Unique Hereditary Diseases

Mitral Valve Diesease - MVD (Heart)

The Ventricle = A chamber that collects blood from the Atrium.

The Atrium = A smaller heart chamber

MVD is the cause of death in many older dogs in different breeds but only Cavaliers have the early onset type. Statistics show MVD afflicts over half of all Cavalier King Charles spaniels by age 5 years and nearly all Cavaliers by age 10 years, should they survive this long.

During the 15 years of a MVD breeding protocol there has been no improvement in the level of incidence because the majority of breeders do not follow the protocol.

There can be varying degrees of this disease. For some dogs it can be traumatic and painful. For others it can be managed with the right medication and care.

The mitral valve is one of four valves in the heart. Degeneration of this valve results in it not closing correctly, allowing some of the blood to flow back from the left ventricle into the left atrium. This regurgitation causes the atrium to enlarge in order to accommodate the extra blood. The ventricle also enlarges because it has to pump harder to compensate for the back flow of blood. This eventually results in congestive heart failure.

Cavaliers should be screened for Heart Murmurs Annually beginning at age one. Once MVD is detected it can be monitored with a stethoscope and is graded from 1 (Mild) to 6 (severe).

Ear Disease / Deafness

(Also described and listed as PSOM/Glue Ear)

Many people will recognise the term 'Glue Ear'. This is a viscous mucus plug which fills the dog's middle ear. An estimated 40% of Cavaliers are affected. The pain and other sensations in the head and neck area are similar to symptoms caused by Syringomyelia (SM) this can result in misdiagnosis by vets!

Idiopathic Asymptomatic Thrombocytopenia

(Also described and listed at Blood Platelets)

Idiopathic = Unknown Cause

Asymptomatic = No Symptoms

Thrombocytopenia = Too Few Blood Platelets

Platelets = Tiny little cells that circulate in the blood whose function is to take part in the clotting process.

This happens when platelets are lost from circulation faster than they can be replaced from the bone marrow where they are made. An estimated 50% of CKSS may have this blood clotting disorder. Cavaliers may have this condition with no problems at all. This condition can lead a vet to misdiagnose it as a serious and life threatening disease. Unnecessary, expensive and potentially damaging treatment can be prescribed. Simple blood clotting tests can be carried out.

Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS)

Episodic = Relating to an Episode

This condition is triggered after exercising or excitement. This syndrome is a genetic disorder found only in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The condition appears to be life-long, but not life-threatening.

Symptoms:

Resembles a seizure, but is not classified as one
No loss of consciousness
Muscles unable to relax
Lose balance, footing, or coordination
Rigid gate
Hopping around like a rabbit
Rear legs stiffen or may hold front legs sill over the head
Jaw clenches shut

Triggers:

Exercise
Excitement
Stress
Heat

Dry Eye/Curly Coat

Cornea = Transparent front part of the eye

Conjunctiva = A membrane that covers the while part of the eye and lines the inside of the eye lid

Dry eye can exist on its own and is an inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva due to an inability to produce watery tears, and it cannot be cured.

Dry eye prevents the Cavalier's eyes from being properly moistened, resulting in chronically dry, burning eyes, scarring and painful ulceration of the cornea which may lead to decreased vision. The disorder requires frequent medication every day to prevent ulceration.

In addition this condition can present itself in conjunction with Curly Coat Syndrome, puppies can be identified at birth by the curly coat abnormality and extreme dryness of the skin. Such puppies will need daily skincare and medicinal bathing. These poor dogs will have a lifetime of extreme discomfort.

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