Are English Cocker Spaniels healthy?

• Ear infections: Like other dogs with long, floppy ears, English Cocker Spaniels are more susceptible to ear infections. Drying their ears thoroughly after baths or swimming and routinely checking and cleaning their ears can help prevent infections. Ear infections are easily treated with prescription medication.

• Acral mutilation syndrome: This rare hereditary disease makes English Cocker Spaniels insensitive to pain in the feet. Some affected dogs excessively lick or bite their paws, which can result in loss of toenails, fractures, and toe amputation. Anti-anxiety medications, booties, soft cones, and bad-tasting topical medications can prevent further damage.

• Phosphofructokinase deficiency: In this disorder, the enzyme that is important in producing energy from sugars is lacking. It causes weakness, muscle cramps, discolored urine, anemia, and jaundice. There is no treatment, but supportive care like IV or subcutaneous fluids can help.

• Exercise-induced collapse (EIC): This genetic neuromuscular disorder can cause episodes of incoordination and weakness, resulting in collapse. Symptoms of this disorder are especially common after periods of strenuous exercise. If your dog is affected, it’s important to limit exercise to avoid triggers. 

• Cataracts: Cataracts are a common condition in English Cocker Spaniels, often leading to vision impairment. This condition involves the clouding of the lens in the eye, which can make vision blurry or cause complete blindness if left untreated. Cataracts can be inherited or caused by aging, diabetes, or trauma. Surgery to remove the cataract is the most effective treatment, and early detection can significantly improve outcomes.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is an inherited eye disease that leads to the gradual degeneration of the retina, ultimately resulting in blindness. In the early stages, affected dogs may show signs of difficulty seeing in low light, and over time, vision will deteriorate. Although there is no cure for PRA, management includes making adjustments to the dog’s environment to accommodate their vision loss. Genetic testing can identify carriers of PRA, so breeding practices can help reduce its prevalence.

• Glaucoma: Glaucoma occurs when there is increased pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness if not treated promptly. English Cocker Spaniels can be predisposed to both primary and secondary glaucoma, which may develop due to other eye conditions, such as cataracts or inflammation. Symptoms include red, watery eyes, pain, and cloudiness. Treatment usually involves medication to reduce eye pressure. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to save the eye.

• Cherry eye: Cherry eye is a condition where the gland in the corner of the dog’s eye (the third eyelid) prolapses, becoming visible as a red, swollen mass. This can be irritating for the dog and may lead to discomfort or inflammation. Cherry eye is more common in certain breeds, including the English Cocker Spaniel. Surgical treatment is typically required to reposition or remove the prolapsed gland, as leaving it untreated can cause chronic irritation or lead to other eye issues.