The following is a list of known health and genetic problems in Kooikers and was taken from the Breeding rules of the Dutch Kooikerhondje Club approved May 9th 1998
Hereditary Necrotising Myelopathy: This is also known as Kooikerparalization. As it sounds it is a hereditary paralyzation. This is also known as ENM. This is much like spinal degeneration in people.
Epilepsy: We can speak of hereditary epilepsy, also know as 'real' or idiopathic (idiopathic the course of the dysfunction is unknown) epilepsy, if the dog has had two or more epileptic attacks. Generally speaking there is a case of (hereditary) epilepsy if there are attacks and the dog loses consciousness for a short or longer period, the dog need not necessarily be lying down, he may also lose control over his bodily functions. He may also have involuntary spasms of the legs and head. These attacks occur in either sex, between the age of six months and six years. The VHNK (Vereniging 'Het Nederlandse Kooikerhondje') is of the opinion that there is no case of hereditary epilepsy if, an independent veterinarian investigation proves that it is a case of unreal, so called secondary form of epilepsy which is not hereditary. The owner of the dog that is suffering from epilepsy has to take the necessary steps to prove this.
Cataracts: There is a case of hereditary cataract, also called green cataract or gray cataract or an abnormal cloudiness of the lens.
Von Willebrand Disease: We can speak of von Willebrand's disease (VWD), if the dog does not have the von Willebrand factor (vWf). This is proven if a blood test proves the vWf is lower than 3% or by a DNA test which concludes that the dog is a sufferer. The examinations should take place according to the method that is used by the hematological or biochemical laboratories of the University clinic for pets in Utrecht (Netherlands). It is also possible to find out is a kooikerhondje is a 'carrier' of VWD or if he is 'free' from this illness by means of the DNA test. This is also known as the bleeder disease because it is much like hemophilia in people.
Patella-luxation: We can speak of clinical complaints of patella-luxation if a veterinarian comes to this conclusion on the base of anamnese and if this is concluded after a clinical examination. Patella-luxation means the abnormal inward or outward moving of the knee. (Slipping Patella) Which is much like our knee cap.
