Health Testing 

Responsible Breeders

Both Koko and Bonnie have been extensively health tested and are CLEAR of the following hereditary conditions. We have ensured the stud we use has also undergone tests associated with poodles. We provide a copy of both Dam and Sire's results in our puppy packs.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (cord1- PRA / crd4 PRA) - CLEAR

The cord1-PRA (Cone-rod dystrophy 1) is an inherited disease of the eye that occurs in English Springer Spaniel, Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds and Smooth-Haired Dachshunds. 

The retina is a thin layer of neural cells that lines the back of the eyeball. The vertebrate retina contains photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) that respond to light. The cones mediate high-resolution vision and colour vision. The rods mediate lower-resolution, black-and-white, night vision. 

The degeneration of the retina results in loss of vision, often leading to blindness. There is currently no treatment for the disease. In contrast to rod-cone dystrophies, where firstly, rod cells are affected and secondly, degeneration of the cone cells results in complete blindness of the dog, cone-rod dystrophies are characterised by the relatively early loss of cone photoreceptors. 

The earliest ophtalmoscopic signs could appear about six month of age but some dogs with the mutation are not diagnosed until much later in life, so owner may never see behavioural changes and never recognise that the dog can pass the mutation onto its offspring. 

Since diagnosis of retinal diseases in dogs may prove difficult, the genetic test on cord1-PRA helps to diagnose a specific form of a disease and is also a useful tool for breeders to eliminate the mutated gene from the dog population.

Familial Nephropathy (FN) / Hereditary Nephropathy - CLEAR
The Familial or Hereditary Nephropathy (FN) is a juvenile-onset fatal kidney disease in English Cocker Spaniels. The renal disease caused by FN invariably is progressive and ultimately fatal. Dogs with FN typically develop chronic renal failure between 6 month and 2 years of age, with eventual and sometimes rapid destruction of both kidneys. The first clinical signs are excessive water consumption, growth rate or loss in weight, reduced appetite, and vomiting.

Acral Mutilation Syndrome ( AMS ) - CLEAR

Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS) is an inherited sensory neuropathy disorder affecting several sporting breeds. The disease is characterised by insensitivity to pain in the feet ( acral analgesia ) which can be associated with sudden and intense licking, biting and severe self-mutilation of the feet, while proprioception, motor abilities and spinal reflexes remain intact. 

Affected puppies look smaller than their healthy littermates.

Symptoms maybe followed by further complications such as infections, ulceration, nail loss, swollen paws and fractures.

Age of onset: 3-12 months