Common Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Issues

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, though generally healthy dogs, are susceptible to certain health conditions. In this guide, we will explore the most common health issues for this breed, as well as offer options for treatment.

Common Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Problems

Below are the Top 10 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health problems, along with insights on how to identify these issues, treatment options, of utmost importance–prevention.

#1: Canine Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

Mitral Valve Disease, or MVD, is a common heart condition in Cavaliers, where the mitral valve deteriorates over time, leading to heart failure. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for early detection and management. The mitral valve in the heart thickens, which prevents the valve from closing when blood flows from the left atrium into the left ventricle.

It’s common in small to medium breed dogs, with almost 50% of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels having it due to genetic inbreeding.

When It Develops

Canine Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (DMVD) usually develops and progresses over time. Here are some key factors about development of this condition:

• Early Symptoms: Dogs may develop a murmur caused by a leaking mitral valve as early as 4 to 6 years old.
• Asymptomatic Phase: In the beginning, the disease is often asymptomatic, with no noticeable signs.
• Progression: As the condition progresses, the backflow of blood may become worse, affecting the efficiency of the dog’s heart.
• Congestive Heart Failure: Eventually, if untreated, DMVD can progress to congestive heart failure.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of Canine Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels include:

• Coughing: Noticeable after exercise or at night.
• Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath or labored breathing.
• Heart Murmur: Sometimes the earliest sign, vet detects during an exam.
• Lethargy: Lack of energy and unusual tiredness.
• Weight Loss: Usually due to lack of appetite and decline in health.
• Collapse or Fainting: Caused by irregular heart rhythms or reduced flow of blood.
• Intolerance of Exercise: Decreased ability for physical activity.
• Enlarged Abdomen : Due to fluid build-up in the abdomen.

Treatment

Sadly, there are no known medications or treatments for MVD other than open heart surgery, which can be really expensive. This is definitely a case where pet insurance would be invaluable. Japanese surgeon Masami Uechi, DMV, has a 90% success rate in performing mitral valve surgery and plans to teach this effective technique in the United States.

Prevention

There may not be much you can do to prevent this condition in your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It’s prevalent in the breed with a genetic component, as well as age related. Here are a few preventative measures that might be taken to manage Canine Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease in your Cavalier:

• Nutritious Diet: A healthy diet is beneficial to your dog’s overall health, which can be a plus if it develops MVD.
• Veterinarian Check-ups: Early detection of this condition is critical for your dog’s well-being.
• Nutritional Supplements: Supplements such as Coenzyme Q10 may be helpful for your dog’s heart health.

#2: Syringomyelia (SM)

Syringomyelia is a very serious condition in dogs where cavities filled with fluid develop within the spinal cord. This is often due to Chiari-like malformation, (CLM). which occurs when the dog’s brain is too large for its skull, leading to a blockage of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are genetically predisposed to SM.

When It Develops

Syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typically presents itself at these ages:

• Early Onset: Some dogs show symptoms as young as 12 weeks.
• First Year: About 45% of affected dogs will have symptoms during their first year.
• One to Four 4 Years: Approximately 40% of Syringomyelia cases will show up between 1 and 4 years of age.
• Mature Dogs: Around 15% of dogs might develop symptoms later in life, generally between six and eight years old.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are some signs and symptoms of Syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:

• Pain: This is the most common and significant symptom. Dogs may exhibit signs of pain around the neck, shoulders, and head.
• Scratching: “Phantom scratching” is a hallmark of SM, where the dog scratches at the air near its neck or shoulders, but doesn’t make contact.
• Weakness and Incoordination: Rear limb weakness, incoordination, and unsteady gait may occur because of effects on the spinal cord.
• Neck and Head Posture: Dogs sometimes hold their head in a strange position or tilt it, probably to try and alleviate pain.
• Lameness: Lameness in one or more legs might occur without any visible cause.
• Weakness: Generalized weakness or reluctance to move or jump can be observed.

