English Cocker Spaniel health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the English Cocker Spaniel, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.
Last updated: October 2026 · 19 sources · see sources
Health problems linked to the English Cocker Spaniel
| Condition | What it is | Related costs |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2] | Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3] Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4] |
| Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: breed club screening [6] | The kneecap slips out of its groove. Mild cases may only cause an odd skip in the step; severe cases can need surgery. [5] | Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7] Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [8] |
| Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Named by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | The cells at the back of the eye slowly wear out, starting with night vision. It isn't painful, but it can lead to blindness. [9] | Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [10] |
| Ear infectionsNamed by: AKC breed page [1] | Floppy or hairy ears trap moisture, which makes infections more likely. Regular cleaning helps, and repeat infections often point to allergies. [11] | Ear infection treatment (owner bills): $200–$650 [12] |
Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.
Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: These include progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, familial nephropathy, and adult onset neuropathy. The English Cocker's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs.
[1]
Health screening
The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test. [1][6] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.
The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 1 DNA health test for the English Cocker Spaniel, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [13] One health test costs $58 there. [14]
What to budget
For a medium dog like the English Cocker Spaniel, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482), and surgery, when needed, runs $264 – $2,106. [15]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult English Cocker Spaniel at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 12–14 years and you get roughly $10,500–$19,000 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [15][16] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.
Insurance and savings
The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [17] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [18] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [19]
Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.
Common questions
What health problems are common in the English Cocker Spaniel?
Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy and ear infections. That doesn't mean every English Cocker Spaniel will get them.
How much are vet bills for a English Cocker Spaniel?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482).
Should I get pet insurance for a English Cocker Spaniel?
It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.
What health tests should a English Cocker Spaniel breeder do?
The national breed club recommends: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test. Ask to see the parents' results.
How long does a English Cocker Spaniel live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12–14 years.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.
Sources (19) — tap to show
- AKC – English Cocker Spaniel breed page (with the national breed club)
- VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Luxating patella in dogs
- OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
- VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Progressive retinal atrophy in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Ear infections in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Ear Infection Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – English Cocker Spaniel DNA tests
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
- VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)