Health Testing

cocker spaniel puppies

At Abbadoo Cocker Spaniels, the health and wellbeing of our dogs is our highest priority. Responsible breeding means carefully selecting healthy dogs and carrying out extensive health testing to reduce the risk of inherited diseases being passed on to future generations. 🐾

Before any dog is used in our breeding programme, they are screened for a range of genetic conditions known to affect Cocker Spaniels. This allows us to make informed breeding decisions and helps ensure that our puppies have the best possible start in life.

DNA Health Testing

Our breeding dogs are DNA tested for several hereditary conditions associated with Cocker Spaniels:

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
    A genetic eye disease that can cause gradual vision loss and eventual blindness.
  • Familial Nephropathy (FN)
    A hereditary kidney disease that affects young dogs. Responsible testing helps prevent affected puppies being bred.
  • Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS)
    A neurological condition affecting pain sensation in the paws.
  • Adult Onset Neuropathy (AON)
    A condition affecting the nervous system which can lead to weakness and coordination problems later in life.
  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
    A progressive spinal cord disease that can lead to mobility issues.
  • Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
    A condition where dogs may experience weakness or collapse following intense exercise.
  • Phosphofructokinase Deficiency (PFK)
    A metabolic disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce energy properly.

Additional Health Screening

In addition to DNA testing, our male dogs undergo further health screening through the British Veterinary Association (BVA) health schemes.

This includes:

  • BVA Hip Scoring – to assess hip joint health and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia
  • BVA Elbow Scoring – to check for elbow joint abnormalities
  • BVA Eye Testing – specialist examinations to detect inherited eye conditions

Our Commitment to Healthy Puppies

By carrying out thorough health testing and careful breeding selection, we aim to produce puppies that are healthy, well-balanced, and true to the Cocker Spaniel breed. 🐶

We are always happy to discuss our health testing with prospective owners and provide reassurance about the care, planning, and responsibility that goes into every litter at Abbadoo Cocker Spaniels.