Treatment

Medical treatment for Syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typically consists of medications such as Tramadol for pain, steroids to reduce inflammation, NSAIDs, and meds targeted to reduce nerve pain. In addition, drugs such as diuretics may be prescribed to reduce spinal fluid production.

Surgery might be performed to remove a section of bone at the back of the dog’s skull in order to relieve pressure and improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Alternatively, a shunt might be placed to divert CSF from the spinal cord to another part of the dog’s body, where it will be absorbed.

Prevention

Preventing syringomyelia (SM) in dogs is a challenge because it’s  often a hereditary condition, especially in breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. There are a few approaches, though, that can help reduce the risk of this condition:

Early Detection: Routine vet examinations are helpful in detecting early signs of Syringomyelia, which might slow its progression.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: Minimize trauma as best you can by protecting your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s neck and head from injury. See to it that your dog has a healthy diet and gets enough exercise that it doesn’t become overweight, which adds pressure to the spine.

#3. Giant Platelet Disorder

Giant platelet disorder, also known as hereditary macrothrombocytopenia, is a condition that affects many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The blood platelets in the dog swell to abnormally larger sizes. This condition is benign, but will cause other problems relating to bleeding disorders.

Blood platelets are cells that make blood clot, so Giant Platelet Disorder interferes with that process and makes wounds take longer to clot than they normally do. In addition, the large size might show a lower platelet count in a blood test.

When It Develops

Giant Platelet Disorder is ordinarily present at birth. It’s an  inherited condition, affecting some breeds more than others, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

How To Spot Symptoms

Dogs with Giant Platelet Disorder, or hereditary macrothrombocytopenia, typically don’t show any symptoms because in many cases, platelet function is normal. But with some dogs, you may notice symptoms such as:

• Nosebleeds or bleeding from the mouth
• Prolonged bleeding after an injury
• Dark bruises on the skin from unknown causes
• Blood in the urine or feces
• Pale mucous membranes
• Small red dots on the skin, gums, or eyes (petechiae)

Treatment

Treatment for Giant Platelet Disorder in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will normally include one or more of these:

• Rest: Keeping the dog at rest can lessen the risk of bleeding.
• Vincristine: One injection can speed the recovery of normal platelet counts.
• Corticosteroids: Given at a high doses in the beginning, and then tapered down. Corticosteroids help to manage your dog’s immune responses.

Prevention

While there are no specific preventive measures to stop Giant Platelet Disorder from developing in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, there are certain measures you can take to manage this condition:

1. Monitoring for Symptoms: Be watchful for any signs of unexplained bleeding or bruising.
2. Avoiding Trauma: Dogs with this condition might bleed more easily, so minimizing their risk of trauma or injury as much as possible is wise.
3. Balanced Diet: A balanced, healthy diet supports overall health and can possibly improve your dog’s ability to manage the condition.
4. Medication Management: If your dog is on a regular medication, check to make sure it doesn’t interfere with its platelet function.
5. Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Regular vet visits can be helpful in monitoring your dog’s platelet levels along with its overall health.

 #4: Obesity In Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Obesity is a common problem in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Being overweight can predispose your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to other health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, and more.

When It Develops

Obesity in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels doesn’t really have a certain point in the dog’s life to occur. However, it’s more  probable with advancing age.

 How To Spot Symptoms

If you look at your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from the side, you’ll be able to see fat deposits over its ribs, hips and shoulders. Other signs of obesity may include:

Symptoms of obesity in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels might include:

• Less energy
• Can’t feel or see the dog’s ribs through its skin
• Heavy or frequent panting
• Unwillingness to exercise
• Rounded belly
• No waistline when seen from above

Treatment

Basically, the only treatment for obesity in dogs is less food and more exercise. There are special diet dog foods available for weight management, or you might prefer to make your dog’s food yourself. Ask your vet about a healthy meal regimen for your dog. If your dog is already suffering from obesity, More exercise and the right food will help it shed those excess pounds.

