health

HEALTH
Of the American Cocker Spaniel

Autoimmune diseases Cockers seem to be more prone to autoimmune diseases then most other dog breeds. This is
extremely serious stuff... often fatal within a matter of days. Due to concerns that over-vaccinating can cause autoimmune problems,
many university veterinary programs now recommend vaccinations every three years rather than yearly.

Auto-immune 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 affected with the acute form of AIHA. Symptoms include pale complexion, fatigue, and sometimes
jaundice. A swollen abdomen is also indicative due to an enlarged liver. Treatment includes the use of steroids as they subdue the
immune response. However, if steroids do not provide adequate results, chemotherapy drugs may be given as well. Most forms of AIHA
are treatable but death may occur due to blood loss and related complications. 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 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.
Studies have concluded the American Cocker Spaniel breed has a high prevalence for Autoimmune Thyroiditis. The Cockers' immune
system forms antibodies that attack his own T3, T4, and thyroglobulin, a substance necessary for forming thyroid hormones. Symptoms,
diagnosis, and treatment are similar to those for Hypothyroidism except that the diagnosis of Autoimmune Thyroiditis includes the
presence of thyroid antibodies in the blood.

Hypothyroidism - Canine Hypothyroidism is the most commonly diagnosed hormonal disease found in dogs. The term
hypothyroidism simply means the underproduction of thyroxin, the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located on
the trachea (wind pipe) of the dog, just below the voice box. It exerts its influence on the dog's body by producing and releasing thyroxin
into the blood stream. This hormone, and thus, the thyroid gland itself, is very important in controlling growth and development and
maintaining normal protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism of the dog.
Hypothyroidism usually occurs between the ages of two to six years. The most common sign is an increase in body weight. Lethargy and
some form of skin disease (i.e., thin coat, loss of hair, dandruff, oily skin, increased scratching) are also common signs of
Hypothyroidism.
The treatment is through thyroid hormone supplementation given orally once or twice a day. Usually thyroid supplementation improves
the clinical signs associated with the disease within four to six weeks. All the clinical signs of hypothyroidism are reversible, once
treatment is started.
What is hypothyroidism?
The clinical signs of hypothyroidism are caused by a decrease in normal thyroid hormone activity. The disorder may be acquired (a
progressive deficiency of thyroid hormone) or congenital (meaning the animal is born with the disorder). The acquired form is the most
common disorder of the endocrine system in dogs. It occurs as a result of gradual atrophy of the thyroid gland or of gradual infiltration
and replacement of the thyroid gland with lymphocytes due to an autoimmune process (lymphocytic thyroiditis). Acquired hypothyroidism
is generally seen in middle-aged (4 to 10 years) mid - to large breed dogs. Congenital hypothyroidism is very rare.
What does hypothyroidism mean to your dog & you?
The changes due to gradually decreasing levels of circulating thyroid hormone are slow and insidious. Early signs (which are usually not
recognized as being related to hypothyroidism) include lower energy levels and increased susceptibility to infections. As the disease
progresses, you will likely notice changes in your dog's hair coat - symmetrical hair loss with or without darkening of the skin, and dry or
greasy hair. Other signs of hypothyroidism include a slow heart rate, lethargy, mental dullness, intolerance to cold, infertility in males and
females, constipation, and weight gain. Less commonly, a dog with hypothyroidism may experience heart disease, a bleeding disorder,
profound muscular weakness associated with abnormalities in the muscles or nerves, or another endocrine disorder such as diabetes
mellitus.
Congenital hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormones are essential for normal growth and maturation of the nervous and skeletal systems. Puppies with congenital
hypothyroidism will have stunted growth as well as many other abnormalities. Severely affected puppies most likely die before weaning.
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
Because there is such a broad range of possible clinical signs, hypothyroidism can be quite difficult to diagnose. Blood tests may show
certain suggestive (but non-specific) abnormalities. If your veterinarian suspects this condition, s/he will perform laboratory tests to
assess thyroid function.
How is hypothyroidism treated?
The standard treatment is levo-thyroxine given once a day. This must be continued for life. Within a week of starting treatment, your dog's
attitude and activity levels should improve. It can take up to 6 weeks before there is noticeable improvement in the skin and haircoat, but
eventually all abnormalities should completely resolve.
Dogs on thyroid replacement can live a normal life. Your veterinarian will monitor thyroid hormone levels periodically and adjust the dose
if required. Certain other illnesses may also necessitate dosage adjustment.
Congenital hypothyroidism is treated the same way. Clinical signs are usually completely reversed with subsequent normal physical and
mental growth and development, as long as the condition is recognized and treatment started very early (3 to 4 months of age).
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.

