swallowing also becomes apparent.
A progressive weakness due to a neuropathy has been recognized as an autosomal recessive, hereditary disorder in English Cocker Spaniels by the research team at the University of Missouri Animal Molecular Genetic Lab. The neurologic signs seem to progress gradually over 3 to 4 years and more slowly than those of degenerative myelopathy. All English Cocker Spaniels clinically affected with this form of neuropathy have tested clear for the mutation that underlies DM. So far the disease has only been clinically diagnosed in English Cocker Spaniels. However, the mutation has also been detected in Field Spaniels where it is very rare.
DNA test available
Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive
AON is an inherited neurological disorder characterised by a weakness in the hind limbs, eventually leading to weakness in the front limbs. Neurological signs of this condition seem to progress gradually over 3 to 4 years.
Clinical signs usually begin between 7 and a half to 9 years of age, and first indications are of an uncoordinated gait or wobbling in the hind limbs. The stance in the hind limbs is wide-base and the hocks will drop lower to the ground. The weakness eventually progresses to also involve the front limbs. When dogs become non-ambulatory in all limbs, difficulty in swallowing also becomes apparent.
A progressive weakness due to a neuropathy has been recognized as an autosomal recessive, hereditary disorder in English Cocker Spaniels by the research team at the University of Missouri Animal Molecular Genetic Lab. The neurologic signs seem to progress gradually over 3 to 4 years and more slowly than those of degenerative myelopathy. All English Cocker Spaniels clinically affected with this form of neuropathy have tested clear for the mutation that underlies DM. So far the disease has only been clinically diagnosed in English Cocker Spaniels. However, the mutation has also been detected in Field Spaniels where it is very rare.
PRA - prcd : Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration
DNA test available
Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive
PRA-PRCD is the progressive degeneration of photoreceptors (rods and cones) in the dog’s eye causing degenerative abrasions of the retina, resulting in blindness. PRCD is a late onset form of PRA, however there is variation of the age of onset between the many breeds it affects. Variation in the time of onset is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The initial symptom of PRCD is usually night blindness, as the degeneration of the retina affects the rods, reducing visual abilities in dim lights. Night blindness usually progresses to day blindness quickly, as the cones in the eye sensitive to bright lights deteriorate. Sadly, PRCD regularly leads to total blindness, for which there is no treatment or cure.
Don't just assume your cocker has gone blind from old age at 5 or 6years old. PRA is a disease in which the retina slowly deteriorates, producing night blindness in young dogs. As PRA progresses, dogs become totally blind. Read more >
DNA test available
Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive
PRA-PRCD is the progressive degeneration of photoreceptors (rods and cones) in the dog’s eye causing degenerative abrasions of the retina, resulting in blindness. PRCD is a late onset form of PRA, however there is variation of the age of onset between the many breeds it affects. Variation in the time of onset is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The initial symptom of PRCD is usually night blindness, as the degeneration of the retina affects the rods, reducing visual abilities in dim lights. Night blindness usually progresses to day blindness quickly, as the cones in the eye sensitive to bright lights deteriorate. Sadly, PRCD regularly leads to total blindness, for which there is no treatment or cure.
Don't just assume your cocker has gone blind from old age at 5 or 6years old. PRA is a disease in which the retina slowly deteriorates, producing night blindness in young dogs. As PRA progresses, dogs become totally blind. Read more >
AHRN Autosomal Hereditary Recessive Nephropathy or commonly called FN - Familial Nephropathy
DNA test available
Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive
An inherited kidney disease that causes juvenile-onset renal failure has been recognized in Cocker Spaniels worldwide. The disease is caused by abnormalities of the collagen content of the walls of the glomerular capillaries through which blood filtration occurs in the kidneys. This renal disease is analogous to a condition called Alport syndrome that occurs in people.
