Breed-Specific Health Conditions: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cavoodles

Heart Disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cavoodles

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are particularly predisposed to heart disease, specifically Mitral Valve Disease (MVD). This condition is also a concern for Cavoodles, as they inherit genes from their Cavalier parent.

Key Facts:

• Approximately 50% of Cavaliers show signs of MVD by age 5
• Nearly all Cavaliers are affected by age 10
• MVD is the leading cause of death in the breed, accounting for over 50% of deaths in Cavaliers under 10 years old16

Early Diagnosis and Management

Early diagnosis is crucial for successful management of MVD. At Hallam Park Animal Hospital, we recommend the following approach when a heart murmur is detected:

1. Chest X-rays: To assess heart size and establish baseline images for future comparison
2. Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to determine the severity of the condition and guide treatment
3. Regular check-ups: Annual examinations by a veterinary cardiologist are recommended for all Cavaliers and Cavoodles

Treatment Options

Depending on the stage of the disease, your veterinarian may recommend:

• Medication to manage symptoms and slow disease progression
• Dietary adjustments to support heart health
• Lifestyle modifications to improve quality of life

By implementing a comprehensive management plan, we aim to maintain your pet’s quality of life and extend their lifespan despite this challenging condition7.

For Cavalier and Cavoodle owners, awareness of this breed-specific health concern is essential. Regular check-ups and early intervention are key to managing MVD effectively.

At Hallam Park Animal Hospital, we understand the unique needs of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) when undergoing general anaesthesia. Our experienced veterinary team takes special precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of these patients:

Anaesthetic Considerations:

• Tailored anaesthesia protocols based on pre-operative cardiac assessment
• Pre-oxygenation to optimise oxygen levels
• Use of cardiac-safe anaesthetic drugs
• Avoidance of excessive sedation
• Careful selection of appropriately sized endotracheal tubes
• Close monitoring by attentive nurses throughout the procedure
• Extended post-operative monitoring for smooth recovery

Our goal is to manage their heart condition safely whilst minimising potential anaesthetic risks.

Additional Supportive Care for MMVD Cavaliers:

• Regular cardiac check-ups
• Early medication intervention (can delay onset of clinical signs by 15 months)
• Weight management to reduce cardiac strain
• Avoiding overheating and excessive exercise

By implementing these tailored protocols and understanding breed-specific health concerns, we at Hallam Park Animal Hospital strive to provide the best possible care for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with heart conditions.