Information
Cavaliers are generally a happy, healthy breed of dog. They often live joyous lives into their teens. However, as with many other breeds, there are genetic health problems. As a club we promote the breeding of healthy dogs/bitches using the variety of tests available.
Below we will list a few of the known issues, the information has been gathered from a variety of sites and you will see links to 'The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel club' and the Kennel club website.
Health Testing Days
We try to hold at least one health testing day a year as a club which would be to encourage both members and non members to bring their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel along for Doppler testing, BVA eye testing or Heart testing by Auscultation. Our Next date is ..to be confirmed but keep an eye on this page for updates on our next planned date.
Heart Murmurs and Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
A heart murmur is an unusual sound made by the heart during its cycle of beating and can be a sign of heart disease. Mitral valve disease (MVD) is a type of heart disease that is caused by one of the valves in the heart leaking. This leaking valve can get worse over time and can cause the heart to become enlarged and less effective.
If your dog is diagnosed with a heart condition there are various drug treatments accessible, which can effectively sustain a high quality of life in aged dogs, even in the presence of substantial heart murmurs.
In 2018 the kennel club introduced a scheme for testing and grading the heart a link to this can be found here: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Scheme | The Kennel Club
DNA Test for Mitral Valve Disease - A new DNA Test is available to Cavaliers for Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD). The most common heart disease in Dogs and the CKCS.
The test kit, to take a Buccal Swab or blood, is available from Laboklin Laboratory.
Order forms are available from laboklin.co.uk at https://www.laboklin.co.uk/laboklin/showGeneticTest.jsp?testID=8831
SYRINGOMYELIA & CHIARI MALFORMATION
Syringomyelia (SM/CM) is an inherited condition and is thought to have a complex, polygenetic nature of inheritance. International research, supported by contributions from breeders and clubs, seeks responsible genes.
Chiari-like malformation (CM) stems from a brain-skull mismatch. Partial skull-spine blockages disrupt cerebrospinal fluid flow, leading to fluid-filled spinal cavities known as syrinxes.
Dogs with syrinxes might remain symptom-free, detectable only via MRI scans under anaesthesia. MRI availability varies depending on location and affordability, however more breeders are now screening dogs under specialist neurologists' care.
Mature dogs should undergo scanning before breeding to inform mating choices. CM/SM's hereditary nature is evident in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Griffon Bruxellois, suspected in King Charles Spaniels and other breeds. While mild CM/SM may appear asymptomatic, severe cases display pain, touch sensitivity, and neurological signs.
Scratching, neck sensitivity, and pain symptoms mirror common ailments, warranting thorough investigation before assuming SM. Affected dogs have access to drug treatments for an enhanced quality of life.
The intricate nature of CM/SM poses challenges for breeders. UK research advocates breeding SM-free dogs, especially those clear in later scans, for optimal results in subsequent generations, mitigating risk of affected offspring.
Here is a link to the kennel clubs website that details there current scheme linked to this condition : Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Syringomyelia Project | The Kennel Club
And a link the 'The cavalier King Charles' website with some extensive information: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club - Syringomyelia and Chiari Malformation
Episodic Falling
Episodic falling is a neurological condition triggered by exercise, excitement, or frustration. This results in heightened muscle tone, rendering dogs unable to relax, causing rigidity and falls. Usually symptom's only last a few minutes. If you suspect this condition please consult with a Veterinary Surgeon.
There are DNA tests that can be preformed to determine if a dog has this condition. If both parents are clear from the gene then all puppies in the litter will be clear of the gene too, if one parent is a carrier this can result in puppies carrying this gene also.
Curly Coat/Dry Eye
This is an extremely rare condition, so rare that most breeders have never seen this. Dry Eye and Curly Coat, known scientifically as congenital keratoconjunctivitis sicca and icthyosiform, affect a dogs eyes and skin. In the rare instances of dogs surviving beyond birth, affected dogs produce no tears making their eyes incredibly sore. Their skin becomes very flaky and dry, particularly around the foot, and this can make standing difficult and painful. By identifying the genetic mutations responsible for causing this condition, the Animal Health Trust has been able to develop a DNA test to identify carriers. Two "clear" dogs mated together, or a "clear" and a carrier mated together cannot produce an affected dog. So theoretically a breeder would be able to eliminate this syndrome from their bloodlines within one or two generations