One of Americas favorite breeds, the Cocker Spaniel is a happy family companion. The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific cancers your pet may encounter. This behavior may resolve on its own once your dog realizes he or she is safe and will be fed regularly. How To Protect Your Dog From A Deadly Foreign Body, 9 Ways To Tell Your Dogs You Love Them In Their Own Language, 5 Tips For Leaving Your Dog In Someone Elses Care, Labradors Deemed The Naughtiest Breed In New Study, Your Personality May Affect The Way Your Dog Learns To Behave. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. You may notice that he has lameness in his hind legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. Well clean your dogs teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean. Arguably made famous by a cartoon dog named Lady, Cocker Spaniels are beautiful and loving. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Well conduct diagnostic testing for blood clotting times or a specific DNA blood test for Von Willebrands disease and other similar disorders to check for this problem before we perform surgery. They may opt to hide their prized possessions under the dirt in your backyard, tangled in the blankets on your bed, or in the crevasses of your sofa. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions weve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. For your canine friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so its important that we test for them on a regular basis. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. One type, Malassezia dermatitis, is caused by a kind of yeast. If the immune system destroys red blood cells, your dog quickly becomes anemic, weak, and lethargic. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. We listen for a specific type of heart murmur to diagnose this problem during your pets examinations. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. We are committed to caring for your pet while maintaining the highest level of safety for our Associates and pet owners. The most common places that spondylosis deformans lesions develop are along the thoracic vertebrae (chest), especially at the junction between the rib cage and the abdomen, in the lumbar spine (lower back) and in the lumbosacral spine (around the hips and back legs). The earlier you call to have your pets skin problems checked, the less likely you will end up with an itchy, bald, smelly dog. This results in sore, itchy eyes and infections. Although this condition was once thought to be more common in large breed dogs, any middle-aged to older dog can be affected. In some cases, it may be an 'incidental finding' that is noticed when radiographs are taken for some other reason. If you see these symptoms, dont wait! In these cases, inflammation plays a role in the development of the bone spurs that form around the injured or unstable joint. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Physical therapy, weight loss, and controlled exercise programs may be helpful in some cases. A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Cocker Spaniels. Sometimes your Cocker's kneecap (patella) may slip out of place. Cocker Spaniels are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life. We usually diagnose hepatitis with blood testing and liver biopsy, and we can treat it with medication and a special diet. Unfortunately, Cocker Spaniels can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. When this yeast infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown, waxy discharge. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2022 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. If you choose to give your dog fresh or raw meat and bones it is best to ensure they eat them right away. If the intervertebral discs do become damaged, the joints between them become less stable, resulting in abnormal motion. Other characteristics include: Just be aware of some other Cocker Spaniel traits: The Cocker Spaniel is a joy to be around and makes a gallant family member. That's when the naughty stuff starts. It won't help him, and he may bite you accidentally! If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. Treatment recommendations depend on the individual dog and whether or not it is showing any clinical signs. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. If your dog seems excessively nervous or becomes aggressively possessive of their items to the point of resource guarding, seek the advice of a canine trainer or behaviorist. This is called patellar luxation. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Cockers. Congenital vertebral bone deformities, trauma that causes a fracture or luxation, infection such as discospondylitis, and spinal surgery are several examples of other conditions that may cause osteophytes to form. If not, seek professional advice from your veterinarian. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. This information helps you and us together plan for your pets unique medical needs. This results in too much blood being carried to the lungs, causing fluid build-up and strain on the heart. Related Post: How To Protect Your Dog From A Deadly Foreign Body. In some cases the bony spurs may become large enough that they appear to form a complete bridge between adjacent vertebral bones. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. I just put down my dog. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Youve probably heard of hip dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and leads to arthritis. If a bone spur grows near a nerve root as it comes out of the spinal canal, it may put pressure on the nerve, causing pain or lameness. If you see symptoms, dont wait to call us, go to an. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pets breed. By knowing about health concerns specific to Cocker Spaniels, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. In advanced cases, the eye may look enlarged or swollen like its bulging. Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. We will describe the most common issues seen in Cocker Spaniels to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. Von Willebrands disease is a blood clotting disorder frequently found in Cocker Spaniels. Other tests that may be recommended include a myelogram (special dye is injected into the spinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord, followed by radiographs) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. If he develops symptoms such as stunted growth or seizures, well test his blood and possibly conduct an ultrasound scan of his liver. Resource Articles 2022 GeniusVets. If your pal has this condition, we may recommend surgery to close the problematic vessel.. Your Cocker will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Well take, Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Cocker Spaniels and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Wolves, coyotes and foxesnever know when their next meal will come, so if they are lucky enough to have leftover meat after a kill, they bury it in the cool dirt to protect it from sun and scavengers. Well perform periodic diagnostic tests and look for lumps and bumps when we examine your pet. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Some dogs are simply more possessive than others, especially if they are living in a multi-pet household. She is well suited to apartment life as long as she is given daily walks and short play sessions. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Dogs often bury their most prized possessions in order to keep them safely stashed for later. There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend's bones, joints, or muscles, you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life. In fact, your Cocker Spaniel's lifespan may even be cut short by one to three years! Caching may be an indicatation that you are being overly generous with the food and treats. Research indicates that it often develops as a secondary problem related to degenerative disease of the intervertebral discs. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Spondylosis deformans is a condition that affects the vertebral bones of the spine and is characterized by the presence of bony spurs or osteophytes along the edges of the bones of the spine. Dogs that steal and bury items belonging to family members such as shoes and television remotes, are likely trying to express their desire for more attention. Occasionally, the bone spurs restrict the movement of the spine and the dog may appear to be stiffer or the spine may not appear to be as flexible. On the skin, this yeast leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. This behavior is known as caching, and although it is mostly harmless, it can become an issue if your dog is burying and retrieving perishable items. Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dog's quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Today, she enjoys lounging on the couch with her owners rather than hunting, but squirrels should still be on alert since she enjoys a good chase! In fact, this behavior usually means quite the opposite. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good timeits more convenient for you and easier on your friend too. Cocker Spaniels often have serious problems with their teeth, so youll need to brush them at least three times a week! Well watch for the lenses of his eyes to become more opaquemeaning they look cloudy instead of clearwhen we examine him. Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Cocker live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Dogs suffering from nausea-causing illnesses may attempt to air bury their food. The formation and growth of the osteophytes or bone spurs are triggered by instability and it appears that they grow only as large as is necessary to reinforce the diseased joint. Shell feel better, and so will you! Hip dysplasia is common in Cocker Spaniels. Well suited as a companion, family dog, or working dog, Coat needs to be cared for frequently to prevent matting and tear staining, Can be aggressive, fearful, or snappy if not socialized properly, Prone to separation anxiety and associated barking and chewing behaviors. Tammy Hunter, DVM; Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH, Contributors: Tammy Hunter, DVM; Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH. You might notice that your pet, while running, suddenly picks up a back leg or skips and hops for a few strides. Well conduct a yearly electrical heart screening (ECG) and/or an echocardiogram to look for abnormal heart rhythms as early as one year of age. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Cocker. Cockers are susceptible to a condition called patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA, in which a small vessel that carries blood between two parts of the heart does not close as it should shortly after birth. Commercial diets often over-estimate the amount of food dogs need to consume each day, while raw and homemade diets are free from fillers, meaning the nutrients your pooch needs can be achieved with less food. Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food. Bathing with special shampoos and rinses may be helpful, and well treat any underlying problems such as allergies as well. Well perform an annual glaucoma screening to diagnose and start treatment as early as possible. Have you ever presented your pup with a fancy new chew bone only to watch him head for the garden to bury it? Cockers are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesnt make enough thyroid hormone. He may even experience sudden paralysishe may drag his back feet or be unable to get up or use his back legs. Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections the same ones that all dogs can get such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. To check for this problem, well conduct a liver function test in addition to a standard pre-anesthetic panel every time he undergoes anesthesia. Id die to have known this 12 months ago! Well also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. However, air burying alone does not necessarily mean it is time to dash to the vets office. Signs of liver disease do not usually occur until the liver is already significantly damaged or destroyed, so early detection and intervention with routine blood screening are crucial for detecting problems at an early, more treatable stage. Well perform diagnostic testing for blood clotting to check for these problems before we perform any surgeries. Any other condition or disease that causes instability to the spine can stimulate the development of osteophytes. If we dont prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy may lose her teeth and be in danger of damage to her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. Our intelligent pups learn quickly that negative attention is better than no attention at all, and just like children, they will act out when feeling neglected. Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Some dogs may bury food and treats due to negative experiences in their past. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Many affected dogs live satisfactory lives, even though they may be somewhat limited in flexibility and range of motion. Cocker Spaniels are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. This condition is usually diagnosed from radiographs (X-rays) of the spine. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. They typically nudge the bowl away with their nose or try to cover it with imaginary dirt.If your pooch suddenly seems repelled by their food and has additional symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or behavioral changes, it may be time for a checkup. One of the best things you can do for your Cocker is to have her spayed (neutered for males). Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. If there are no symptoms, spondylosis deformans may go undetected for years, or even for the entire lifetime of the dog. The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific skin problems your pet may encounter. Domestic dogs are typically fed on a reliable schedule and should not feel the need to stash leftovers. All Rights Reserved. Give us a call for an appointment if you notice any of these types of signs: Seek medical care immediately if you notice any of these types of signs: Visit our office to get the latest in top-quality veterinary care along with unparalleled service. We thank you for your continued patience and support. When indicated, well perform an annual heart health check, which may include X-rays, an ECG, or an echocardiogram, depending on your dogs risk factors. Make sure to keep her floppy ears dry. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. Dont be offended, its not that your dog hates your gift. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is common in Cocker Spaniels. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common condition in Cockers. There is an intervertebral disc between each vertebral bone, and these discs act as shock absorbers and cushions. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Cockers. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Cocker's body, inside and out. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! In rare cases, the osteophytes may be causing spinal cord compression, and in these cases, surgery to remove them may be indicated. If the immune system destroys platelets, his blood wont clot properly and hell have bruises or abnormal bleeding. Since there is no difference in the radiographic appearance of a bone spur that results from spondylosis deformans and one that results from an inflammatory lesion, multiple radiographs may be needed to thoroughly assess the spine and identify radiographic patterns that indicate other causes of instability. His gums will look whitish or yellow instead of a normal bright pink color. A bonyspur may develop in a single spot on the spine; more commonly, there will be multiple bone spurs in several different locations along the spine. Your Cocker is susceptible to various kinds of skin infections and diseases. Well listen for heart murmurs and abnormal heart rhythms when we examine your pet. KCS reduces the amount of fluid produced by the tear glands such that they are no longer able to keep the eyes moist. Obesity can be a significant health problem in Cocker Spaniels. If you need help determining how much to feed your dog, consult your veterinarian. Learn more about our COVID-19 response and guidelines. If the pet appears to be painful, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other analgesics may provide relief. Most dogs with spondylosis deformans appear to be pain-free and in these cases treatment is not necessary. Picky eaters and those adjusting to a new diet may also engage in this behavior. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump or go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Well conduct a blood test annually to screen for this disease. These are common signs of patellar luxation. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that were taking the best possible care of your pal. Burying valuable items is an instinctual throwback to the survival skills of our dogs wild canid ancestors. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), and redness in the whites of the eyes. Of course, we cant cover every possibility here, so always check with us atHarlingen Veterinary Clinic if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Cocker Spaniels. Spondylosis deformans is a chronic condition that is associated with aging. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend referral to an orthopedic specialist for further diagnostics and/or treatment. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from luxating further. Yikes! Most dogs with spondylosis deformans are free of any symptoms. Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first. This behavior in a healthy dog suggests they have more than they need and can afford to save food for later. She is a sensitive dog and doesn't do well with harsh training methods or punishment; always end training on a positive note. Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth, Itchy skin (scratching, chewing, or licking); hair loss, Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping, Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes, Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge, Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine, Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes, Gums that are a color other than bright pink, Coughing, exercise intolerance, rapid breathing at rest, Slow or stunted growth; sometimes seizes after eating, Any abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremors, Dull coat, hair loss; sluggish, weight gain. Be a Hero Sign up to receive our emails today and we'll donate a meal to a shelter dog on your behalf. In the normal spine, the vertebral bones are joined by ligaments to form a flexible protective column around the spinal cord.