American Cocker Spaniels are prone to certain health issues. These disorders likely have a genetic basis or breed predisposition. This means they occur more often in this breed. Studies confirming inheritance patterns are sometimes lacking. For many breeds, data is incomplete or missing.
The listed disorders are widely acknowledged as significant in Cocker Spaniels. This consensus comes from researchers and vets. Information on inheritance is on each disease page. Popular breeds often have more listed disorders. A larger population means more chances to spot predispositions. Indiscriminate breeding raises the risk of inherited issues. Newer or less common breeds might have shorter lists. It takes time to identify inherited conditions in these breeds.
The final category includes conditions occasionally reported. These may have a genetic link in Cocker Spaniels.
The last section lists rarely seen conditions. These may have a genetic link in this breed.
Most Important
These disorders are relatively common in this breed, and where possible, efforts are being made to eradicate them. These disorders seriously affect the health of your pet and may require medical or surgical intervention.
Other disorders which have an increased incidence in this breedThese disorders occur less commonly or are less devastating than those mentioned above.
- Atopy
- Cataracts
- Chronic hepatitis
- Cleft lip/palate
- Coagulation (bleeding) disorders
- Corneal dystrophy
- Disorders of sexual development – sexual reversal
- Eyelash abnormalities
- Glaucoma
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Idiopathic epilepsy
- Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)
- Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) – “dry eye”
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
- Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM)
- Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency
- Platelet dysfunction (thrombocytopathia, Basset hound thrombopathia)
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Pulmonic stenosis
- sebaceous adenitis
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Third eyelid (nictitating membrane) abnormalities – “cherry eye”
- vitamin A-responsive dermatosis
Disorders associated with conformation. These disorders are directly related to the conformation or standards for the breed. Although these conditions have in many cases become so common that they are accepted as normal for the breed, they can still cause serious physical problems and discomfort for the dog. One component of responsible breeding is to breed away from the extremes of conformation that cause these physical problems.
- Ectropion
- Entropion
- Exposure keratopathy syndrome (exophthalmos, lagophthalmos, and/or macroblepharon)
- Fold dermatitis/pyoderma
Other disorders which may be inherited in this breedThese disorders have been reported sporadically, and may be inherited in this breed.