Slipping stifles (Patellar Luxation)
The patella (kneecap) is a small bone which guards the knee joint. The
patella sits in a grove in the femur, and is held in place by a combination
of ligaments and muscles. This bone can slip out of position due to injury,
poor alingment, weak ligaments, or insufficient grove in the femur.
Generally the dog will limp, carry the leg off the ground, or hop when
running. If the problem is severe it can necessitate surgery.
Ears
Cocker Spaniels can have difficulties with their ears. This is primarily due
to the shape of their ear flap and the fact that they are relatively low to
the ground. Cocker's ears must be cleaned and maintained.
Deafness
American cocker spaniels (and especially English cocker spaniels) have been
reported with cases of congenital deafness. Most instances of congenital
deafness are caused 3-4 weeks after birth due to the degeneration of blood
supply to the inner ear or cochlea. This type of deafness is associated with
white pigmentation (i.e. white hair, blue eyes) and is permanent. Congenital
deafness may affect one or both ears. A puppy that fails to wake up during a
loud noise is likely to have bilateral deafness. The brain stem auditory
evoked response (BAER) test is used to diagnose deafness in dogs.
Bilaterally deaf dogs are difficult to train and may develop behavioral
problems as they are easily startled. Most often these dogs are discarded at
animal shelters.
Autoimmune: Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)
Cocker spaniels have a predisposition for autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA).
In AIHA, the dog's own immune system attacks its blood cells. In some cases
the cause is known such as AIHA secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
In other cases, the cause is unknown but possibly due to bacterial
infections, medications or vaccines. Cocker spaniels are particularly
affected with the acute form of AIHA. Symptoms include pale complexion (i.e.
the gums), fatigue, and sometimes jaundice. A swollen abdomen is also
indicative due to an enlarged liver. Diagnosis is made by physical
examination and blood tests. Treatment includes the use of steroids as they
subdue the immune response. Blood may be transfused if too much hemoglobin
is lost. If steroids do not provide adequate results, chemotherapy drugs
such as cyclophosphamide or azathioprine are given as well. Most forms of
AIHA are treatable but death may occur due to blood loss and related
complications. Cocker spaniels with AIHA should not be bred.
Autoimmune: Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Autoimmune thyroiditis also results in hypothyroidism (see below). Studies
have concluded American cocker spaniels have a high prevalence for
autoimmune thyroiditis. The cockers' immune system forms antibodies that
attack its own T3, T4, and thyroglobulin, a substance necessary for forming
thyroid hormones. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment are similar to those
listed below under hypothyroidism except diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis
includes the presence of thyroid antibodies in the blood.
Hypothyroidism
The cocker spaniel has a predisposition for hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism
results when its body fails to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid
hormone. Thyroid hormone increases the metabolism rate and is necessary for
normal regulation. Dogs are most commonly affected with secondary
hypothyroidism: that is the thyroid gland becomes hindered in some way. In
this case, the hindrance is most likely caused by a space-occupying tumor
between the ages 4-10 years. Hypothyroidism my also occur via autoimmune
destruction of the thyroid gland. Symptoms are related to a slowed
metabolism including mental dullness, exercise intolerance, lethargy, weight
gain (without increase food consumption), hypothermia, dry skin, and
excessive shedding or hair loss. With hair loss, darkening of skin and
itching may also occur. Infertility may occur. In severe cases, thickening
of the skin results giving the dog's face a puffy appearance. Lethargy may
progress to stupor and coma. Diagnosis is made by blood test. Treatment is
provided by thyroid hormone replacement according to blood levels.
Skin Problems: Primary Keratinization Disorder or
Primary Seborrhea
Primary seborrhea is commonly recognized in the cocker spaniel. Primary
seborrhea is caused by overproduction of skin cells including sebaceous
(oil) cells. The skin appears greasy and scaly with a foul smell. The trunk,
back, and ears are most commonly affected. Itching varies among those
affected. Diagnosis is done by biopsy. Treatment includes the administration
of retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) such as isotretinoin. Concurrent
treatment with antifungals may be indicated as primary seborrhea may be
associated with yeast infection. Routine use of antiseborrheic shampoos and
moisturizers is also recommended
Skin Problems: Food Allergies
Studies have shown the American cocker spaniel is at risk for developing
food allergies. A food allergy is a result of the immune system responding
to certain foods. The most likely symptoms of a food allergy are itching in
the ears in feet. A closer inspection will reveal reddened and swollen skin
in the affected areas. The affected areas may appear bumpy and feel hot. To
a varying degree, the dog may experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms as
well such as fecal mucus, fecal blood, and frequent stools; all symptoms of
colitis. It may be possible for the dog to act weakly as well. The diagnosis
of food allergies is done by the elimination diet. During the elimination
diet the dog is fed one starch and one protein (i.e. pork and potatoes).
After about 8-12 weeks of this diet, in the absence of allergy symptoms,
different foods are introduced one by one to see if an allergic reaction
occurs. Each new food introduced into the diet is trialed for about 1-2
weeks. If no allergy occurs another food will be added to the diet. The most
common cause of food allergies in dogs are beef, chicken, milk, eggs, corn,
wheat, and soy. Once the offending food is identified it can be avoided the
dog's diet.
Email: lisa@wilsonscockers.com
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