Prevention

Prevention of obesity in your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rests on you or whoever feeds it. Since dogs can’t go in the kitchen and prepare their own meals, the responsibility of making sure your dog doesn’t become obese is on you. Feed a healthy, well balanced, nutritious diet of high quality food. This plus adequate exercise will ensure that your dog doesn’t pack on too many pounds.

#5: Gastritis

Gastritis in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is an inflammation of the stomach lining which typically causes other gastrointestinal issues. It isn’t a life-threatening condition and will usually resolve within a few days. In the meantime, your dog will experience discomfort until the gastritis is gone.

Gastritis can be acute, which means sudden and severe, or chronic, which generally spans a period of several months or even longer. Vets often suspect another underlying disease as the cause of gastritis, since inflammation is the body’s response to fight a foreign invader.

When It Develops

There is no particular time frame when Gastritis may occur in your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This condition is ordinarily brought on by dogs eating toxic materials, spoiled food, fungi, mold, or inappropriate table foods. Diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), tumors, liver disease, or other GI conditions that affect the stomach might also cause gastritis.

How To Spot Symptoms

Gastritis symptoms might include any or all of the following:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Blood in vomit or feces
• Dehydration

Treatment

Here are the preferred treatments for both acute and chronic gastritis:

Acute Gastritis

• Fasting: Food is usually withheld for 12-24 hours which lets the dog’s stomach rest.
• Bland Diet: Following the fasting period, your dog should be fed a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice. Serve, frequent small meals.
• Hydration: Making sure your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with gastritis stays well hydrated is critical to its recovery. Offer small amounts of water frequently..
• Medications: Antiemetics to stop vomiting such as maropitant or metoclopramide might be prescribed by your vet, along with gastrointestinal protectants and antacids.

Chronic Gastritis

• Treatment of Underlying Causes: If an underlying condition exists, such as a food allergy or infection, it will require appropriate treatment.
• Medications: Medications for chronic gastritis in dogs may be long-term. These may include proton pump inhibitors, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antacids.
• Managing Diet: Your dog should be fed a special, low fat, and low fiber diet that is easy on the stomach.

Prevention

Here are things you can do to help prevent gastritis in your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

• Dietary Management – Avoid sudden changes in your dog’s diet. Stick to high-quality, easily digestible food. Offer plenty of fresh, clean water.
• Lifestyle Adjustments – Stress can cause stomach issues. Try to provide a calm and stable environment for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Regular physical activity contributes to overall health and also aids in digestion. Keep your dog away from chemicals, garbage, and toxic plants. Regular veterinarian visits may catch any potential issues before they become a big problem. Keeping up with your dog’s vaccinations along with parasite prevention will help reduce the risk of infections that may cause gastritis.

#6: Primary Secretory Otitis Media (PSOM)

This condition is seen mostly in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and is often called “glue ear.”  It’s an inflammatory disease in which mucous blocks the cavity of the dog’s middle ear.

When It Develops

The most usual age of onset for PSOM in dogs is between 3 -7 years. However, it might develop as early as 11 months or as old as 12 years.

How To Spot Symptoms

The main symptoms in Primary Secretory Otitis Media include:

• Moderate or severe pain in the neck or head
• Tilting the head
• Seizures
• Scratching at the ears
• Crying out in pain
• Hearing loss
• Facial paralysis

Treatment

Treatment for PSOM in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels consists of multiple approaches. The vet might perform a myringotomy, which is a small cut in the eardrum  that is then followed by flushing the middle ear to force out the mucus plug. Corticosteroids and antibiotics are given after the procedure.

Another procedure is a ventral bulla osteotomy, in which an incision is made on the underside of the dog’s neck behind the jaw bone. The hollow bony sheath called the auditory bulla, that encloses parts of the middle ear, is exposed and opened.

