Work Bred English Cocker Spaniels & Braque du Bourbonnais Breeders of Texas

ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL TESTS
To insure a long, happy, and healthful life for our ECS and French Pointer (Braque du Bourbonnais) puppies, we do not breed English Cocker Spaniels or our Bourbonnais who are carriers for genetic diseases. We also do not select ECS for our breeding program which are untested for genetic diseases & conditions or carry those illnesses. All dogs that are bred at RFP Gundogs will be health tested via Animal Genetics Testing Labs and clear of all genetic illnesses associated with the breed. Below are the tests & descriptions of the illnesses that are performed on our Cockers before any breeding is planned or performed:

AMS – Acral Mutilation Syndrome
A rare canine hereditary sensory neuropathy that results in progressive mutilation of the distal extremities.

EIC – Exercise – Induced Collapse
A genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and life-threatening collapse after intense exercise in otherwise apparently healthy dogs.

FN – Familial Nephropathy (Cocker Spaniel Type)
A fatal kidney disease which leads to progressive and irreversible renal failure between 6 months to 2 years. The first signs are excessive water consumption, excessive urine volume, a slowdown in growth, weight loss, reduced appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

PFK – Glycogen Storage Disease VII, PFK Deficiency
An inherited metabolic disorder which affects many breeds of dogs, including the English Cocker.  Glycogen is the primary source of energy for the body. Affected dogs have insufficient activity of the phosphofructokinase enzyme which breaks down glycogen for energy. Deficiency of this enzyme results primarily in easily damaged red blood cells and less severe damage to skeletal muscle cells. Affected dogs can have pale gums from decreased numbers of red blood cells (Anemia) and may be lethargic or unwilling to exercise. After strenuous activity or periods of excitement or stress, affected dogs may have symptoms of hemolysis and muscle cell damage, which can include red or brown urine, muscle cramping and jaundice. Affected dogs generally have a normal life expectancy, but may have recurrent episodes of hemolysis after exercise and muscle wasting progressing to an inability to walk.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
A progressive neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord of dogs. Dogs that have inherited two defective copies can experience a breakdown of the cells responsible for sending and receiving signals from the brain, resulting in neurological symptoms.

PRCD – Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Progressive Rod – Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd)
An inherited autosomal recessive disorder which causes the cells in a dog’s retina to degenerate and die. The symptoms do not usually present until the dog is around 3-5 years old and can result in complete blindness in older dogs.

OFA & Eyes
We also performed OFA testing on hips & elbows, and heart. We also have our ECS certified as clear/no risk for inherited diseases & conditions of the eyes.