Idiopathic Epilepsy - Seizures are the result of a disturbance in the electrical activity of brain cells. They can occur for a variety of
reasons, in any breed of dog. Epilepsy is the term used for recurrent seizures where no underlying disease process can be identified as
the cause (also called idiopathic epilepsy). Inherited idiopathic epilepsy is genetically transmitted in some breeds of dogs. Seizures
typically begin between 1 and 3 years of age. Before or after this age, the seizures are more likely caused by an active disease process,
such as infection, trauma, a metabolic disorder, or a tumour.
How is epilepsy inherited?
The mode of inheritance is unknown, and varies between breeds. In some breeds, it appears that more than 1 gene is involved.
What breeds are affected by epilepsy?
Instances of idiopathic epilepsy have been reported in nearly all breeds. However there is an increased risk, and evidence for an
inherited basis, in the following breeds: Belgian tervueren (a high incidence), beagle, Bernese mountain dog, Brittany spaniel, cocker
spaniel, collie, German shepherd, golden retriever, Irish setter, keeshond, Labrador retriever, poodle (all sizes), miniature schnauzer,
Saint Bernard, wirehaired fox terrier
For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been
carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among
veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.
What does epilepsy mean to your dog & you?
The effects of a seizure depend on the part of the brain involved. Typically there is a change in behaviour (eg. confusion, fear, rage),
consciousness (the animal may or may not lose consciousness), motor activity (rigid or jerky muscle spasms, or paddling), and
autonomic activity (salivation, urination, and defecation). Changes in sensory function may lead to pawing at the face, tail chasing, or
biting at part of the body or the air. Seizures may be partial or generalized, and mild or severe (grand mal). A dog experiencing a mild
generalized seizure might be confused, show weakness and some muscle tremors, and look to the owner for reassurance. A dog in a
grand mal seizure will be unconscious, with rigid or jerking limbs, and involuntary salivation, urination, and defecation.
Seizures vary in frequency as well, from very occasional to almost constant. Status epilepticus is a series of seizures in rapid
succession, or 1 continuous seizure. This is a medical emergency which requires immediate veterinary attention.
It is common for a dog to show a change in behaviour such as hiding or attention-seeking for hours or even days before a seizure (called
the prodrome or aura). Abnormal behaviour associated with fatigue, depression, hunger, thirst, or hyperactivity may last for days afterward
(post-ictal phase).
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
You may not recognize that what has occurred in your dog is a seizure (especially if mild), and your dog will likely be back to normal by the
time you see your veterinarian (except in the case of status epilepticus). Thus your description of the abnormal activity you observed is
very important.
In order to determine if seizures are due to an underlying disease or are a result of idiopathic inherited epilepsy, your veterinarian will
consider the age and breed of your dog and the changes you observed, do various diagnostic tests to rule out other possible causes,
and ask questions such as whether your dog may have been exposed to any toxins or possibly received a head injury.
The sudden onset of frequent seizures usually indicates an active brain disease, whereas otherwise normal animals that have a few
seizures a year likely have idiopathic epilepsy.
How is epilepsy treated?
Treatment depends on factors such as the severity and frequency of the seizures. A dog that experiences the occasional mild seizure
probably needs no treatment other than watchfulness on the part of the owner. Grand mal seizures or status epilepticus, at the other
extreme, require emergency medical treatment to sedate or anesthetize the dog, and to prevent the brain damage associated with
prolonged seizure activity.
Once your veterinarian has determined that your dog has idiopathic epilepsy (ie. no specific cause that can be treated), s/he will likely
recommend regular medication to control seizures if they occur more than once a month or in clusters, or if your dog has experienced a
grand mal seizure. Phenobarbital is the drug most commonly used and it is safe, effective and inexpensive. Your veterinarian will work
with you to determine the lowest effective dose for your dog. You will be asked to keep careful track of any seizures as well as all drugs
given. Blood levels of phenobarbital should be measured periodically, as well as indicators of liver and kidney function. With this
monitoring, most dogs with idiopathic epilepsy can lead a normal life. Dosages may need to be adjusted if there is a change in seizure
frequency or severity, or if medication is given for another reason. If seizures were initially readily controlled and none has occurred for 6
to 9 months, your veterinarian may very gradually reduce the dosage, and sometimes ultimately discontinue the use of anticonvulsants.
Phenobarbital is not always effective and there are other anticonvulsants that can be tried. Acupuncture is another alternative which may
be effective as a first line of treatment, or when use of anticonvulsants fails to control the seizures. A veterinarian specializing in
acupuncture should be consulted.

