New Heart Health Scheme for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a petite, charming toy dog breed widely adored by dog lovers across the UK. Ranking as the UK’s 19th most popular dog breed, this affectionate companion attracts thousands of prospective puppy buyers annually.
While Cavaliers have many wonderful qualities that make them suitable for various homes, prospective owners should also be aware of the breed's hereditary health challenges, particularly affecting heart health.
One of the most significant health concerns for Cavaliers is mitral valve disease (MVD), a common heart defect affecting many dogs of this breed in the UK. MVD leads to a malfunction in the heart's mitral valve, impairing efficient blood flow and eventually causing congestive heart failure in some cases.
Hereditary conditions like MVD are prevalent in many pedigree breeds, and addressing them is a priority for owners, breeders, veterinary professionals, and organisations such as the Kennel Club. In response, the Kennel Club has partnered with the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Club to launch an important heart health scheme designed specifically for this breed.
What is Mitral Valve Disease?
Mitral valve disease affects the mitral valve, which regulates blood flow between the heart's left atrium and left ventricle. In a healthy heart, this valve opens to allow blood to pass to the ventricle and closes to prevent backflow. In dogs with MVD, plaque builds up on the valve, causing it to deform and leak, allowing blood to flow backward.
This inefficiency causes the heart to pump less effectively, leading to heart enlargement and increased blood volume within the heart chambers. Early symptoms are often subtle, with a heart murmur frequently the first sign noted by veterinarians.
Mitral Valve Disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
While MVD can affect any breed, it is particularly prevalent and hereditary in Cavaliers, representing the most common and serious health challenge in the breed. This condition often shortens affected dogs' lifespans and results in costly veterinary care.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Heart Health Scheme
Launched in collaboration between the Kennel Club and the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society, this UK-based scheme offers Cavalier owners access to expert heart health assessments. Trained veterinary cardiologists conduct thorough examinations, including auscultation with a stethoscope and echocardiography scans, to detect and grade the severity of MVD in dogs.
The heart health is graded on a sliding scale, providing precise information about the dog's condition. Owners receive guidance on managing affected dogs, while breeders gain valuable insights to make informed decisions when selecting breeding stock, aiming to reduce the incidence of MVD in future generations.
How to Get Your Cavalier Tested
Owners interested in their dog's heart health can participate in the scheme by seeking assessment from registered veterinary cardiologists. The Kennel Club provides detailed information and resources about how to arrange screening through this official Heart Scheme page.
Regular monitoring is encouraged, with follow-up assessments recommended around ages 4 and 6 years to track any changes in heart health over time.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Early Detection: Identifies signs of MVD before severe symptoms develop, allowing proactive management.
- Informed Breeding: Helps breeders choose healthy parents, reducing hereditary heart disease risk in puppies.
- Improved Lifespan and Quality: Supports healthier lives for Cavaliers by encouraging responsible ownership and breeding.
- Veterinary Expertise: Engages specialists for precise diagnosis and ongoing research to benefit the breed.
The scheme has already achieved significant breeder participation, with over 40% of Cavalier litters in recent years including at least one heart-tested parent, reflecting growing awareness and commitment to improving breed health.
By working together, owners, breeders, and veterinary professionals help to safeguard the future health and happiness of this beloved breed.
