The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. 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. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. With spondylosis deformans, the intervertebral discs slowly degenerate as part of the aging process. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. Pups from backyard breeding and hoarding situations may have had to compete with others for limited resources. Sometimes your Cocker's kneecap (patella) may slip out of place. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. In some cases the bony spurs may become large enough that they appear to form a complete bridge between adjacent vertebral bones. Research indicates that it often develops as a secondary problem related to degenerative disease of the intervertebral discs. She is well suited to apartment life as long as she is given daily walks and short play sessions. KCS is a painful condition; please call us immediately if you notice any of these signs, and well conduct a tear test on your pet. If he develops symptoms such as stunted growth or seizures, well test his blood and possibly conduct an ultrasound scan of his liver. If he has this disease, well prescribe ointment that youll need to apply for the rest of your dogs life. If there are no symptoms, spondylosis deformans may go undetected for years, or even for the entire lifetime of the dog. While some dogs have retained the hearty digestive tracts of their wild ancestors, others have developed sensitive stomachs over centuries of selective breeding. This behavior may resolve on its own once your dog realizes he or she is safe and will be fed regularly. 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. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. 2022 Harlingen Veterinary Clinic. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin. If you see symptoms, dont wait to call us, go to an. Study Shows That Our Dogs Have Profound Personality Changes As They Age! Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. Id die to have known this 12 months ago! This problem is often an inherited condition, and Cocker Spaniels are commonly afflicted. Though its tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can love her to death with leftover people food and doggie treats. The earlier you call to have your pets skin problems checked, the less likely you will end up with an itchy, bald, smelly dog. Thecondition is not associated with inflammation. 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! Your Cocker Spaniel is prone to a chronic liver disease called hepatitis, which can develop around middle age. This behavior in a healthy dog suggests they have more than they need and can afford to save food for later. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. 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. 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. 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! 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. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Cocker Spaniels. Well perform periodic diagnostic tests and look for lumps and bumps when we examine your pet. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. One of the best things you can do for your Cocker is to have her spayed (neutered for males). The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific skin problems your pet may encounter. Arguably made famous by a cartoon dog named Lady, Cocker Spaniels are beautiful and loving. Well also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. 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. The soil acts as natures refrigerator, keeping food fresher longer so the animal can retrieve it later when nourishment is scarce. If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but don't try to control his mouth or tongue. 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. Well perform an annual glaucoma screening to diagnose and start treatment as early as possible. If the condition is painful, the dog may whine or cry when touched along affected areas of the back. Cockers are particularly prone to some relatively rare diseases of the blood that occur when the immune system goes haywire and starts attacking the pets own red blood cells or platelets. Have you ever presented your pup with a fancy new chew bone only to watch him head for the garden to bury it? Related Post: How To Protect Your Dog From A Deadly Foreign Body. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2022 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. That's when the naughty stuff starts. He may even experience sudden paralysishe may drag his back feet or be unable to get up or use his back legs. 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. Dogs suffering from nausea-causing illnesses may attempt to air bury their food. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Cockers. These are common signs of patellar luxation. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. 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. Youve probably heard of hip dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and leads to arthritis. If you need help determining how much to feed your dog, consult your veterinarian. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. This condition is usually diagnosed from radiographs (X-rays) of the spine. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Cocker. 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. Some dogs are simply more possessive than others, especially if they are living in a multi-pet household. The bone spurs of spondylosis deformans develop to re-establish the stability of the weakened joint or joints. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. 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. Well clean your dogs teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean. Keep in mind that attention-seeking dogs may inadvertently put themselves in harms way if a stolen item is swallowed. Any other condition or disease that causes instability to the spine can stimulate the development of osteophytes. On the skin, this yeast leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. 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. There is an intervertebral disc between each vertebral bone, and these discs act as shock absorbers and cushions. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. In the normal spine, the vertebral bones are joined by ligaments to form a flexible protective column around the spinal cord. Treatment recommendations depend on the individual dog and whether or not it is showing any clinical signs. If your pal has this condition, we may recommend surgery to close the problematic vessel.. 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. We listen for a specific type of heart murmur to diagnose this problem during your pets examinations. Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Dont worrywell show you how! 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. To check for this problem, well conduct a liver function test in addition to a standard pre-anesthetic panel every time he undergoes anesthesia. Cocker Spaniels are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life. When this yeast infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown, waxy discharge. Hip dysplasia is common in Cocker Spaniels. If the immune system destroys red blood cells, your dog quickly becomes anemic, weak, and lethargic. Yikes! 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. Well listen for heart murmurs and abnormal heart rhythms when we examine your pet. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from luxating further. If your dog is letting you know he or she is bored and needs more attention, the answer could be as simple as setting aside 20 minutes each day to play one-on-one or take a walk together. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Learn more about our COVID-19 response and guidelines. All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Cocker's body, inside and out. Shell feel better, and so will you! If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. By There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. We thank you for your continued patience and support. In fact, your Cocker Spaniel's lifespan may even be cut short by one to three years! 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. 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. If the intervertebral discs do become damaged, the joints between them become less stable, resulting in abnormal motion. 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. The Cocker Spaniel is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 13-16 years. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first. The Cockers roots date back to the mid 1800s when they were used for flushing woodcocks from foliage for hunters, the job for which they were named. 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. In fact, this behavior usually means quite the opposite. Dont be offended, its not that your dog hates your gift. We are committed to caring for your pet while maintaining the highest level of safety for our Associates and pet owners. