Cocker Spaniel Blindness
Sadly cocker spaniels are one of the breeds with a higher than usual propensity to develop cataracts.
Cocker spaniel blindness. Responsible cocker spaniel breeders and aficionados are well aware that cockers are susceptible to eye problems and are working to eradicate these problems. Your dog may display a hesitancy to walking down steps or stairs and his eyes may look like they re glowing or shining. Cocker spaniels enjoy work and mental stimulation making an excellent pet for active families and they also excel as sniffer dogs.
It has been documented in a large number of different dog breeds including both the american and english cocker spaniels. A cocker spaniel as well as other purebreds has a genetic predisposition to certain illnesses and conditions. However progressive retinal atrophy is a much more serious issue and will eventually cause total blindness if your cocker spaniel hasn t developed symptoms by the time they are two then you may well be in the clear.
Cherry eye prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid is a congenital defect. Progressive retinal atrophy pra is a term given to several diseases which affect a dog s eyesight and can lead to blindness. He is also deaf and has hip displacia.
Paying close attention to your cocker spaniel s eyes are a must for owners. He is on medications for his hips but hi read more. Cocker spaniels are dogs belonging to two breeds of the spaniel dog type.
It is crucial for a spaniel owner to spot the early symptoms of an eye disease and visit a vet doctor before the problem becomes irretrievable. Cocker spaniels are predisposed to certain types of cancer. Cocker spaniels have a very sociable character and love nothing better than to be with their family which means they can be prone to separation anxiety and do not make good guard dogs.
If left untreated it can cause visual impairment and eventual loss of sight. Inherited cataracts generally appear between the ages of one and four years. The connective tissue that attaches the gland of the third eyelid to the surrounding structures of the eye has become weak.
Is their anything i can do to make him more comfortable. Another leading cause of blindness is canine glaucoma which is an increase in the pressure of the fluid in the eye. My cocker spaniel has gone totally blind in a matter of weeks.
Cataracts when considering a puppy be sure to ask about the parents and if they had any problems with cataracts as they aged. Early symptoms include dilated pupils night blindness and difficulty in low light.
