CAVALIER HEALTH INFORMATION 

Every breed of dog has health difficulties in certain areas.  Some are annoying, yet others can be life threatening.  In an effort to better educate Cavalier owners, the following information may be helpful.  The information below is certainly not meant to imply all Cavaliers will suffer from ANY or ALL of these problems.  It is useful to the degree that it may help Cavalier owners and their vets pinpoint areas to evaluate as the dog grows and matures.  If additional information is desired, please feel free to have a vet, or yourself, contact me.

Ailments/Diseases

Areas of special health interest for Cavalier owners are among the following:

• Anaesthetic--Isoflourine is the safest for Cavaliers.  They tend to go under deeply and can have problems coming out of it.
• Anal glands--Glands can become impacted.  Feed a diet high in fiber and have the vet check these at every visit.  Dogs will scoot.  Check for tonsillitis as well if an anal gland problem occurs or the infection may not be cleared up.
• Cataracts (adult)--Usually occurs during old age.  Juvenile cataracts occur in very young pups as inheritable eye disease.  Can be diagnosed in a very young puppy.
• Cushings Disease--Glandular disorder; occasionally, it appears in old age.
• Flea products--No flea collars without the vet's authorization.  Use a product such as Program alone or in combination with a heartworm preventative.
• Heart worm medications--Treatment of choice is Interceptor.  This is the safest for Cavaliers, according to Dr. Jean Dodds, Hemopet.
• Hernia, Inguinal--Inheritable hernia in the groin area.  Does not usually on its own.
• Hernia, Umbilical--Occurs VERY frequently in Cavalier puppies, usually from trauma at birth because of short umbilical cords.  Some will become fat plugs and harmless.  Others should be fixed when the dog is neutered or spayed.
• Hip Dysplasia--approximately 14% of Cavaliers will suffer from this inheritable hip disease.
• Liver shunt--Rare, but occasionally present.  Can be diagnosed at a very young age, usually during the weaning process.
• Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)--By age 4-5, approximately 40-50% Cavaliers have the beginning of this disease.  Murmers are diagnosed on a scale of 1 through 6.  Medications are given when the murmur reaches a grade 4, in most cases.  Enlargement of the heart plays an important role in determining a prognosis and quality of life for this disease.
• Patellas, Slipped--A problem with the kneecaps.  Those that are inheritable may be discerned in very young pups upon examination.  This can also occur, however, with severe trauma to the kneecap area brought on by jumping high or down hard, etc.  Puppies should not be allowed to do any type of activity which could strain the kneecap area and slip out the patella.
• Progressive Renal Atrophy and Retinal Dysplasia--Inheritable eye diseases which can be diagnosed at a very early age in pups.
• Thrombocytepenia This is an abnormally low white platelet count.  Cavaliers have larger than normal platelets which tend to clog the automatic counters; therefore, they will register a lower number.  Platelets should be hand counted in a field.  normal varies by the individual;  owners should get a baseline count by one year of age to know what normal is for their healthy Cavalier.  Average count for a female is 200,000-250,000; male is lower at 150,000-200,00.  Babesia can be misdiagnosed for thrombocytepenia.
• Thyroid--Cavaliers occasionally need thyroid medicine as a supplementation.  A low normal is NOT normal for Cavaliers, according to Dr. Jean Dodds, Hemopet.
• Teeth--Brushing is a necessity to maintain good gum and tooth health and thus avoid decay.  With Cavaliers being prone to heart disease, bacteria from poor teeth and gums will drain into the heart, and this will cause further complications.
• Tonsillitis--Occurs most often when the dog is having an anal gland problem as the dog will lick.  Treatment consists of eliminating impacted gland(s) and administration of antibiotics.
• Vaccinations--The rabies can be especially problematic.  Do NOT give at the same time as other "annual" innoculations.  Watch carefully after all innoculations for a reaction.

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