Dogs with the disease develop chronic renal failure, usually while they are between 6 months and 2 years of age. Clinical signs that are often observed include excessive water consumption (polydipsia), excessive urine volume (polyuria), reduced growth rate or weight loss, poor quality hair coat, reduced appetite, and vomiting. Such signs can develop insidiously and escape recognition until the degree of renal failure is so severe that overt uremia supervenes. At this late stage of the disease, physical examination findings may include thin body condition, dehydration, pallor of mucous membranes, uremic breath odor, and oral ulcerations. Alternatively, especially at earlier stages of the disease, physical exam findings may be normal.
DNA test available
Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive
An inherited kidney disease that causes juvenile-onset renal failure has been recognized in Cocker Spaniels worldwide. The disease is caused by abnormalities of the collagen content of the walls of the glomerular capillaries through which blood filtration occurs in the kidneys. This renal disease is analogous to a condition called Alport syndrome that occurs in people.
Dogs with the disease develop chronic renal failure, usually while they are between 6 months and 2 years of age. Clinical signs that are often observed include excessive water consumption (polydipsia), excessive urine volume (polyuria), reduced growth rate or weight loss, poor quality hair coat, reduced appetite, and vomiting. Such signs can develop insidiously and escape recognition until the degree of renal failure is so severe that overt uremia supervenes. At this late stage of the disease, physical examination findings may include thin body condition, dehydration, pallor of mucous membranes, uremic breath odor, and oral ulcerations. Alternatively, especially at earlier stages of the disease, physical exam findings may be normal.
Phosphofructokinase Deficiency
DNA test available
Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive
This is an autosomal recessive genetic disease which prevents the metabolism of glucose into available energy resulting in exercise intolerance and muscle disease. PFK deficiency also destroys red blood cells in affected dogs, leading to anemia. Affected dogs will exhibit signs when stressed, during times of exercise, heat, or prolonged barking. These signs include pale gums, weakness, cramps and high fever. The most identifiable symptom is often dark coloured urine due to the premature breakdown of blood products. PFK can be detected early, and with careful monitoring and management stress and excitement levels, an affected dog may be able to have a relatively normal lifespan.
DNA test available
Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive
This is an autosomal recessive genetic disease which prevents the metabolism of glucose into available energy resulting in exercise intolerance and muscle disease. PFK deficiency also destroys red blood cells in affected dogs, leading to anemia. Affected dogs will exhibit signs when stressed, during times of exercise, heat, or prolonged barking. These signs include pale gums, weakness, cramps and high fever. The most identifiable symptom is often dark coloured urine due to the premature breakdown of blood products. PFK can be detected early, and with careful monitoring and management stress and excitement levels, an affected dog may be able to have a relatively normal lifespan.
Exercise Induced Collapse
DNA test available
Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive
This inherited disease is common in Labrador Retrievers, but is also found in other breeds. Signs first become apparent in young dogs, usually between 5 months and 3 years of age (averaging 14 months). In dogs used for field trials, this usually coincides with the age at which they enter heavy training. Littermates and other related dogs are commonly affected, but depending on their temperament and lifestyle, they may or may notmanifest signs. Affected dogs exhibiting signs of collapse are usually described as being extremely fit, muscular, prime athletic specimens of their breed with an excitable temperament and lots of drive.
Note: A few affected dogs have died during exercise or while resting immediately after an episode of EIC, so an affected dog's exercise should always be stopped at the first hint of un-coordination or wobbliness.
DNA test available
Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive
This inherited disease is common in Labrador Retrievers, but is also found in other breeds. Signs first become apparent in young dogs, usually between 5 months and 3 years of age (averaging 14 months). In dogs used for field trials, this usually coincides with the age at which they enter heavy training. Littermates and other related dogs are commonly affected, but depending on their temperament and lifestyle, they may or may notmanifest signs. Affected dogs exhibiting signs of collapse are usually described as being extremely fit, muscular, prime athletic specimens of their breed with an excitable temperament and lots of drive.
Note: A few affected dogs have died during exercise or while resting immediately after an episode of EIC, so an affected dog's exercise should always be stopped at the first hint of un-coordination or wobbliness.
