Cocker spaniel health testing

[Malxwal]

Looking for advice on health testing for cockers.
I inherited a cracking cocker dog when my father passed, and would really like to have him sire a pup.
No health testing noted on his papers, so before I asked anyone with a suitable bitch, I'd like to know he's clear of known issues.
Can anyone advise which system is good? Local vet happy to take blood, but offered no advice on where was best to use for the actual testing.

 

[deerstalker.308]

I’ve used Laboklin for our Labrador health tests, very straight forward simple process to work through.

 

[countrryboy]

Best consult the KC site for the breed to get official tests for breed from breed club.

Althou I don't think there are many health tests for cockers, never used to be.
Some i think are DNA tested but that's to prove they are cockes and not sprockers, as 1 successful FT trainer was accused of breeding sprockers.

I know locally very few folk use ' normal' working dogs as sires as a couple of FTCHs locally, not entirely healthy for the breed but the way it is so u might struggle to find a bit h unless ur dog ISA really great worker.

 

[deerstalker.308]

For KC assured breeders there are mandatory health tests, PRA, and BVA eye tests and FN as a bare minimum.
Only for “assured breeders” but gives a good idea of what you should be aiming for. The eye tests are an absolute in my book, you don’t want to produce anything with hereditary eye problems, these can be so easily ruled out.

 

[deerstalker.308]

But, we warned, getting a BVA eye test now can take a few month of being on a waiting list and regularly checking if they’ve had any cancellations and being prepared to travel some distance to get the test done or wait for a clinic to be happening near you if you’re in no rush, but still you’ll need to be quick to get on their lists, they’re booking up months in advance.

 

[countrryboy]

Must admit not really a cocker man but I know a few bred by mates and never heard of them doing eye tests.
Whereas they do hips eyes etc on labs.

Do working cockers have issues with there eyes? Never really heard of many issues

 

[Poola]

Don’t imagine it will help much in the short (lockdown) term, but local Gundog societies often hold official eye tests for members, and sometimes open these up to non members (for a small premium). Official BVA eye testers come along, and they are generally offered as a service to members so the cost is really quite reasonable.

 

[sportingspaniels]

Try pet genetics and see if they do a cocker “bundle” for the tests. Eye test first, it’s the cheapest and hips tested. Firstly ask yourself why would anyone want to use your dog over their bitch ? He may be the best dog in the world to you but there are 20,000 others with the best cocker in the world too

 

[Malxwal]

Thanks folks, Laboklin was mentioned by a couple of lads I spoke to today, will look into it.
@sportingspaniels, I am endeavouring to minimise the risk that the dog would sire pups with health issues. I'm not "into gundogs" but work my dogs beating, picking up and as stalking companion (the lab anyway), all strictly amateur. As to why anyone would want to use my dog, well, you'd have to see the dog and make up your own mind.

 

[deerstalker.308]

Eye tests are very normal in the breed, PRA is easily avoidable so why wouldn’t you if you could? BVA eye tests organised by breed societies and clubs etc are worth keeping an ear open for but as I said before they are heavily oversubscribed currently. I was on a waiting list for months, but in the end went to the RVC and paid the extra £20, I mean in the scheme of things you’re talking about a test which costs £60 or normally £40 through a club organised day. It ain’t a lot in the big picture but may save you a long drive

 

[Malxwal]

Just found the UK Kennel Clubs CombiBreed testing, looks like it would be a reasonable option at £135.

 

[Dan Newcombe]

That’s what we use Malc, just the breed specific swap kit but we have also used Laboklin in the past.

 

[sco_tish]

Cocker Spaniel DNA Health Panel

Our Cocker Spaniel DNA testing package includes AMS, DM, EIC, FN, PRA-prcd, PP and GSD7.

www.petgeneticslab.co.uk

 

[Antlerman]

Are these tests done at home and you send away for results or do you need to take the dog to get checked over. Thanks.

 

[Malxwal]

Are these tests done at home and you send away for results or do you need to take the dog to get checked over. Thanks.

According to the Kennel Club website, the testing is done by yourself by swabbing the dogs inner cheek, then sending the swab away to the providers lab.

 

[sportingspaniels]

Eye test /hips X-ray and score by the relevant expert. Swab for dna tests done at home. It cost me about £500 for my Labrador bitch to be fully tested

 

[Antlerman]

I was thinking more about the eyes and hips. How are these done. Cheers.

 

[deerstalker.308]

Eyes are done by an ophthalmologist and takes about 10 minutes, hips etc are full GA, then xrays and assessment by a board of vets who form the panel of judges

 

[sportingspaniels]

Eyes are done by an ophthalmologist and takes about 10 minutes, hips etc are full GA, then xrays and assessment by a board of vets who form the panel of judges

Mine bitch hips/elbows were done under sedation not GA

 

[deerstalker.308]

Mine bitch hips/elbows were done under sedation not GA

Not the norm. The position they need to be manipulated into for the x-rays is very exacting and is normally done under GA.

“The BVA/KC Hip Scoring Scheme requires a very specific and carefully positioned X-ray of the hips under a general anaesthetic (so the dog doesn't wriggle!). This image is then sent off to a panel of experts who will grade each of the hips on nine different criteria.”