HEALTH SCHEMES AND RESEARCH
The Cocker Spaniel is generally a healthy breed with no major problems. However, there are some inherited conditions which do affect the breed, but happily there are now DNA tests available to test for these conditions, which are:-
• GPRA (also known as prcd-PRA) (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) a condition that can cause blindness in later life.
• FN (Familial Nethropathy or Shrunken Kidney) a dog affected by this condition will not live past 2 years old, which is why it is most important to test for this condition.
• AON (Adult Onset Neuropathy). This is a progressive weakness due to a neuropathy and has been recognised as an autosomal recessive hereditary disorder. Clinical signs typically begin between 7.5 and 9 years of age and consist at first of an uncoordinated gait or wobbling in the hind limbs. The stance in the hind limbs is wide-base and the hocks will drop lower to the ground. The weakness eventually progresses to also involve the front limbs, difficulty in swallowing also becomes apparent. The neurologic signs seem to progress slowly and gradually over 3 – 4 years. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals in America offer a DNA test which can be ordered online.
• AMS (Acral Mutilation Syndrome) This distressing condition is seen in puppies of working line Cockers (to date) resulting in lesions on distal extremities caused by self mutilation, featuring loss of sensitivity to pain on distal limbs, tendency to lick or bite their own pads, resulting in auto-amputation of claws, digits and footpads in severe cases.
A list of laboratories offering these tests, many offering a Cocker Bundle, can be found easily on the internet eg This bundle available from the Royal Kennel Club
EYES – As well as the DNA test for PRA, The Royal Kennel Club/British Veterinary Association offer a clinical eye test for Glaucoma (Gonioscopy), Generalised PRA and Centralised PRA. This is a requirement for all people breeding for both the dog and the bitch on an annual basis (every 3 years for predisposition to Glaucoma). It should be noted that as of 1st January 2026 the scoring results for the Gonioscopy tests changed. Previously grades could be 0-1-2-3, grades 0 and 1 have now been merged so results now show grades 1 -2 and 3.
HIPS – The Royal Kennel Club/British Veterinary Association hip scoring scheme, recommended by The Royal Kennel Club for all dogs and bitches prior to being bred from. This is a one off x-ray done by any veterinary surgeon under anaesthetic, usually performed before the age of 18 months, and then submitted to one of the KC/BVA panel of assessors. When a dog is hip scored, the degree of hip dysplasia present is indicated by a score assigned to each hip. The hip score is the sum of the points awarded for each of the nine aspects of the x-rays of both hip joints. The minimum hip score is 0 and the maximum is 106 (53 for each hip). The lower the score the less the degree of hjip dysplasia present, An average (or mean) score is calculated for all breeds scored under the scheme and advice for breeders is to only breed from dogs with scores well below the mean score. The current breed mean score for cockers at the present time (2026) is around 14. It should be noted that there are very few cases of cockers having severe hip dysplasia.
CHRONIC PANCREATITIS – As a result of studies at the Queens Veterinary School, University of Cambridge, it has been found that some Cocker Spaniels suffer from an unusual form of Chronic pancreatitis. This results in bouts of sickness, diarrhoea and abdominal pain and, in some dogs, the development of diabetes mellitus. Studies are ongoing and it is hoped that the results of these studies will help in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition in Cocker Spaniels in the future.
Click HERE for Information sheet on Pancreatitis (PDF file)
IMHA – Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anemia is a serious autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the dog’s own red blood cells, leading to life-threatening anemia, weakness, pale gums, and potential organ failure, often requiring intensive care and immunosuppressive drugs. It’s a common autoimmune disorder where the body can’t carry enough oxygen, making it difficult for vital organs to function.
The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America have advised that huge new study into IMHA is being carried out by Dr Steven G. Friedenberg, DVM, PhD, DACVECC, Associate Professor at The University of Minnesota who is looking for cheek swabs from affected animals, the study will also include English Springers and American Cocker Spaniels. Hopefully, this study will help to unravel some of the mysteries on IMHA and bring our breed a healthier future.
EPILEPSY -Epilepsy is a common brain disorder in dogs, including Cocker Spaniels, often genetic (idiopathic epilepsy) and typically appearing between 1-5 years old, causing seizures with symptoms like stiffening, paddling legs, drooling, loss of consciousness, and loss of bladder/bowel control. While specific to Cockers, it’s similar to other breeds, with some lines having higher risks, and requires veterinary diagnosis to rule out other causes like tumours or toxins, with management often involving medication or supportive care if seizures are infrequent. Some cases of idiopathic epilepsy may not require treatment initially (depending on the frequency and severity), but once treatment begins, they often necessitate lifelong management with oral anti-seizure medication and ongoing monitoring. At the present time there is no study into this condition, however we are hoping that in the near future we can find a lab willing to take on a study into this condition.
The Royal Kennel Club now record health test results for each dog registered online. Since the Royal Kennel Club stopped adding parents health test results to registration certificates, it is fairly easy for prospective puppy owners to check the health status of the parents of the puppy before purchasing. Simply go to the Royal Kennel Club Health Test Results Finder, and type in the registered names of the puppy’s parents and the test results for both sire and dam can then be checked.