Cavalier King Charles Spaniel General Health Issues?

[KLB]

Hi all,

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is pretty high up on my list of potential puppy breeds. They seem like wonderful dogs. However, I am reading a lot about potential health problems, such as heart problems. I expect most older dogs to develop some health issues but I wonder if the health hazards of these are worse? Is it over-stated online from what you have seen?

Many thanks.

[sandgrubber]

Below, I've posted the cause of death data from the Finnish Kennel club (unfortunately, the only club that keeps tabs on health for all registered dogs). Should note that this source shows most breeds to have shorter lifespans than advertised in most breed descriptions. The average lifespan listed is at the bottom . . . 9 yr 1 mo. That's on the low side for a small bred. Heart disease is common, but the dogs dying of heart disease live, on average, for 9 yr 3 mo., so I'd say it isn't a horrid problem.

Syringomyelia has gotten a lot of attention and is a truly horrible disease that affects quite a few CKCS's get it. This has gotten much attention due to Pedigree Dogs Exposed. A pretty good list of ailments affecting the breed can be found at http://www.dogbreedhealth.com/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/

Cause of death Average life spanTotal Accident4 years 2 months61 Age (natural or euthanasia)11 years 10 months272 Congenital defect or malformation of a puppy0 years 3 months3 Damage done by large carnivores7 years 4 months2 Dead without diagnosis of illness8 years 0 months42 Endocrine disease8 years 7 months16 Euthanasia due to behavioral problems6 years 2 months5 Euthanasia, non-diagnosed9 years 0 months54 Heart disease9 years 3 months355 Immunological disease3 years 0 months8 Jecur or digestive disease8 years 1 months34 Labor difficulties4 years 11 months2 Lost5 years 2 months5 Neurological disorder6 years 5 months68 Other unspecified disease7 years 2 months67 Respiratory disease8 years 8 months9 Skeletal or articular disease7 years 7 months18 Skin or ear disease6 years 1 months5 Spinal disease9 years 2 months13 Tumor, cancer9 years 6 months99 Urinary disorder8 years 2 months42 Cause of death not specified9 years 4 months388 Altogether 9 years 1 months1568

/br crap . . . that was a neat table when I posted it. You can find the data at http://jalostus.kennelliitto.fi/frmTerveystilastot.aspx?R=136&Lang=en and going to companion dogs, choosing CKCS, selecting health stats and selecting cause of death statistics.

Edited July 2, 2016 by sandgrubber

[Roova]

This is an American site but lists health testing any breeding Cavalier should have. Would it be exactly the same in Australia?

With point one, wouldn't that lend itself to not breeding from your dog until the age of 2.5 when they can be judged as clear?

Basically:

1. A heart clearance from an auscultation by a board certified veterinary cardiologist that is consistent with prevailing cardiology protocols; however, the CKCSC, USA, recommends a minimum of a cardiology clearance at age 2.5 years by a board certified veterinary cardiologist.

2. A normal rating or within CERF breeder options from a screening by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist;

3. No evidence of patella luxation from an evaluation by a licensed veterinarian; and

4. A passing grade from an X-ray for hip dysplasia submitted to the OFA.

It is further recommended that subsequent periodic exams be conducted for hearts, eyes, and patella luxation.

Results of the most recent health clearances should be provided to the owners of both the stud dog and brood bitch at the time of breeding.

Link: CKC Spaniel Club

[Gretel]

They are lovely dogs. I currently have five ranging in age from 7 months to 15 1/2 years. Mitral valve disease is the biggest cause of death I'd say. SM is in the breed but in my 30 plus years in the breed I've seen very little of it. Choose a breeder who health tests with specialists not just vet checks.

[denali]

I have 4 cavaliers, and had one other before these guys.

They are 1,3,5 and 7 yrs old. All are generally very healthy- no heart issues, no eye issues, no ear infections ever, no syringomyelia. My only issues are that henry has grain allergies (but this can happen in any breed) And kokoda does have luxating patellas- though just a grade one and easily managed. And these first started after a large fall that he had- he hadn't had an issue prior.

The issues are there, so it is crucial to buy from a breeder with dogs that are specialist cleared from a cardiologist and ophthalmologist. As well as a dna test for dry eye/ curly coat syndrome. SM isn't quite as common over here as it seems to be in America and the uk, but it can happen. I only know of one who has had it- and I know many cavs :)

Edited July 3, 2016 by denali

[Gretel]

Denali the dry eye/curly coat test is only necessary if you're going to breed. If a pup is born with the condition it is very evident and would most likely have been pts. If it's a carrier it's completely unaffected and has a healthy life.

[KLB]

I have 4 cavaliers, and had one other before these guys.

They are 1,3,5 and 7 yrs old. All are generally very healthy- no heart issues, no eye issues, no ear infections ever, no syringomyelia. My only issues are that henry has grain allergies (but this can happen in any breed) And kokoda does have luxating patellas- though just a grade one and easily managed. And these first started after a large fall that he had- he hadn't had an issue prior.

The issues are there, so it is crucial to buy from a breeder with dogs that are specialist cleared from a cardiologist and ophthalmologist. As well as a dna test for dry eye/ curly coat syndrome. SM isn't quite as common over here as it seems to be in America and the uk, but it can happen. I only know of one who has had it- and I know many cavs :)

This is so good to know, thank you. I am only interested in buying from a reputable breeder, but I wouldn't know which things to ask about, like being cleared with the cardiologist and ophthalmologist, for example.

[KLB]

Thanks @ sandgrubber, @Roova, and @Gretal too. I will definitely be taking a look at these links you've shared and appreciate hearing your personal experiences as well.

[denali]

1467580852[/url]' post='6828005']

Denali the dry eye/curly coat test is only necessary if you're going to breed. If a pup is born with the condition it is very evident and would most likely have been pts. If it's a carrier it's completely unaffected and has a healthy life.

I know, I was saying only buy a pup from parents who have been DNA tested for this.. Not to Dna test your own dog.

[RiverStar-Aura]

Aren't you looking at getting 2 Maltese puppies?

[KLB]

Aren't you looking at getting 2 Maltese puppies?

I originally set out looking for maltese, but I have found it nearly impossible to find any here so I've started thinking about other breeds that would be a good fit for me and I keep coming back to the CKCS. I'm originally from the US where the maltese seems more common; I didn't expect the scarcity here.