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Within the gene pool that affects Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Poodles, and consequently Cockapoos there are some known genetic diseases that can cause serious illness later in life that will not be apparent as puppies. It is the responsibility of the breeder to be aware of these conditions and follow testing procedures to minimise the occurrence of the diseases from birth and in the future. Here below I have attached information from the Cockapoo Club about the health tests we carry out as well as information of my own included.

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​Poppy is health tested for the following:

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...and is clear from all of them. She is also taken for 6 monthly annual health checks and always complimented on how much of a bright character she is when we are at the vets. In addition, we also have copies of all her parents and grandparents health tests. A copy of these will be given to puppy parents as well as a copy of both her parents and grandparents KC certificates. 
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Wilf (stud dog) is health tested for the following:
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  • Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS)
  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
  • Exercise Induced collapse (EIC)
  • Familial Nephropathy (FN)
  • Gangliosidosis (GM2)
  • Glycogen Storage Disease VII (Phosphofructokinase deficiency)
  • Neonatal encephalopathy with seizures (NEWS)
  • Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD)
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-CORD1)
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-rcd4)
  • Von Willebrand disease (VWD1)
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... and is clear from them all. He has also undergone BVA eye testing, with perfect results. This means that none of their puppies will be affected by any of these dreadful diseases. We are very proud of the health of our puppies and take it very seriously. We spent countless time researching stud dogs and their suitability for Poppy in order to find the perfect one and we are delighted with our choice. 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA + PRA-rcd4):

The genetic disorder, prcd-PRA , causes cells in the retina at the back of the eye to degenerate and die, even though the cells seem to develop normally early in life. The “rod” cells operate in low light levels and are the first to lose normal function. Night blindness results. Then the “cone” cells gradually lose their normal function in full light situations. Most affected dogs will eventually be blind. Typically, the clinical disease is recognized first in early adolescence or early adulthood. Since the age at onset of disease varies among breeds, you should read specific information for your dog. Diagnosis of retinal disease can be difficult. Conditions that seem to be prcd-PRA might instead be another disease and might not be inherited. Laboklin or OptiGen’s genetic test assists in making the diagnosis. It’s important to remember that not all retinal disease is PRA and not all PRA is the prcd form of PRA. Annual eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist will build a history of eye health that will help to diagnose disease.

Unfortunately, at this time there is no treatment or cure for PRA.

Inheritance:
Prcd-PRA is inherited as a recessive trait. This means a disease gene must be inherited from each parent in order to cause disease in an offspring. Parents were either “carrier” or affected. A carrier has one disease gene and one normal gene and is termed “heterozygous” for the disease. A normal dog has no disease gene and is termed “homozygous normal” – both copies of the gene are the same. And a dog with two disease genes is termed “homozygous affected” – both copies of the gene are abnormal.

It’s been proven that all breeds being tested for prcd-PRA have the same disease caused by the same mutated gene. This is so, even though the disease might develop at different ages or with differing severity from one breed to another.

Although prcd-PRA is inherited, it can be avoided in future generations by testing dogs before breeding. Identification of dogs that do not carry disease genes is the key. These "clear" dogs can be bred to any mate - even to a prcd-affected dog which may be a desirable breeding prospect for other reasons. The chance of producing affected pups from such breedings depends on the certainty of test results.

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Familial Nephropathy (FN):

Familial Nephropathy (FN) is a recessively inherited renal disease that has been recognized in the English Cocker for more than 50 years. FN is a form of "hereditary nephritis" which refers to a group of glomerular diseases that are linked to genetic collagen defects.
 

The onset of renal failure due to FN typically occurs between six and 24 months of age. Clinical signs may include polydipsia (drinks more), polyuria (urinates more), weight loss, lack of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms are commonly associated with any type of renal failure.

The kidney is an organ made up of hundreds of thousands of tiny structures called nephrons. Each nephron consists of a glomerulus and a tubule. Blood flowing through the kidney is filtered by the glomerulus, with the fluid that is filtered out of the blood subsequently passing down the length of the tubule. Cells that line the inner surface of the tubule process the fluid as it flows along, reabsorbing certain components of the fluid and excreting others. The fluid leaving the tubule at the end of this process is urine, which is a combination of water and waste products.

