cockers droopy eyes

Question
QUESTION: I went to see a 2 yr old cocker spaniel and she is beautiful, but she has droopy lower eyelids that form a v in the center, is this a problem and could it be passed to her pups? Is this a disqualification?

ANSWER: A disqualification?  Are you looking for a show dog?  Where did you see this cocker?  An experienced, professional breeder could have discussed this with you.

An extremely drooping lower lid is quite easily fixed by a vet opthalmologist and the reason for doing that is because it can cause "dry eye".  There is an OTC eye drop called Genteal that opthalmologists love and it helps maintain eye moisture and thereby prevent problems.  You'd get the "Moderate" drops and use 2x daily.
Totally safe for dogs and you can actually use as much as needed.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for info. I am thinking of showing cockers and thats why I wanted to know if it was a disqualification. She is going to have pups and I wanted to know if its passed on to pups. Thanks again.

Answer
It may or it may not.  Like human genetics...you can end up with some characteristic of some great uncle...or not look like anyone else in your family.

As far as showing goes - it would be completely undetectable so I can't imagine any disqualification.  It's simply tightening that lower lid.  So I'd say "don't ask - don't tell" :)

If you do take her I'd get an opthalmologist's appt. - do NOT let a family vet attempt this - and in the meantime, use the Genteal eye drops.  You can even call and get a sense of price - healing time, etc.  Although, as far as I know, it's in that morning and home that day.
Delores