VACCINATING
YOUR PUPPY

Vaccinations are essential in
preventing deadly and infectious
diseases in puppies. Your
veterinarian can help you decide
on the most appropriate
vaccination program for your
puppy when you take them to
their first check-up. Your
breeder should have had the
neccesary shots given before
you picked up your puppy.

The most common diseases
that vaccinated against are
Distemper, Canine Hepatitis,
Parvovirus, Bordetella,
Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis
and Rabies. After one year of
age, anuual vaccinations are
given, excluding the rabies
vaccine. I reccommend getting
your puppy's rabies shot at 6
months old (this is also a great
time to spay or neuter).

The vaccination schedule
depends on when your puppy
was weaned from his mother
and first shots were given.
One of the vaccines often given
to puppies is a combo vaccine.
This combo vaccine protects
your puppy against diseases
including
Distemper,Adenovirus,
Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.

CRONIC
EAR INFECTIONS

First of all, try to keep the
ear canal as clean as
possible. This means
trimming or pulling the hair
and basic ear cleaning. Use
quality ear cleaners and
powders and read the
DIRECTIONS! When bathing
your cockers, place large
cottonballs or pads in the
outer opening of the canal.
This will keep water from
entering... A major cause of
ear infections!
Also, do the smell check. On
a weekly basis when you are
doing ear-maintenance, lift
the ear and smell into the
canal.
If the smell is very foul and
the ear looks irritated, YOU
HAVE AN INFECTION ON
YOUR HANDS.
Ears naturally have yeast in
them and an ear infection IS
a yeast infection. Ear mites
may also cause ear
infections and irritation.
A visit to the vet and a
possible prescription may be
just what you need.
Also try this EASY-TO-USE
formula from Zim Family
Cockers:

zimfamilycockers/earcleaner

There are several health issues that "go with the breed". You might get lucky and get a Cocker
with absolutely perfect health, but if you're going to get in to Cockers you need to be aware of the
chance that your Cocker might deal with one or more of these common Cocker health issues:
KEEP SCROLLING TO SEE IT ALL!