Prevention

To date, the cause of Primary Secretory Otitis Media in dogs is unknown, so prevention isn’t really on the table. While it won’t prevent your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from having this condition, it will help to keep its ears clean. Some vets suggest that you begin teaching your dog with PSOM hand signals to communicate in the event that it becomes deaf on down the road.

#7 Dental Problems

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, like many other small breeds, are susceptible to dental problems. These are some of the most common dental issues in these dogs:

• Tooth Decay
• Tooth Loss
• Misaligned Teeth
• Retained Baby Teeth
• Oral and Gum Infections

When It Develops

Dental problems tend to occur most frequently in middle aged or senior Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. However, dental injuries can occur at any time throughout the dog’s lifetime, and will need to be treated.

How To Spot Symptoms

Signs of dental problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels include:

• Difficulty chewing
• Bad breath
• Swollen gums

Treatment

Treatment for dental problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels involves regular cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, the extraction of broken, loose, or diseased teeth, treatment of gum disease with appropriate medications and hygiene,

Prevention

• Regular Dental Check-ups
• Daily Brushing
• Dental Cleanings
• Healthy Diet
• Chew Toys
• Monitor Oral Health

#8: Eye Problems

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to eye problems due to being born with smaller heads, giving them a higher likelihood of experiencing eye issues such as cherry eye, cataracts, or entropion, a condition where the eyelid and eyelashes fold inward.

Like bulldogs and other short-faced breeds, their eyes suffer from not having enough moisture. Genetic inbreeding also increases the risks of developing various eye problems.

When It Develops

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may develop eye issues at any time in their lives. As a general rule, cataracts and glaucoma come along in the dog’s middle to senior years. Cherry eye may be present at or soon after birth, or show up later. Dry eye can also appear at any stage in the dog’s life.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms vary between the specific eye problems, but overall you should monitor things like:

• Watery eyes
• Reddened eyes
• Yellow discharge from eyes
• Dog rubbing eyes
• A cloudy film over eyes
• Signs of vision loss

Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific eye problem. Some can be managed with eye drops or medicated eye ointments. Some will require antibiotics. Cataracts or entropion might need surgery. The main thing is to make sure your dog is seen regularly by a vet so that it can receive the appropriate treatment.

Prevention

Try to protect your dog from cleaning products or chemicals, as well as excessive dirt, dust, and similar irritants. Regular vision testing is a must for this breed. Keep the area around your dog’s eyes clean. Make sure it has access to plenty of clean, fresh water, especially if dry eye is a problem. A well balanced, nutritious diet contributes to overall good health, including eye health.

#9: Luxating Patella

This is a common orthopedic condition in dogs, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Basically, a luxating patella is a dislocated kneecap. Patellar luxation can affect one or both of your dog’s rear legs. The front legs are never affected by this condition.

When It Develops

In Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Luxating Patella may develop at various stages of the dog’s life, but most commonly as follows:

• Congenital Luxating Patella: Present at birth.
• Juvenile Onset: Usually between 4 to 6 months of age.
• Adult Onset: In some cases, patella luxation may not be noticeable until the dog is an adult, sometimes precipitated by an injury or trauma.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of Luxating Patella in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:

• Reluctance to engage in exercise
• Yelps of pain when running or playing
• Inability to jump,
• Weakness or limping in hind legs
• Bow-legged or knock-kneed look

Treatment

Treatment for Luxating Patella may include therapeutic mobility diets, ointments for pain, anti-inflammatories, nutritional supplements, corticosteroids, or a combination of all of these, which may help slow the progression of the condition as well as helping control pain and discomfort.

Weight reduction is advised if your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is obese. Surgery might be indicated, depending on various factors including the dog’s age and general health condition, along with the severity of the patellar luxation.

Prevention

Patellar Luxation is hereditary, so prevention isn’t entirely feasible. However, it might also be caused by an injury that causes the fascia and joint capsule to tear and/or break. Doing what you can to protect your dog from injury and trauma can potentially avoid Patellar Luxation.

