CKCS of NSW - Health Issues

Heart Murmur

Unfortunately some Cavaliers develop a heart murmur by the time they reach 6yrs of age and may need to go on medication if it becomes severe. They can usually live quite happy and healthy lives & often reach 14 yrs of age, although the average life expectancy is around 12yrs. Many never need any medication. Obviously occurence of this condition is being monitored and breeders are being encouraged to screen stock carefully. Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is an inherited disease.

The Cavalier club of NSW (as do many other Cavalier clubs in Australia and Overseas) arrange regular heart clinics for breeders to be able to have their breeding stock and older dogs, screened by Veterinary cardiologist specialists. These specialists are able to detect even minor heart murmurs (Grade 1), certificates are issued with the results noted of the findings. A clear heart certificate issued is always wonderful news for breeders. Whilst these clinics are not compulsory or is heart testing of breeding stock, MVD is herediatry and only true lovers of Cavaliers can help decrease the frequency of these heart problems by careful breeding.

Inherited Eye Defects

The two most serious eye defects affecting Cavaliers are Cataracts and Retinal Dysplasia.

A Cataract is the loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. Sometimes they start out as small posts on the lens and suddenly grow larger. As the Cataract grows in size the dog will have difficulty seeing and eventually may go blind. Cataracts can be operated on when they have fully developed and can be quite costly. There is also an inherited form which can be present from birth. These cataracts do not progress and do not lead to blindness.

Retinal Dysplasia comes in 3 different forms.

Retinal Folds which are malformations of the retina of the eye. Often puppies have folds which look like tiny squiggles on the retina, or they may have folds which can disappear as they age and are no longer apparent over 1 year or so. Cavaliers with Retinal folds can be Certified Eye Clear.

Geographic Dysplasia is a malformation of the retina similar to the folds but are larger in size. This is a more severe form of retinal dysplasia and all affected animals cannot be bred from or Certified Eye Clear Retinal Detachment is the most severe form and can lead to blindness in some breeds. Affected animals are not to be bred from and cannot be Certified Eye Clear.

Slipping Patellas

This condition is described in various ways e.g. slipping patella, patella luxation, slipping stiffle, or stifle dysplasia and it is the hind legs that are affected. The patella, or kneecap, is a small bone which runs in a groove and moves up and down as the leg is straightened or bent. Dislocation occurs when the patella slips out of the groove. The dislocation can be corrected temporarily by manipulation but often recurs. A more permanent solution is possible by corrective surgery. The defect is said to be hereditary, therefore stock with this defect should not be used for breeding.

Further Health Information

For further information about health issues concerning the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel please browse some of the links on our Links page.