The following medical conditions that are associated with the American Cocker Spaniel, do not normally appear all at once in the same dog.  It can not be stressed enough that breeding practices, environment, socialization are all important aspects that the potential owner of any breed should be considering.  Heredity plays an important factor in the health of your dog.  If the dam and sire of the puppy are healthy, chances are excellent for your puppy to be healthy.  Professional, responsible breeders spend years building a bloodline, and a reputation amongst their peers for the quality of their dogs.  Most professional breeders will have a contract with the buyer, guaranteeing the quality and health of the puppy.  Certification of a puppy's health can also be requested of the breeder. O.F.A.; C.E.R.F. certification, Baer Testing results are some of the quality checks for dogs. Take the time to find the best animal you can, this is an investment for the next ten to twenty years in the life of your family.
Some of the most common health problems found in Cocker Spaniels are as follows:

Juvenile Cataracts
Juvenile cataracts appear to be genetic in nature.  A reputable breeder will not use breeding stock that has been treated for this condition.
For further information please see: medical index/juvenile cataracts.

Slipping stifles (Patellar Luxation)

Epilepsy
        Epilepsy is a hereditary seizure disorder.  This disease cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with medication. The dog with epilepsy can live a fairly normal life, but cannot be placed in the stressful situation of showing, and certainly should not be bred.
For further information please see: medical index/epilepsy.

Skin problems
     Atopic dermatitis  - this condition is a commonly occurring, inherited, hypersensitivity to pollens or other environmental allergens, as a result of a disorder of the immune system. This is one of the most common skin difficulties.
For further information please see: medical index/atopic dermatitis.
Other specific skin problems are also detailed in our medical index.

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.
For further information please see: medical index/indications of ear problems.

Lip Fold Pyoderma
     The lip fold is located on the lower lip that contacts the upper fangs. Pyoderma is a term used to describe a pus-producing skin infection. If you check the area of the lipfold, raw, denuded skin surface can be seen. If you believe that your dog has lip fold pyoderma, please have the dog checked by a veterinarian.
For further information please see: medical index/lip fold pyoderma.

Hip Dysplasia
       Hip Dysplasia is the result of the malformation of the hip joint(s).  This condition is a common difficulty in most of the large dog breeds.  This condition is both genetic and environmentally influenced.
        Be sure that both parents of any Rottweiler puppy you are considering purchasing is certified by OFA or Penn Hip to be free of Hip Dysplasia.
        Over-feeding, over-exercise and injury while young may also contribute to your puppy damaging (leading to degeneration) his hips.
For further information regarding this condition please see: medical index/hip dysplasia.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
       As the name states Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a progressively degenerative eye disorder. It is hereditary in nature and detectable through screening.  Both parents should be registered with the CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation).
For more information regarding this condition please see: medical index/progressive retinal degeneration.

Hemophilia
        This recessive genetic disorder is usually found in males, with females being the carriers. Commonly referred to as the "bleeders disease", hemophilia is due to insufficient levels of the factor VIII blood clotting factor. Usually accompanied by hematomas (pockets of blood under the skin), this condition is present from birth.
For further information regarding this condition please see: medical index/hemophilia A.

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