EYE PROBLEMS

Cherry eyes (prolapsed gland of the
third eyelid). Primarily a cosmetic issue, if
you treat it quickly. Can cost UP TO several
hundred dollars for surgery. If this happens
as a puppy, it is common to have them
removed or sewn back in at the same time
as a spay/neuter

Glaucoma and Cataracts. These are
serious eye conditions which can lead to
blindness. Sadly, I do hear from quite a few
people with an older Cocker who is blind.
Extremely expensive surgery can sometimes
improve the vision of a dog with cataracts, but
I suspect most dogs with cataracts are
allowed to go blind.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is any opacity or loss of
transparency of the lens of the eye. The
opacity may be confined to a small area of
the lens or capsule, or it may affect the whole
structure. A complete cataract affecting both
eyes will result in blindness, whereas small
non-progressive cataracts will not interfere
with vision. Primary cataracts occur in some
breeds; in other breeds the cataract may
develop secondarily to another inherited
disorder such as progressive retinal atrophy
or glaucoma. Most cataracts are inherited.
Non-hereditary cataracts also occur, as a
result of other diseases, trauma, toxicity, or
metabolic disturbances.
How are cataracts inherited?
The genetics have not yet been defined for
most affected breeds. In others, the mode of
inheritance is autosomal recessive,
autosomal dominant, or with incomplete
dominance. Congenital cataracts or those
that develop at a young age may mature and
be reabsorbed, resulting in improved vision.
This is unpredictable. In the process of
resorption, liquefied lens material may leak
into the eye causing inflammation and
possibly glaucoma. With their acute senses
of smell and hearing, dogs can compensate
very well for visual difficulties, particularly in
familiar surroundings. In fact owners may be
unaware of the extent of vision loss. You can
help your visually impaired dog by developing
regular routes for exercise, maintaining your
dog's surroundings as constant as possible,
introducing any necessary changes
gradually, and being patient with your dog.
How are cataracts diagnosed?
You may suspect your dog is having visual
difficulties and/or you may notice
discoloration of your dog's pupil(s). Your
veterinarian will be able to see the cataract
with an ophthalmoscope. Even when not
causing visual problems, cataracts may be
discovered on a routine ophthalmoscopic
exam.
How are cataracts treated?
Cataracts can be removed surgically. The
decision whether to do so is based on
several factors, such as whether the
cataracts are progressive, the degree of
visual impairment, and the dog's
temperament. To prevent postoperative
problems, the dog must be cooperative and
quiet, especially in the first week following
surgery.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in
dogs. It is the result of increased fluid
pressure within the eye (elevated intraocular
pressure or IOP). If the pressure can not be
reduced, there will be permanent damage to
the retina and optic nerve resulting in visual
impairment. Complete blindness can occur
within 24 hours if the IOP is extremely
elevated or can occur slowly over weeks or
months if the the elevation is mild. Glaucoma
is usually very painful. Glaucoma may be
primary (inherited) or secondary to a number
of eye disorders including luxation of the
lens, tumours of the eye, and uveitis
(inflammation of the eye). Primary/inherited
glaucoma causes an elevation of pressure
within the eye because of abnormal drainage
of fluid through the iridocorneal angle. When
the angle at which the iris and cornea join is
wide, the glaucoma is classified as open
angle. If the base of the iris is pushed
forward, the glaucoma is described as
narrow angle.    Goniodysgenesis is
characterized by an abnormal sheet of tissue
in the angle where drainage normally occurs.
This may or may not cause an elevation in
IOP and glaucoma.   In pigmentary
glaucoma, the obstruction to fluid drainage is
caused by an abundance of pigmented cells
within the iridocorneal angle and sclera. The
increase in IOP is progressive and often
results in blindness.
How is glaucoma inherited?
Inherited open angle glaucoma is an
autosomal recessive trait in beagles. Narrow
angle glaucoma is inherited as an
autosomal dominant trait in the Welsh
springer spaniel. The mode of inheritance for