Dogs affected with FN have a genetic defect within the glomerulus. This defective glomerulus lacks a certain type of collagen that helps to hold the structure of the filter together. As a result of this collagen defect, a chain reaction of events takes place. Once the glomerulus begins to lose its ability to function properly, blood proteins leak through the defective filter into the urine. The glomerular abnormality also leads to subsequent tubular damage, and the chain of events eventually destroys the entire nephron. Nephrons that are severely damaged or destroyed can’t be replaced.

Since the kidney serves as the main waste-disposal system in the body, it is a master at compensation. When one nephron dies, another takes over its work. Over the course of time and with continual compensation the number of functioning nephrons is greatly reduced. When at least 75 percent of the nephron population is destroyed, end-stage renal failure occurs. Since the disease is gradual and progressive, affected dogs do not appear sick until very late in the disease.

Prcd and FN are both inherited as recessive traits. This means that in order for a disease gene to cause disease in an offspring, it must be inherited from BOTH parents. In order for the diseases to be passed on, both parents must be "carriers" or "affected" by them. A "carrier" dog has one disease gene and one normal gene, which means he is not affected by Prcd or FN himself, but he can pass it on to his offspring. A clear dog has no disease gene and is referred to as "homozygous normal" or "Double Clear," which means that both copies of his gene are identical, and no puppies produced by this dog will ever be affected by Prcd or FN. A dog with two disease genes is referred to as "affected" because both copies of the gene are abnormal, and he will suffer from the effects of Prcd and will almost certainly go blind, which will almost certainly lead to untimely death at around 2 - 3 years of age.

Von Willebrand Disease Type 1 (VWD):

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is probably the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs. It is caused by lack of von Willebrand factor which is a protein that plays a key role in the blood clotting process resulting in prolonged bleeding. The disorder occurs in varying degrees of severity ranging from trivial bleeding to excessive life-threatening hemorrhages.

Symptoms include spontaneous bleeding from the nose, gum, and other mucous membranes. Excessive bleeding occurs after an injury, trauma, or surgery. Often dogs don’t show clinical signs until something starts the bleeding, such as nail trimming, teething, spaying, sterilizing, tail docking, cropping, or other causes. Bleeding also occurs internally in the stomach, intestines, urinary tracts, genitals, and/or into the joints. Type I von Willebrand's disease is considered relatively mild when compared to Type II in Scotch Terriers and Shetland Sheep Dogs and Type III in the German Wirehaired pointer, Type II and Type III are much more severe than type I.

Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS):

Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS) is a autosomal-recessive genetic sensory neuropathy condition caused by a mutation in the GDNF gene. AMS causes progressive degeneration and abnormal development of the sensory neurons in the spinal cord and in the peripheral nerves; which will cause the loss of pain sensation in the limb extremities. Single or multiple limbs can be affected by the disease, although the hind legs are believed to be more severely affected. It can present as extreme licking of the paws and biting of the digits and claws developing from a young age (3-12 months).

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Dogs with acral mutilation syndrome will chew, bite, lick and self-mutilate their distal extremities which may result in ulcers and fungal or bacterial infections. In severe cases, auto-amputation of digits, pads and claws can occur. Dogs will continue to walk on mutilated feet without showing pain or lameness. Motor skills, coordination, and reflexes will all appear normal.

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The breed best known for acral mutilation syndrome is the Cocker Spaniel and others that are also affected include the German Short-Haired Pointer, English Pointer and the Miniature Schnauzer.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM):

Degenerative myelopathy (also called Canine Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy or CDRM), is a disease that causes the nerves in the lower spine to stop working properly. It causes weakness, paralysis in the back legs, and incontinence (both urinary and faecal), all of which get worse over time. In some rare cases, it can even affect the front legs. Degenerative myelopathy isn't a painful condition, but it tends to impact the quality of life in its later stages severely. Sadly, most dogs with degenerative myelopathy eventually lose control of their legs, bladder and bowels completely, and need to be put to sleep. The average life expectancy of a dog with degenerative myelopathy is 1-2 years from diagnosis.

