Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health problems
Almost none of the following problems are congenital (i.e. present at birth), but they develop later with no upper age limit for the age of onset. Actual symptoms generally show up between 2 and 6 years of age, although younger and older ages of onset are possible. Breed-wide, the average lifespan of a Cavalier is about 9-10 years.
With the exception of syringomyelia, the following problems are diagnosed through simple, non-invasive, inexpensive, readily available, and painless tests.
HEART |
Chronic, degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD). The first indication is a murmur. Other heart defects include pulmonary and aortic stenoses and PDA (Patent Ductus Arterious). Diagnosis should be done by a board certified veterinary cardiologist. |
EYES |
Juvenile cataracts and retinal dysplasia or folds. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) has also occurred in Cavaliers but is not prevalent. Diagnosis should be done by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist. |
PATELLAR LUXATION |
Known as slipping patellas. Even quite bad patellar luxation may not cause much, if any, discomfort; especially while the Cavalier is young. Surgery is an option if the Cavalier is in pain, his quality of life is impaired, or to prevent irreversible joint deterioration. Diagnosis should be done by a General Practioner and is the easiest of all the tests to be performed. |
HIP DYSPLASIA |
Because of the breed’s small size, obvious clinical symptoms usually don’t occur until the Cavalier is older and then mainly in severely affected dogs only. Diagnosis should be done by X-rays taken at 2 years of age or older and sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and are good for life. X-rays taken under 2 years are considered Preliminary diagnosis and it is recommended that the hips be re-evaluated at 2 years. |
BACK |
Degenerative disc disease |
EPILEPSY |
Gran mal seizures are possible but various forms of focal (petit mal) seizures can also occur. The most common focal seizure is called “Fly Catcher’s Syndrome”, where the dog snaps or lunges at imaginary flies. There are many other types of focal seizures that can occur. All types of seizures may be treated with phenobarbital and/or potassium bromide and other drugs if necessary |
DEAFNESS |
Total deafness is rarely congenital. Cavalier deafness is usually of a partial and/or premature nature. Some Cavaliers become totally deaf by 6-8 years. BAER testing is... |
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