glaucoma in other breeds has not been
identified.   Primary open angle glaucoma
develops slowly over weeks to months. With
closed angle glaucoma, which is much more
common, there is usually a sudden, rapid
elevation in the pressure within the eye. This
affects all the structures in the eye. The
effects on the optic nerve and retina cause
loss of vision. Glaucoma is moderately to
extremely painful. The eye may be red and
your dog may paw at it, or rub his or her head
along the carpet. The eye may look cloudy
due to swelling of the cornea and your dog
will be very sensitive to light. The affected
eye may seem larger, or appear to bulge out,
relative to the other eye. Other more general
signs of pain include loss of appetite and
depression. Glaucoma is an emergency.
Treatment must be started as soon as
possible if your dog's sight is to be saved.
Irreversible damage to the retina and optic
nerve occur within a few hours of significant
elevation of the intraocular pressure. patient.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) The
cells of the retina receive light stimuli from
the external environment and transmit the
information to the brain where it is interpreted
to become vision. In progressive retinal
atrophy (PRA), deterioration of the retinal
cells causes blindness.
The retina lines the back of the eye. The inner
layer is the neural retina (called simply the
retina) which has 9 layers, the outermost of
which consists of the photoreceptor cells -
the rods and cones. The outer layer of the
retina is the retinal pigmented epithelium
(RPE). In dogs the retina is not mature until 6
or 7 weeks of age.
The term progressive retinal atrophy covers
several types of inherited degeneration
(deterioration) of the retina.
Sub-classifications of PRA are based on the
age at which dogs show signs of the
disease and the type of retinal cell which is
affected.
What does progressive retinal atrophy
mean to your dog & you?
Generalized PRA - early onset: The first sign
is generally failing night vision, as early as 6
weeks of age, and this progresses to
complete loss of vision by about 1 - 2 years
of age. Collies may retain some vision until
the age of 2 - 3 years. In miniature
schnauzers, poor night vision usually
develops later (6 months to a year) and there
is advanced loss of vision by 3 to 4 years.
Affected Alaskan malamutes are day-blind
(hemeralopia) at 8 to 10 weeks of age; night
vision is never affected.
Generalized PRA (progressive rod-cone
degeneration) - late onset:   Generally night
blindness is noticed between 2 and 5 years
of age (depending on the breed) progressing
to total blindness within a year or so.
Peripheral vision is lost first.
Central PRA (CPRA) - retinal pigment
epithelial dystrophy (RPED): Loss of vision
occurs much more slowly than in generalized
PRA, without initial night blindness. Affected
dogs may not lose vision completely.
Because the changes are in the centre of the
retina, affected dogs initially have trouble
locating still objects in bright light.
How is progressive retinal atrophy
diagnosed?
There are no obvious external changes to the
eyes. You may notice that your dog has
difficulty getting around when the lights are
turned off, or when outside at night. If you
suspect that your dog has impaired vision,
your veterinarian will look for abnormalities
with an ophthalmoscope. PRA may also be
detected by electroretinogram (ERG) before
your dog has any apparent visual difficulties.
Electroretinography, which measures
electrical patterns in the retina, is usually only
available in specialty veterinary centres.
Genetic testing is quickly becoming available
for different forms of PRA in different breeds.
The advantage of such testing is that it can
identify dogs whose sight is unaffected, but
who are carriers of the disorder
(heterozygotes). There is no treatment for
PRA. The degree of visual impairment varies
with the breed and specific type of retinal
degeneration as described above, but most
affected dogs will ultimately be completely
blind. With their acute senses of smell and
hearing, dogs can compensate very well,
particularly in familiar surroundings, to the
point where owners may be unaware of the
extent of vision loss.
You can help your dog by developing regular
routes for exercise, maintaining consistent
surroundings, introducing any necessary
changes gradually, and being patient.

