The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America, Inc.

Parent Club of the Breed ~ Established 1936

AKC Health Statement for English Cockers
Recommended Guidelines for Health Testing of English Cocker Spaniels by the
ECSCA H&RO Health Committee
Approved by the ECSCA and the ECSCA Health & Rescue Org.

The following is a guide for genetically identifiable breed related health concerns. These screening tools ensure effectiveness in maintaining a healthy breed pool. All English Cockers should be checked for breeding soundness before they are bred. Those acquiring a puppy should ask the breeder/owner for printed copies of all health
clearances on both parents either on paper and/or referred to the OFA database.

• Familial Nephropathy (FN) – DNA test done one time at any age
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – DNA test done one time at any age
• Adult Onset Neuropathy (AON) – DNA test done one time at any age
• Hip Dysplasia – Xray done at two years of age or later, or a preliminary xray if under 2 yrs
• OFA Patellar Luxation – Examination at 1 yr or older for OFA certification
• Autoimmune Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism – OFA Thyroid panel
• ACVO eye exam – OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER), exam good for one year
• BAER testing— identifies congenital heredity deafness (required for parti-colored dogs only) from age 35 days and older Field Bred English Cockers should additionally be tested for:
• Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS) – DNA test done one time at any age
• Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) – DNA test done one time at any age

Visit the ECSCA parent club for more information: https://englishcocker.org/wpcontent/uploads/2019/12/Understanding-Health-Clearances-Recommended-For-An-ECS.pdf

And the ECSCA Health & Rescue Organization for more details on all health-related diseases in the breed:  https://www.ecscahealthandrescue.org/

Contact ECSCA Corresponding Secretary, secretary@englishcocker.org