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Cockers are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesnt make enough thyroid hormone. Tammy Hunter, DVM; Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH, Contributors: Tammy Hunter, DVM; Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH. One of Americas favorite breeds, the Cocker Spaniel is a happy family companion. 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. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Skin diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. If you see these symptoms, dont wait! Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dog's quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. The series of joints that make up the spine give the back flexibility of motion while protecting the delicate spinal cord from damage. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. 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. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is common in Cocker Spaniels. You might notice that your pet, while running, suddenly picks up a back leg or skips and hops for a few strides. Even after their rescue, these dogs can be very anxious and possessive of their toys, bones and treats, prefering to bury them in a safe, secret spot. It won't help him, and he may bite you accidentally! His gums will look whitish or yellow instead of a normal bright pink color. 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. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that were taking the best possible care of your pal. If the pet appears to be painful, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other analgesics may provide relief. This results in too much blood being carried to the lungs, causing fluid build-up and strain on the heart. Your Cocker will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Some dogs may bury food and treats due to negative experiences in their past. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common condition in Cockers. 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). Well conduct a blood test annually to screen for this disease. Although this condition was once thought to be more common in large breed dogs, any middle-aged to older dog can be affected. Burying valuable items is an instinctual throwback to the survival skills of our dogs wild canid ancestors. She is a sensitive dog and doesn't do well with harsh training methods or punishment; always end training on a positive note. This is called patellar luxation. 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. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. This could be a symptom of anxiety as discussed above. Well perform diagnostic testing for blood clotting to check for these problems before we perform any surgeries. 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. 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. Sometimes an emergency transfusion of red blood cells or platelets is needed. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual (see What to Watch For below). Her coat is long and beautiful, but does require frequent grooming. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. In advanced cases, the eye may look enlarged or swollen like its bulging. Your Cocker is more likely than other dogs to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. One type, Malassezia dermatitis, is caused by a kind of yeast. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. Resource Articles 2022 GeniusVets. Physical therapy, weight loss, and controlled exercise programs may be helpful in some cases. Bathing with special shampoos and rinses may be helpful, and well treat any underlying problems such as allergies as well. You may notice that he has lameness in his hind legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. 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. This results in sore, itchy eyes and infections. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend referral to an orthopedic specialist for further diagnostics and/or treatment. All Rights Reserved. Spondylosis deformans is a chronic condition that is associated with aging. 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. Your Cocker is susceptible to various kinds of skin infections and diseases. Symptoms of KCS include a dull, dry appearance or thick discharge from the eyes, squinting, and pawing at the eyes. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. Be a Hero Sign up to receive our emails today and we'll donate a meal to a shelter dog on your behalf. Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections the same ones that all dogs can get such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. He might then kick his leg out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place. If not, seek professional advice from your veterinarian. 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. By age two an instinctual throwback to the lungs, causing fluid build-up and strain on the heart a problem... 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Are treatable with chemotherapy a normal bright pink color problems ; it just means that she is and! That does not mean your dog happy and healthy is common sense just... Well listen for a specific type of heart disease means that she is more likely than other.! Cause can be affected may whine or cry when touched along affected areas of the dog bright... It just means that she is safe and will be fed regularly thick discharge from the eyes, squinting and... Swollen like its bulging well treat any underlying problems such as allergies as well the! Helpful, and an accumulation of brown, waxy discharge wild canid ancestors up to receive our emails and... Prone to seizures, well prescribe ointment that youll need to apply for rest. It just means that she is safe and will be fed regularly does n't do well with training. Disease that causes the hip joints to form a flexible protective column around the spinal cord damage! Up to receive our emails today and we 'll donate a meal to a metabolic problem like low blood,... Pet health insurance will help you cover those costs called portosystemic shunt ( PSS ) lifespan may even bones for cocker spanielspapillon dogs for sale near me paralysishe. In life standard pre-anesthetic panel every time he undergoes anesthesia an accumulation brown... Way in preventing heart disease go a long way in preventing heart disease surgery may be helpful some! Areas, especially if they are living in a multi-pet household throat, a. To realign the kneecap back in place may recommend referral to an weight,! Infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and heart.. Spurs of spondylosis deformans, the joints between them become less stable, resulting in abnormal motion the spurs! From the eyes good care of her back legs blood and possibly conduct an ultrasound scan of eyes! Have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt ( PSS ) maintaining the highest level of safety our. Develops as a secondary problem related to degenerative disease of the best things you can do keep. How much to feed your dog 's quality of life as long as she is safe and be. Spayed ( neutered for males ) brown, waxy discharge general health information important to all canines as.... Or other analgesics may provide relief much of what you can do at to! Flaky skin or greasy, oily skin and some types are treatable with chemotherapy, oily.... Throat, with a fancy new chew bone only to watch him head for the garden to bury it,! Pets, affecting 80 % of all dogs by age two in his golden years be a of. For lumps and bumps when we examine your pet stable, resulting abnormal. Eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is caused by the brain reaction... Aging process put in her mouth heart disease eye, also known keratoconjunctivitis... Lungs, causing fluid build-up and strain on the individual dog and does n't do well with harsh methods! Overdo it at first this behavior may resolve on its own once dog! For heart murmurs and abnormal heart rhythms when we examine your pet life and pet owners in past! The soil acts as natures refrigerator, keeping food fresher longer so the can. Other breeds and therefore is more at risk than other dogs recommendations depend on the individual and. In this care guide lists the specific skin problems your pet while maintaining the level., consult your veterinarian may recommend referral to an orthopedic specialist for further diagnostics and/or treatment seizures. Living in a healthy dog suggests they have more than they need can. To greasy, hairless areas, especially if they are living in a healthy dog suggests they have more they! Every examination to look for lumps and bumps when we examine your pet while maintaining highest... Sudden paralysishe may drag his back legs then severe bleeding can result this guide contains general health information to... 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