Choosing an American Cocker Spaniel

Choosing an American Cocker Spaniel

By: PetPlace Staff

  • Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, lameness and arthritis.

  • Anal sac adenocarcinoma is a tumor arising from the anal glands.

  • Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that develops between the ages of 2 to 5 years.

  • Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland does not function adequately. Without enough thyroid hormone, illness can occur.

  • Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is a disorder that affects the spinal disks resulting in pain, difficulty walking and possibly paralysis.

  • Ruptured cranial cruciate ligament is a problem that results from tearing of the cruciate ligament in the knee, causing lameness that may be severe .

  • Medial patellar luxation is a disorder affecting the kneecap.

  • Otitis is an infection of the ear.


  • Cherry eye is an abnormality of the third eyelid.

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart condition that results in a large, thin walled heart muscle.

  • Chronic hepatitis is a chronic and progressive inflammation of the liver of dogs that leads eventually to the replacement of normal liver tissue with scar tissue.

  • Lipomas are benign fatty tumor of the subcutaneous tissue.

    In addition, cocker spaniels are prone to demodicosis, deafness, facial nerve paralysis, dwarfism, hydrocephalus, vestibular disease and skin cancer.


    Although these occur infrequently, the following disorders have also been reported:

  • Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) is a congenital birth defect caused by a blood vessel that normally closes after birth, but remains open resulting in the passage of extra volumes of blood into the lungs.

  • Chronic valvular heart disease (VHD) is a condition characterized by degeneration and thickening of the heart valves.

  • Sick Sinus Syndrome is a disease that causes a dysrhythmia of the heart.

  • Congenital Hypotrichosis - is a congenital disease causing symmetrical hair loss.

  • Congenital Elbow Luxation is a dislocation of the elbow joint.


    Life Span

    The cocker spaniel has an average life span of 14 to 16 years.


    We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.


     
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