Cocker Spaniel

• Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a family of eye diseases which gradually result in the deterioration of the retina, causing first night blindness then full blindness. There is no cure, but most dogs adapt very easily to the vision loss, provided their environment does not change too much.
• Cataracts. Like in humans, canine cataracts occur when a cloudy membrane forms over the eye, causing vision loss. They can be removed surgically.
• Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia is a disorder which causes the dog’s immune system to attack its own blood cells. Signs include pale gums, lethargy, jaundice and a swollen abdomen. Treatment is available for affected dogs but they should not be bred as the condition is hereditable.
• Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone. Symptoms include epilepsy, loss of hair, fatigue and patchy skin. It is treatable with medication and a special diet.
• Primary seborrhea is a skin condition in which the skin becomes greasy, scaly and smelly due to the overproduction of skin cells. It is treated with medication and special shampoos.
• Allergies. Cocker Spaniels can be particularly prone to certain allergies, including food allergies, contact allergies and inhalant allergies. Treatment usually involves removal of the allergen from the dog’s environment or medication.
• Idiopathic epilepsy is a heritable condition which causes seizures. Seizures may also be a side effect of other conditions, so it is important to see a vet and get diagnosed.
• Hip dysplasia is a condition where the thighbone and hip joint do not fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. Less severe cases can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications, but surgery may be required for serious cases.
• Patellar luxation occurs when the bones of the patella are not aligned properly and as a result slip in and out of place, causing pain and an abnormal gait. Mild cases generally do not require treatment and do not impact too much on the dog’s life, but severe cases may require surgery.
• Other Issues. Glaucoma, ear infections and obesity may be problems for the Cocker Spaniel. Ensure that the ears are cleaned regularly and that the dog is not overfed.

Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.