Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breeding Guide: MVD, Syringomyelia & Critical Health Issues

Critical Breed Statistics

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels face severe health challenges. MVD (Mitral Valve Disease): 50% affected by age 5, nearly 100% by age 10. Syringomyelia: 70% have malformation, 35% symptomatic. Average lifespan: 9-14 years. Episodic falling: genetic muscle disorder. Curly coat: lethal in homozygous form. Small litters: 2-6 puppies average.

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) - The Cavalier Epidemic

MVD is THE most significant health issue in Cavaliers. Statistics: 50% have heart murmur by age 5, 100% by age 10. Early onset MVD (before age 5) highly hereditary. Progression: Grade 1-6 murmur scale, leads to congestive heart failure. MVD Protocol: Do NOT breed dogs before 2.5 years AND must be heart clear at 2 years. Both parents heart clear at 2.5 years minimum. Annual cardiac exams by cardiologist MANDATORY. Echocardiogram more accurate than auscultation. Signs: coughing, exercise intolerance, rapid breathing, fainting. Treatment exists but doesn't cure - early detection critical.

Syringomyelia (SM) - The Painful Truth

Syringomyelia affects 70% of Cavaliers to some degree. Caused by skull malformation (too small for brain). Fluid-filled cavities form in spinal cord. Symptoms: phantom scratching (air scratching), screaming when touched, reluctance to be petted, head/neck pain, wobbliness, scoliosis. MRI only definitive diagnosis - expensive ($1,500-3,000). Breeding guidelines: A (normal) to A only, A to C acceptable, never breed D or E grades. Pain often starts 6 months-3 years. Management includes gabapentin, omeprazole, surgery in severe cases. Quality of life severely impacted.

Episodic Falling (EF)

Unique to Cavaliers - muscle disorder causing temporary rigidity. Episodes triggered by exercise, excitement, stress. Dog remains conscious but cannot move. Starts 4 months-4 years old. Autosomal recessive - DNA test available. Never breed two carriers (25% affected offspring). Affected dogs experience: sudden falling, rigid extension of limbs, "deer stalking" gait, episodes last seconds to minutes. No cure but manageable with medication. All breeding stock MUST be tested.

Curly Coat Syndrome

Genetic disorder affecting coat, eyes, and organs. Puppies born with tight curly coat, unusual appearance. Symptoms: rough, curly coat instead of silky, eye abnormalities (microphthalmos, cataracts), kidney and liver issues, failure to thrive. Lethal in homozygous form - affected puppies die young. DNA test available - MANDATORY for breeding. Carriers have normal appearance. Never breed two carriers together.

Primary Secretory Otitis Media (PSOM)

"Glue ear" - thick mucus plug in middle ear. Affects 40% of Cavaliers. Causes: hearing loss, head shaking, scratching ears, pain, balance problems. Diagnosis requires otoscopic exam or MRI/CT. Treatment: myringotomy (surgical drainage). Often recurs requiring repeated procedures. Can lead to deafness if untreated. Check breeding stock for signs.

Eye Conditions

Multiple hereditary eye problems in breed. Cataracts: hereditary, can appear young. Corneal dystrophy: cloudy spots on cornea. Retinal dysplasia: abnormal retinal development. Microphthalmia: abnormally small eyes. Annual CERF/OFA eye exams MANDATORY. Affected dogs shouldn't be bred. Some conditions cause blindness.

Hip Dysplasia & Luxating Patellas

Hip dysplasia: 12% incidence (moderate for size). OFA or PennHIP testing required. Luxating patellas: 15% affected. Can cause lameness and arthritis. OFA patella evaluation mandatory. Grade 2 or higher shouldn't be bred. Small size doesn't prevent orthopedic issues.

Thrombocytopenia

Low platelet counts common in breed. Idiopathic (unknown cause) or immune-mediated. Can cause: excessive bleeding, bruising, petechiae (red spots). Test before surgery or breeding. Some dogs asymptomatic carriers. Monitor throughout life.

Breeding Age & Protocol

MVD Protocol mandatory: minimum 2.5 years old AND heart clear at 2 years. Males: 2.5-7 years optimal. Females: 2.5-6 years, maximum 3-4 litters. Never breed before 2.5 years regardless of health. Early breeding perpetuates early-onset MVD. Annual heart checks throughout breeding career. Retire at first sign of heart murmur.

Toy Spaniel Heritage

Descended from toy spaniels of Renaissance. King Charles II gave breed its name. Nearly extinct after WWI. Recreated in 1920s by Roswell Eldridge. American recognition 1995. Distinct from King Charles Spaniel (English Toy). Four colors: Blenheim, Tricolor, Black & Tan, Ruby. "Blenheim spot" considered lucky. Bred solely as companions, not workers.

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