10 MAJOR Cockapoo Health Issues to Consider (Must Know 2024)
If anything, we all want to create lovely and long-lasting memories with our adorable companions. Sometimes health issues might be in the way of that. That is why it’s important to have adequate knowledge of the common health challenges your pet is prone to, so you can either prevent them or manage them at best.
Nonetheless, if you buy from a breeder that is not reputable, you might be investing in a liability. Unlike when you buy from a reputable one, you’ll have a chance to avoid most health issues.
Can My Cockapoos Have Severe Health Conditions?
Yes, they can. Although mixed breeds like Cockapoos are mostly considered to have a lower risk of inheriting genetic-related ailments because they have more diverse genes, there is still a possibility of having hereditary conditions from either parent. Purebreds, on the other hand, like Cocker Spaniels or Poodles, stand a greater risk of inheriting some genetic health conditions from their parents.
Common Health Conditions Found in Cockapoos
When we talk about inheritance, what comes to mind is the acquisition of a chunk of wealth and fame, among others. It mostly speaks of positive outcomes.
For the dog parents of Cockapoos, the reverse is the case; they mostly inherit more health conditions than any other thing. Here are some of the health conditions common to Cockapoos:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
This is a regressive disease that affects and dwindles the effective functioning of the retina. It generally affects the ability of the Cockapoo to see movements and colors in low light conditions. Cockapoos, being mixed breeds, are easily susceptible to this health condition, which is commonly inherited through an autosomal recessive trait.
An autosomal recessive trait occurs when the Cockapoo inherits two copies of the genes of the parent with a history of renal disease.
Additionally, the disease is common in the Cocker Spaniel’s gene, so if the Cocker Spaniel is the dominant gene in a Cockapoo, there’s every possibility that your Cockapoo will get it.
However, the added advantage of mixed breeds is that, in rare cases, there’s a possibility of the offspring not inheriting the disease even if it’s in one parent. This happens in rare cases when the other parent’s healthy genes are the dominant ones. The bad news is that there is no working treatment for the disease.
Glaucoma
Another common eye defect is common in Cocker Spaniels, even humans. This is a condition caused by the inability to drain accumulated fluid in the eye, due to blockage, thereby increasing the pressure in the eye. This pressure in the eye eventually leads to losing sight.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s disease is a hereditary ailment that can be passed down from Cockapoo parent to offspring. However, there are rare cases of the disease developing later in life without any relation to the dog’s parents.
It is mostly caused by the low functionality of the Von Willebrand factor in the clotting of the blood. Von Willebrand is a protein that helps to clot the blood to avoid the regular circulation of blood in the body.
When it underperforms, it leads to an impending bleeding disorder. Much like retinal atrophy disease, there is no known cure for this disease. Nevertheless, there are a series of treatments that help manage it better.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is common in both Cocker Spaniel and Poodle parents. It is a deterioration that occurs in the hip joint due to dislocation and improper fitting of the ball and socket joint.
If left unattended, the hip continues to degrade and become incapable, making locomotive activities difficult for your furry friend.
For a disease like this, hip surgery can easily do the trick and gradually restore it to normal functioning.
Familial Nephropathy
The word “familial” is derived from the word “family.” On that note, Familial Nephropathy in Cockapoos is an “ancestral” health condition passed down the breed’s lineage. It’s a condition that occurs when Cockapoos are unfortunately plagued by early kidney failure.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
This disease affects the Cockapoo’s spinal cord. It occurs when the discs that separate the vertebrae column break down, thereby causing the spinal cord to degenerate over time. Wondering what the disc does?
The disc generally functions to stabilize movement in your dog. And when that is damaged, it is unable to do so.
Thyroid Issues
Thyroid hormones are known to regulate growth, development, and ultimately the breakdown of food in the body to convert it into energy. When the thyroid bob performs, it accelerates the production of hormones and the breakdown of food. This process of over-performing is mostly referred to as hyperthyroidism, which is most common in Poodle parents.