Distichia (misplaced hair along the
edge of the eye, which grow towards the eye
and irritate it). Severe cases can require
surgery, which can cost several hundred
dollars.

Conjunctivitis (eye infections). Very
common in Cockers. Not as serious or
expensive as some of the other Cocker eye
problems, but your vet will make a fair
amount off of this, too.

EAR PROBLEMS

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. Many breed clubs such
as the Dalmatian Club of
America have adopted the
practice of euthanizing all their
deaf puppies. Resources do
exist for training deaf dogs such
as materials on teaching them
sign language. It is
recommended deaf dogs are not
bred.

Ear infections. If you never do
the preventive maintenance
required, your Cocker could get
such serious ear infections that
his hearing could be threatened.
Left untreated, ear infections can
get out of hand and surgery can
be required. However, if you're
willing to do the work to keep the
hair trimmed around the ear
canal area, and if you use a
good ear cleaner on a weekly
basis, you can totally prevent ear
infections.

SKIN PROBLEMS

Skin problems such as
Seborrheic dermatitis, Oily skin,
flaky skin, and stinky skin are
Difficult problems to treat. Skin
problems can also arise from
food allergies, environmental
allergies, and from flea
infestations.

Primary Keratinization Disorder
or Primary Seborrhea.
Primary seborrhea -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.

Primary 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.

URINARY/BLADDER
PROBLEMS

Excited urination or submissive
urination Compared to other
breeds, Cockers are more likely
to lose bladder control when
happy or frightened. Of course,
most Cockers do not do this, but
some do... and it can be a VERY
frustrating problem to live with.

Urinary Tract Problems
Although Sheldon Gerstenfeld,
V.M.D., author of ASPCA
Complete Guide to Dogs, claims
American cocker spaniels are
prone to urological disorders
this author is unable to
substantiate this claim through a
review of current literature. Two
studies in this subject were in
fact conducted on English cocker
spaniels not American. If
urological problems do occur in
American cocker spaniels they
have not been well documented

Worming Your
Puppy

Most puppies are infected with
worms at some point in their life.
The good news about worms is
that they aren't as bad as they
sound. Getting rid of them is not
difficult but prevention and
treatment are very important.
Your veterinarian can diagnose
what kind of worms your puppy
has and recommend the
appropriate prescription. Worms
can cause weight loss,
weakness and dehydration.
Some types, if not treated, can
be transmitted to people. Most
puppies will experience worms
at some point in their early life
and it is important to recognize
and know how to treat worms.

Roundworm: Roundworms can
grow up to seven inches in
length. They may be clearly
visible in the stool and looks like
strands of spaghetti. Puppies
can become infected with
roundworms when they ingest
something contaminated with
larvae. If your pup has
roundworms its weight may drop
and may appear weak. visit your
vet ASAP. If left untreated, they
can be passed to people.

Tapeworms: There are several
types of tapeworms. ingesting
infected fleas while grooming is
how most pups get the
tapeworms. If you see your puppy
"scooting", or excessively licking
its anal area, it may have
tapeworms. Tapeworms can
grow to be 32 inches in length.
Its' sections look like bits of rice,
and can be found in and around
the anal area. They may also
appear in your puppy's stool.
Exterminating fleas is important
to prevent infections. Flea larvae
eat tapeworm eggs, and then re-
infect your puppy.

Hookworms: This is passed
when puppies ingest hookworm
larvae. It can also penetrate the
skin. They consume large
amounts of blood and are about
an inch in length. They live on the
intestinal wall. Your vet can spot
these infestations by examining
your pups stool sample under a
microscope. If your puppy has
had constant diarrhea that is
dark in color and/or contains
small amounts of blood, consult
your veterinarian ASAP.

Whipworms: They are passed to
your puppy by swallowing the
eggs. They live in the colon of
infested pups and cause
inflammation of the colon. They
are difficult to diagnose because
the eggs don't show up in stool
for around 3 months after the
infection. The main symptoms for
whipworms is a blood tainted
stool.

Prevention

• Puppies should start receiving
treatment a few weeks after they
are born, before they show signs
of the infection. When you bring
your puppy home for the first
time, or if you suspect he has
worms, take a stool sample to
your vet to have it checked
microscopically for intestinal
parasites.

• Keep your puppy free from fleas
and this will help prevent
tapeworm.

• Always clean up after your
puppy. Infected stools that
haven't been cleaned up can re-
infect him.

• Most puppies take heartworm
medication, speak to your
veterinarian about heartworm
medication that helps to prevent
intestinal worms.