Cocker Spaniel Health

Ectropion
Defect of conformation in which there is a sagging or rolling-out (eversion) of the eyelids. This results in abnormal exposure of the eye, which often leads to irritation.

Entropion
Inward rolling of the eyelid, most commonly the lower lid. This irritates the surface of the eye (the cornea) and may ultimately cause visual impairment.

Hip dysplasia
Congenital disease that affects mostly large breed dogs. It causes weakness and lameness to the rear quarters, and eventually leads to painful arthritis. This arthritis goes by several names; degenerative joint disease, arthrosis, osteoarthritis

Cardiomyopathy
A serious disease in which the heart muscle becomes inflamed and doesn't work as well as it should.

Luxating patella
The kneecap luxates, or pops out of place, either in a medial or lateral position.

Cataracts
Clouding of the natural lens, the part of the eye responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images.

Glaucoma
Increased pressure within the eye. Cells inside the eye produce a clear fluid ("aqueous humor") that maintains the shape of the eye and nourishes the tissues inside the eye. The balance of fluid production and drainage is responsible for maintaining normal pressure within the eye. In glaucoma, the drain becomes clogged but the eye keeps producing fluid. Therefore, the pressure in the eye increases. The increased pressure in the eye actually can cause the eye to stretch and enlarge.

Legg-Perthes
Also called Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) disease, is a disease of the hip joints of small breeds of dogs. The head of the femur (the ball part of the ball and socket) begins to die and disintegrate. This causes limping, pain, and eventually arthritis. It usually appears between 6-12 months of age.

Von Willebrand's Disease
The most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs.

Progressive Retinal Atropy
An eye condition in which the retina begins to deteriorate, causing visual loss and generally leading to blindness.

Seborrhea
Excessive skin oil

Prolapse of nictitans gland
An abnormal "flipping out" of the tear gland located behind the third eyelid

phosphofructokinase deficiency
Autosomal recessive genetic disease which prevents the metabolism of glucose into available energy resulting in exercise intolerance and muscle disease.