im looking after my friends two english x american cocker crosses at them moment and one of them has a really bad eye, it looks like his 3rd eyelid (is that what its called ) is stuck half way up his eye and he cant really see out of that eye.  Ive booked an appointment at the vets for him for tomorrow morning, was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this ?

Hi Claire, it may be a cherry eye. It's something that is well known in American Cockers, so a cross American may indeed have the same problem.

I'll go off and see if I can find a link to a picture that might help you.
Have a look at this.

http://www.veterinaryvision.com/public_forum/Cherryeye.htm

Dawn R.

The other one has been operated on for cherry eye, I dont think its that, doesnt look the same. thanks for the link though :)

If its cherry eye you should be able to push it back.
Fiona

hiya, no it wasnt cherry eye, the vet said its just very sore and inflamed, she has given my some ointment and some pain killers for him.  Something she did notice whilst looking at his eyes were what she called "changes" at the back, basically he is going blind :(  we had noticed that he wasnt following the ball when you throw it and when out walking its easy to lose him because unless he is right up close to you he cant see you.  He is only 4, the vet said a specialist should look at him and they might be able to operate.  Does anyone know if this is common in American or English Cockers or is it just unlucky :(

Age 4 is a fairly typical age for Progressive Retinal Atrophy to cause loss of sight.  Did his parents hold current eye certificates or been genetically tested?

Glaucoma is also a problem too unfortunately.  Dependant on where you live quite  a few specialists go to dog shows and you could get a proper diagnosis.  Or your vet will refer you on.

He belongs to my friend, and although he is a cross he did come from a good breeder but I dont know about eye test certificates (do cockers have those ?)  Her other one had cherry eye and was referred to an eye specialist so she does know a specialist and is going to take him when she gets back from her holiday.

Yes, all cockers should have current clear eye certificates before breeding and many breeders are choosing to use the genetic test too.

All Cockers should have a yearly eye test and certificate, all the best, sorry to hear about the problems, Dawn

and American Cockers need to be tested for PRA, Hereditary Cateract, Glaucoma and Retinal Dysplasia.

Dawn R.

thanks for the link, I will forward it on to her.