8 - Breed Nutrition

A Cocker’s external ear canal contains more cerumen*-producing glands than that of any other
breed (Bass, 2004), which increases the risk of maceration. In the event of inflammation these glands
expand and the diameter of the ear canal shrinks, which creates conditions conducive to the appearance
of an infection that causes external otitis (Rosychuk and Luttgen, 2000).
Cockers are also inclined to produce excessive quantities of sebum*, a disease known as seborrhoea*,
which is expressed as greasy skin and dandruff. American Cockers are three times more
likely to contract seborrhoeic dermatitis than the canine population as a whole (Dorn et al, 2001).
Sufferers tend to scratch themselves because seborrhoea creates a favourable canvas for secondary
skin and ear infections, the more so as Cockers are one of the breeds more likely to be affected by
yeast infections, like Malassezia (Bond et al, 1996). The lesions caused by these infectious agents
are most often found around the ears, in the folds around the mouth, between the digits, around the
anus, on the inside of the limbs and on the ventral face of the neck.
English Cocker Spaniel
© J.-M. Labat
Vitamin A responsive dermatitis
This is a rare disease, which is almost exclusively observed in Cockers. Patients present
with dry skin and thick, odorous patches. The skin is greasy, the dog scratches
itself and external otitis is often observed. An in-depth examination will
reveal excessive production of the epidermal cells (hyperkeratosis).
Generally speaking, this complaint responds well to a few weeks’
oral intake of large quantities of vitamin A administered under veterinary
supervision (Gough and Thomas, 2004). The cause of this
problem is unknown, as patients do not generally suffer from dietary
vitamin A deficiency.
The high frequency of chronic
external otitis in Cockers may be
explained by the predisposition of
these dogs to major inflammatory
reactions in the skin and
the excessive production of sebum.
12
© J.-M. Labat