Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can live healthy, long lives. Some have even been recorded to reach their late teens (in human years, of course)! But are there any health issues they are prone to? As a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owner, you should definitely familiarise yourself with the common issues and pre-existing conditions that can affect this breed.
In this guide, you’ll find all you need to know to understand the health issues your Spaniel could suffer from.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Cavalier Kings are prone to suffering from heart issues, particularly mitral valve disease.
Not only is this heart valve condition thought to be one of the main causes of Cavalier King deaths, but the breed is actually 20 times more prone to the disease than any other type of dog.
Besides this genetic disease, Cavalier Kings can also suffer from common dog health issues such as obesity, low blood platelet counts, conjunctivitis, and ear infections (such as otitis externa, which can make the dog completely deaf in some cases).
The most common health concerns for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels include:
Sadly, heart mitral valve disease is a major health concern for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and can affect them from as early as 5 years of age. When this disease occurs, the mitral heart valve breaks down, which then limits the amount of blood that can flow around the dog’s body. It starts with heart murmurs and can ultimately lead to heart failure.
Shortness of breath, a complete unwillingness to exercise, lack of appetite, and restlessness are all signs of heart mitral disease. If your vet detects a heart murmur (an irregularity in your Cavalier King’s heartbeat), they will run a series of heart mitral tests.
Luckily, dogs can live with heart mitral disease, and your vet will be able to prescribe heart medication. This medication won’t cure the disease, but it will certainly alleviate the dog’s suffering.
Syringomyelia is the forming of a fluid cyst in the dog’s brain and spinal cord, which can grow over time and cause all kinds of spinal issues. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are particularly prone to suffering from this and might develop it from around the age of seven.
If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel appears to be experiencing pain due to movement, there’s a chance they are suffering from this disorder. Other signs include
Unfortunately, there’s no cure, but your vet will be able to prescribe medication to manage the pain.
Although much more common in bigger dogs, some smaller dogs, like the Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniel, can develop hip dysplasia. This abnormality sees the thigh bone being unable to properly connect with the hip socket, causing them pain, discomfort, and an inability to walk. It can also lead to arthritis.
It can be identified by obvious discomfort in your Cavalier King’s movement or by them standing on one leg or walking unevenly. It can be confirmed by a series of X-rays, at which point your vet will prescribe anti-inflammatories or suggest physiotherapy.
Given the range of health problems that the dog breed could suffer from, it would be a good idea to get your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel insured – the more comprehensive, the better.
When it comes to choosing pet insurance for your Cavalier, make sure all key health problems are covered in the policy. Syringomyelia and hip dysplasia may require physiotherapy, so ensure the policy is adequate to cover that, too.
Also, ensure that the pet insurance policy covers your Cavalier King into old age when they’re most likely to develop a disease and need cover.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a wide lifespan window of between 9 and 14 years due to the likelihood of them inheriting the likes of heart mitral valve disease. However, if fed, exercised, and kept at a healthy weight, a Cavalier King can live well over a decade.
The number one health concern of Cavalier Kings is degenerative mitral valve disease. Still, they can also suffer from a multitude of other issues, for which it is always best to seek veterinary advice and ensure they’re insured.
Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.