#10:  Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia

Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT) is a condition in which a dog’s immune system destroys its own platelets. Long haired Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are predisposed to this disease, leading to very low platelet concentrations in the blood due to the antibodies of the immune system attacking platelets.

Platelets play a vital role in blood clotting, so when platelet numbers have a significant drop, spontaneous bleeding may occur. This bleeding may manifest itself as blood spots in unpigmented or hairless skin areas, nosebleeds, or blood in the dog’s urine or feces.

IMT may cause chronic malaise in your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and severe pain as well, if the bleeding occurs in tightly confined spaces like the skull, joints, or eyes. This condition can be life threatening.

When It Develops

Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia in dogs may develop at any age, although it is typically seen in middle-aged to senior dogs.

How To Spot Symptoms

Common signs of IMT are pale gums with areas of bruising. These are called  petechiation, are small and reddened, and are typically seen within the dog’s mouth, on its ear pinna, or over its groin and belly. Larger areas of this bruising are called ecchymoses and may be seen in similar areas as petechiation.

Some Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will begin to experience bleeding from unusual places and/or bleeding with no visible cause. There might be bleeding from eyes and nose, mouth, or blood in feces or urine. Bleeding can be internal and unable to be seen. Your dog could develop bleeding inside its chest, causing difficulty breathing. The GI tract may be another area of bleeding, causing bloody vomit, or black, tarry stools.

Treatment

If there is an underlying disease present, be it a  bacterial or fungal infection, cancer, or tick transmitted disease, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will have to receive treatment for that disease for its platelet count to show improvement. An aggressive medication regime to reduce the immune response will be in order, as well.

This will include high doses of steroids along with immunosuppressive drugs like Azathioprine or Cyclosporine. These drugs will help decrease the attack on platelets by the dog’s immune system.

While your dog is taking these medications, it will be quite susceptible to injuries and infections because its immune system is compromised and unable to fight off attacks. Therefore, it will need to be monitored closely for infections and changes to the platelet count. This medication treatment will go on for months and then tapered down slowly.

Prevention

Veterinarians can find Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels frustrating  because it’s often impossible to find the cause. In such cases, the vet will need to rule out other conditions before diagnosing IMT and its cause. Sometimes no cause or trigger can be found, which is known as an idiopathic condition.

IMT may be a secondary occurrence brought on by underlying disease. It may be the result of cancer, Lyme Disease or other tick-borne diseases, severe bacterial and fungal infections, drugs, or a multi-organ shut down.

• Primary ITP (idiopathic) can’t be prevented as it occurs spontaneously, without any identifiable cause.
• Secondary ITP may be associated with other underlying diseases or medication use. This type may be prevented by regular vaccinations to help prevent conditions that might lead to secondary ITP such as heartworm disease, leptospirosis, and distemper. Anti-parasitic products can help prevent secondary ITP, too, by preventing conditions that could trigger it.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Common Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Issues?

Yes, in many or even most cases, it does. When you’re looking around to purchase a good pet insurance policy for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, always check coverage to see if hereditary and genetic conditions are included. Please note that there’s a difference between hereditary or genetic conditions and pre-existing conditions.

Most pet insurance won’t cover pre-existing conditions, but many will cover genetic conditions. It’s a good idea to look at benefit limits, waiting periods, and reimbursement percentages, as well.

There are a variety of different sorts of pet insurance on the market. You might choose a policy that has coverage for  injuries and accidents, but doesn’t cover disease or illness.

Alternatively, you might prefer a policy that provides coverage for chronic health problems such as arthritis, along with common health problems. When you start researching pet insurance, you’ll find policies that offer the following coverage:

• Surgery
• Prescription meds
• Diagnostic tests
• MRIs
• Routine wellness examinations
• Blood and lab tests
• X-Rays
• Behavioral therapy
• Alternative treatments
• Prescription food and/or nutritional supplements

Even though pre-existing conditions are not generally covered, there are pet insurance providers that offer coverage. This coverage comes with a higher price tag, but includes extra benefits when and if you need them for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.