Skin Conditions in Cocker Spaniels

Cocker spaniels are more prone than many other dog breeds to a variety of skin conditions. Some skin ailments represent quickly treatable surface troubles, while other skin concerns indicate more serious, underlying illnesses. Most skin issues in spaniels require vigilance and care to keep them in check for the life of the dog.

  1. Primary seborrhea

    • An overproduction of skin cells, including oil-gland cells, causes this common spaniel affliction. Symptoms include a greasy, scaly or flaky appearance to the skin, as well as a foul or sour smell. Itching is a frequent, but not automatic, symptom. Rashes of raised, red spots and circular pealing lesions can also occur, and ear infections frequently accompany this disorder. Areas typically affected include the trunk, the back and the ears. Oily skin can cause irritating warts on your dog as well. The warts can grow fairly large and require surgical removal.

    Food allergies

    • Spaniels face a high risk for food allergies, which occur when the immune system overreacts to specific foods. Reddened, swollen patches of skin that feel bumpy and hot to the touch are a common symptom of food allergies. Your dog will also itch excessively. Pinpoint food allergies through an elimination diet, during which a dog receives only one starch and one protein for two to three months. If the starch and the protein cause no symptoms, add in new foods slowly, one at a time, to determine the culprit. The most common causes of food allergies in dogs are beef, chicken, milk, eggs, corn, wheat and soy.

    Hypothyroidism

    • This hormonal imbalance involving an under-active thyroid gland manifests itself in skin troubles. A dog's slower metabolism can lead to dry skin and excessive fur loss. Darkening of the skin and itching can also occur. In serious cases, the dog's skin can thicken, giving his face a bloated appearance. Hypothyroidism is caused most often by a thyroid tumor that emerges between the ages of 4 and 10. Your veterinarian can administer a blood test to determine whether poor thyroid function is behind your dog's skin problems.

    Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

    • Like hypothyroidism, autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a deeper illness that can cause irregularities in your cocker spaniel's skin. Yellowing or jaundiced skin and paler skin and gums are two key indicators of anemia. Cocker spaniels are predisposed to this form of anemia. Your veterinarian can diagnose this illness based on a physical exam and blood tests.

    Treatment

    • Each condition has its own treatment regimen. Control seborrhea with oral retinoids such as isotretinoin. Antifungal medications can help, as some cases of seborrhea trace back to yeast infections. Veterinarians also recommend routine use of antiseborrheic shampoos and moisturizers. For food allergy-related skin problems, eliminate offending foods from your dog's diet. Hypothyroidism is treated with oral synthetic thyroid hormone to bring your dog's levels back to normal. Anemia is typically treated with steroids to tame the immune response, and blood transfusions to replace lost red blood cells. Chemotherapy drugs can help as well.

    Prevention

    • Staving off additional skin outbreaks requires maintaining all treatments for underlying illnesses for the rest of your spaniel's life. Your dog will also need good flea control and regular bathing with hypoallergenic shampoo. Add sources of omega fatty acids and protein to your dog's diet, and avoid dog foods that list grains as their first ingredient. Low-dose antihistamines or corticosteroids such as prednisone can keep non-food allergies at bay. Regularly check your spaniel's skin during grooming or playing, and pay attention to any pain or discomfort your dog shows during your exams.