Why does my Cocker Spaniel have dry eye?
Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a disorder of the tear glands in which there is not enough tear production. As a result, the affected eye becomes irritated, and the conjunctival tissues becomes red. A thick, stringy, mucoid discharge covers the eye. The cornea eventually will become dry and brown. Blindness can result.
Why does my Cocker Spaniel Scoot on the floor?
Approximate location of a Cocker Spaniel’s anal glands. Often times the first sign of anal gland issues is a dog “scooting” on his or her back end across the floor, as if sliding. The sacs are likely itchy, irritated, inflamed, or all three.
What kind of skin problems does a cocker spaniel have?
Primary seborrhea is an inherited skin disorder. Cocker Spaniels are predisposed to this skin problem. Dogs with primary seborrhea may have dry flaky skin, or oily greasy scaly skin, or a combination of both. They are also smelly with a rancid doggy odor.
Are there any treatment for deafness in Cocker Spaniels?
There is no treatment for deafness. Luckily, most dogs cope very well with a hearing disability. You can use hand signals and can also train the dog to respond to signals using lights. Cocker Spaniels are also predisposed to certain eye problems. For example:
What kind of eye problems does a cocker spaniel have?
Common eye problems that tend to affect cocker spaniels include: Cherry Eye Dry Eye Other Eye Problems (such as entropion, ectropion, and distichiasis)
How can I take care of my Cocker Spaniel?
Cocker spaniels are prone to numerous eye problems. If you have a cocker spaniel, therefore, take good care of his/her eyes. Give the eyes a thorough check regularly. Pay particular attention to any abnormal reddening, eye discharge, bulging, and signs of pain such as squinting and avoiding being touched.
Are there any health problems with American Cocker Spaniels?
American Cocker Spaniels are smaller and are more commonly kept as pets. On the other hand, English Cocker Spaniels have still remained as hunting dogs. This page looks at common American Cocker Spaniel health problems. Because Cocker Spaniels have long ears, they are prone to develop ear problems, such as:
There is no treatment for deafness. Luckily, most dogs cope very well with a hearing disability. You can use hand signals and can also train the dog to respond to signals using lights. Cocker Spaniels are also predisposed to certain eye problems. For example:
Cockers sometimes get dry eye too, but can’t jog over to the drugstore for a little plastic bottle of artificial tears. Dry eye, a problem with inadequate tear production, is evidenced by rubbing of the eyes, redness, corneal ulcers, lethargy and a yellow discharge.
Why does my Cocker Spaniel have glaucoma?
Glaucoma happens when the “drain” the aqueous uses becomes a little clogged. This increases the pressure in the eye. Glaucoma can be inherited or it can be a secondary problem to other eye diseases. It is painful for your pooch and can cause vision loss if not treated with medication or surgical intervention.
What does the conjunctiva do for cocker spaniels?
The eyelids and eyelashes keep debris and dust out and they also help with the cotnrol of light rays entering the eyes. Conjunctiva: A thin membrane called the conjunctiva covers the sclera. Sometimes when there is an eye injury or respiratory issue, the conjunctiva becomes inflamed.
What happens if a Cocker Spaniel has cataract?
Cataracts that are untreated can slip (luxate), flat around the eye, block fluid from draining, and even lead to glaucoma and blindness. Cataracts that are untreated and begin to dissolve can cause terrible pain and/or eye inflammation. Here’s the latest on cataract treatment in dogs.
What are common health problems with Cocker Spaniels?
Common cocker spaniel health problems include ear infections, deafness, eye problems, and some autoimmune diseases. Let’s take a look at each.
What are the causes of sudden blindness in Cocker Spaniels?
Retinal Dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy can cause blindness and is a hereditary disease. Cockers are common breeds that suffer from this. SARDS or Sudden Aquired Retinal Degeneration is another common disorder that should be ruled out as a cause. There is no treatment for this disorder.
Why does my Cocker Spaniel have blue eyes?
If your dog is a buff Cocker Spaniel, it is quite possible for them to be merle but for that only to appear in the eyes and perhaps nose/lips. This can be a cause of blue or partially blue eyes. There are other genes as well as spontaneous mutations that can also cause blue eyes.
What causes cherry eye in Cocker Spaniels?
- Breed predisposition
- Age (puppies one year and younger have higher risk)
- Physical trauma to the eye
- Excessive scratching or pawing of the eye