CAVALIER HEALTH

Health test results of ALL puppies (both "show" and "pet") in every litter, are VERY important.  By testing your Cavalier and relaying the information to the breeder, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals/CERF and CKCSC's Health Registry Cavalier owners CAN make a big difference in the future of the breed's health.  For more information visit:  

• Cavalier InfoCenter's What You Can do To Help Improve the Cavalier Breed!

• For a detailed explanation of vertical pedigrees visit http://www.offa.org/pdf/hovanart.pdf.

Heart (Mitral Valve Disease - MVD):  MVD is the leading cause of death of Cavaliers.   

• It is genetic and afflicts roughly 50% of Cavaliers by age 5 and approximately 98% of Cavaliers by age 10.  

• Because veterinarians generally are poor at detecting early murmurs, ALL Cavaliers (both breeding stock/"show" and "pet") over 2 years of age should be screened for heart murmurs annually by a Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist.  Find a health clinic near you: Dog Health Test Clinic Schedule.  

• A reputable and caring breeder will ensure that dogs should not be used for breeding until after the age of 2.5 years and will use a veterinary cardiologist to heart screen ALL of their breeding stock annually.  Ask to see certificates if considering purchasing a puppy from a breeder.

• For more information on MVD in Cavaliers, visit:
• MVD - CKCSC-USA 
• MVD - ACKCSC 

Hip Dysplasia is a terrible genetic disease because of the various degrees of arthritis (also called Degenerative Joint Disease, Arthrosis, Osteoarthrosis) it can eventually produce, leading to pain, debilitation and diminished quality of life.  There is no medical or surgical cure for hip dysplasia.

• Contrary to popular belief, hip dysplasia IS an issue in the Cavalier breed.  It is believed by specialists in the field of hip dysplasia that 1/3 or more of all Cavaliers have hip dysplasia.  Consistently breeding unaffected Cavaliers with certified hips will reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia, especially if the hip status of litter mates is taken in to consideration.                                            

• According to OFA:  "Hip dysplasia appears to be perpetuated by breeder imposed breeding practices, but when breeders and their breed clubs recognize HD as a problem and establish reduction of HD as a priority, improvement of the hip status can be accomplished without jeopardizing other desirable traits. Prospective buyers should check pedigrees and/or verify health issues with the breeder. If suitable documentation is not available, assume the worst until proven otherwise." 

• Breeders should x-ray ALL dogs used for breeding at 2 years of age and submit the x-ray to OFA - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for certification.  If the hip x-rays have been submitted to OFA, then you can find this information online on the OFA website.  If a dog is not listed, they either did not pass or their hips were not x-rayed and sent into OFA for certification.      

Patellar Luxation (dislocating kneecaps):  20-30% of Cavaliers suffer from a hereditary condition where the kneecap (patella) pops out of place causing discomfort.  Responsible breeders clear their breeding stock either by a regular veterinarian or by the OFA.  In its most severe form, it can be a crippling disease and may require surgery.  

Syringomyelia (SM) / Chiari Malformation (CM)

• CM:  a skull malformation where the skull is too small for the brain.  This forces the brain to protrude through the base of the skull into the opening for the spinal cord.  Many dogs with CM develop Syringomyelia (SM).  

• SM:  A condition whereby fluid filled cavities develop within the spinal cord.

• Researchers think about 90% of Cavaliers have the skull malformation that can potentially cause SM and predict from 30-70% will eventually develop SM.

• Pain is the most important consistent clinical sign.

• Research is still in the early stages.  Currently SM is poorly understood, has no cure and few treatment options.

• There is no prevention or genetic screening breeders can perform but there is a breeding protocol designed to assist breeders.

• For the Love of Ollie

• Canine Chiari Institute

Eyes:  The two most common, serious eye defects that Cavaliers can be afflicted with are cataracts and retinal dysplasia.  Eye problems can easily be diagnosed by a qualified veterinary ophthalmologist, which can be done for a discounted fee at the health clinics offered by many Cavalier clubs.  Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock annually through CERF.  Ask to see the certificates.

• Retinal dysplasia
• Cataracts
• Corneal Dystrophy
• Dry eye:  prevents the Cavalier's eyes from being properly moistened, resulting in chronically dry, burning eyes, scarrying and painful ulceration of the corner which may lead to decreased vision.

Curly Coat Syndrome:  

Primary Secretory Otitis Media (PSOM) or "glue ear":  middle ear infection that appears to affect the Cavalier breed in particular.  An estimated 40% of Cavaliers are affected.

Deafness:  Some Cavalier lines are prone to early onset deafness--either partial or total

Episodic Falling:  an exercise-induced hypertonicity disorder meaning that there is an increased muscle tone and the muscles are unable to relax.  Episodes will be in response to excitement, exercise or frustration, except in severe cases.  This syndrome is a genetic disorder found only in Cavaliers.

Fly Catcher's Syndrome:  not really a syndrome.  Fly-biting or fly-snapping are terms used to describe peculiar episodes where the dog appears to be snapping at imaginary flies.

Epilepsy

Chronic Pancreatitis:  Cavaliers are one of four breeds found to have an increased risk of chronic pancreatitis.    

Obesity:  Approximately 55% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese.  Cavaliers are one of the breeds most prone to obesity.  Obesity can lead to a variety of diseases, disorders and other complications in dogs.  The primary causes of obesity are overeating and lack of exercise.  While spayed and neutered dogs may be predisposed to weight gain, proper body condition can be maintained with appropriate diet and exercise.

Cavalier Platelet Issues:  Cavaliers can have an abnormally low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia) and/or atypical large platelets (macrothrombocytosis) without it causing any health problems or being a cause for alarm.  Approximately 30% of Cavaliers have macrothrombocytosis and/or thrombocytopenia.  It is thought that the large platelets of the Cavalier are able to provide the same function in lower numbers than that of other breeds.  In Cavaliers manual counting of the platelets should be done because Cavalier platelets are so large that automated cell counters may mistakenly count them as white blood cells, artificially lowering the platelet count.

Canine Dental Health:  Cavaliers are one of the breeds at greatest risk for developing periodontal disease.  

• 80-85% of Cavaliers 2 years of age or older have some form of periodontal disease (including early gingivitis to severe periodontitis).  

• Tooth decay and diseased gums produce bacteria that can get into your dog's bloodstream which can result in problems to any of their organs but in particular the heart valves where the bacteria starts to grow.  

• The most effective method to prevent tarter build up is usually brushing a dog's teeth daily using a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically for dogs such as this kit:  Virbac C.E.T Oral Hygiene Kit for Dogs.