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The disease is an autosomal-recessive condition. This means that a puppy must inherit the abnormal genes from both parents in order to be affected by the condition. More than one puppy in the litter can be affected by the disease. If both parent dogs are clear of acral mutilation syndrome, their offspring will not inherit the condition nor will they be carriers of the disease. (All dogs that are bread from at Meadows are 'DOUBLE CLEAR' on all)

I'm hoping I will have answered most questions regarding our health testing here. If not though please don't be hesitant to get in touch. We'd be happy to have a chat with any questions you may have!

Signs of a healthy Cockapoo:

 
It's important to be familiar with the signs of a healthy dog. Then, in the case that something becomes wrong with your dog, you'll notice it quicker and be able to take the proper course of action.

These are the general signs of good health to look for in your dog:

Skin:
 Healthy skin is flexible and smooth, without scabs, growths, white flakes or red areas. It ranges in colour from pale pink to brown or black depending on the breed. Spotted skin is normal, whether the dog has a spotted or solid coat. Check your dog for fleas, ticks, lice and other external parasites. To do this, blow gently on your dog's stomach or brush hair backward in a few places to see if any small specks scurry away or if ticks are clinging to the skin. Black "dirt" on your dog's skin or bedding may be a sign of flea infestation. 

Coat:
A healthy coat, whether short or long, is glossy and pliable, without dandruff, bald spots, or excessive oiliness.

Eyes:
Healthy eyes are bright and shiny. Mucus and watery tears are normal but should be minimal and clear. The pink lining of the eyelids should not be inflamed, swollen, or have a yellow discharge. Sometimes you can see your dog's third eyelid, a light membrane, at the inside corner of an eye. It may slowly come up to cover his eye as he goes to sleep. The whites of your dog's eyes should not be yellowish. Eyelashes should not touch the eyeball.
 
Ears:
The skin inside your dog's ears should be light pink and clean. There should be some yellow or brownish wax, but a large amount of wax or crust is abnormal as is a foul smell. There should be no redness or swelling inside the ear, and your dog shouldn't scratch his ears or shake his head frequently. Dogs with long, hairy ears, such as Cockapoo’s, need extra attention.

Nose:
A dog's nose is usually cool and moist. It can be black, pink or the same colour as the coat, depending on the breed. Nasal discharge should be clear, never yellowish, thick, bubbly, or foul smelling. A cool, wet nose does not necessarily mean the dog is healthy. Likewise, a dry, warm nose doesn't necessarily mean he's sick. Taking his temperature is a better indication of illness.

Mouth, Teeth, and Gums:
 Healthy gums are firm and pink, black or spotted, just like the dog's skin. Young dogs have smooth white teeth that tend to darken with age. Puppies have 23 baby teeth and adults have about 42 permanent teeth, depending on the breed. As adult teeth come in, they push baby teeth out of the mouth, much like they do in humans.
 
Weight:
A healthy dog's weight is the result of the balance between diet and exercise. If he is getting enough nutritious food and exercise but still seems over or underweight, he may have a health problem. Don't let your dog get fat by giving him too many between-meal snacks. Obese dogs often develop serious health problems. The best way to tell if your dog is overweight is to feel his rib-cage area. You should be able to feel the ribs below the surface of the skin without much padding.

Heartbeat and Pulse:
 A dog's heartbeat varies according to size. A normal heart beats from 50 to 130 times a minute in a resting dog. Puppies and small dogs have faster speeds, and large dogs in top condition have slower heartbeats. To check your dog's heartbeat, place your fingers over the left side of the chest, where you can feel the strongest beat. To check the pulse, which is the same speed as the heartbeat, press gently on the inside of the top of the hind leg. There is an artery there and the skin is thin, so it's easy to feel the pulse.
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Temperature:
A dog's normal temperature is 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celsius). To take your dog's temperature, you'll need a rectal thermometer. Put some petroleum jelly on the bulb of the thermometer. Ask someone to hold your dog's head while you lift his tail and insert the thermometer about an inch or so into the rectum. Do not let go of the thermometer. Hold it in until the temperature is read (about 3 minutes for a mercury thermometer), and then remove gently.
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Elimination:
Clear, yellow urine is an indication of good health. Most adult dogs have one or two bowel movements a day. Stools should be brown and firm. Runny, watery or bloody stools, straining or too much or too little urination warrant a call to the veterinarian.
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