What happens when the thyroid is overperforming is that your Cockapoo’s coat/coat becomes so dry, that they might also lose a lotta hair, and add or lose weight unnecessarily. On the flip side, of all the other health conditions, this is the most affordable one.
Luxating Patella
Luxating patella, which also goes by several names like “Trick knee,” “Publication of Patella,” “floating patella,” and “floating kneecap,” is a condition that involves the dislocation of the knees.
If your Cockapoo is diagnosed with this condition then urgent medical care is required. The medical care involves surgery which will cost between $1500 – $3000.
Major causes or drivers of this health condition can be linked to genetic factors, nutritional deficiency, and excessive straining of joints, among others. There are stages of a luxating patella, the initial stages are reversible with simple manipulation which can be painless, however, it can gradually develop to a more severe stage that which manipulating the knee back to the place is virtually impossible. Now that’s where surgery comes in.
Collapsed Trachea in Cockapoos
The trachea is a part of your dog’s anatomy, as it is in humans, and is responsible for the free passage of airstream to and from the lungs. When the trachea collapses, it causes an abrupt blockage of air in your dog. Put differently, it wreaks havoc on respiration as the free flow of air is jeopardized.
Although this condition is most common in Toy-sized Cockapoos, this is not to say it doesn’t affect other dog sizes, because it does. At the initial stage, your vet can administer corticosteroids, bronchodilators, cough suppressants, and antibiotics to manage it.
However, surgery might be the next option if the problem doesn’t subside. Going into surgery will cost well over $3,500, depending on the complications and severity.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition associated with low sugar levels in the blood. Sugar is the major source of energy in the body. Also known as glucose, sugar is vital to the body.
The body should maintain an energy threshold. If the threshold is not met, it results in low blood sugar. Low blood sugar, as you are probably guessing, leads to a decrease in the energy supplied to the body.
In extreme cases, managing and treating hypoglycemia health conditions costs between $1,000 and $8,000.
4 Ways to Protect Your Cockapoo from Common Health Conditions
It is commonly said that prevention is better than cure. There are ways you can save yourself from having to deal with health problems in your Cockapoo. Here are four important ones to consider:
Adopt Only From Reliable Breeders
When you adopt your Cockapoo from a reliable and highly recommended breeder, you spare yourself the stress of having to be on your toes to check for health conditions in your dog.
This is because reputable breeders go the extra mile to breed a disease-free and healthy Cockapoo. You find a reputable Cockapoo breeder. You can do your research on that or check out our comprehensive research on the best breeders in the UK for speedy answers.
On this note, pet stores, puppy mills, and front yard breeders should be a red flag for you. Because at the end of the day, going through these breeders might cost you in the long term if your new Cockapoo lives with health issues throughout its existence.
On the other hand, reputable and responsible breeders carry out adequate testing to limit the possibility of health issues in Cockapoos, and that often comes with an iron-clad health guarantee.
Pay Attention to Their Oral Hygiene
Maintaining proper regard for routines like frequent brushing and oral hygiene for your dog is very important to the overall well-being of your Cockapoo. Lack of oral hygiene in your dog can cause jaw issues, inflammation, or endocarditis. But luckily, all of them can be avoided with proper hygiene.
Proper Diet & Exercise Can Prevent Cockapoo Health Issues
An unhealthy diet is very detrimental to your dog’s health and can lead to chronic diseases. The importance of diet and stimulating activities like exercise to your dog’s health can never be overemphasized. A healthy diet and daily exercise are easy ways to prevent health issues later in life.
Conclusion
As seen in the treatments for most of the health conditions in Cockapoos, it’s obvious that the health bills can be over the roof!
Luckily for you, you can still beat the cost of expensive health treatments with pet insurance. Pet insurance generally covers up to 90% of your dog’s hospital costs. A whopping 90%!
That is great, isn’t it?! Having insurance gives you peace of mind knowing you’ll never have to sacrifice veterinary care based on what you can afford!
