🩺 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health & Wellness
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beautiful and affectionate breed, but like all purebred dogs, they have certain health conditions that breeders and owners should be aware of. Understanding these issues, performing proper health testing, and breeding responsibly are key to maintaining the long-term health of the breed.
*Please note: The follwing information is not intended to scare you off from this breed, but rather to educate you on health issues facing the breed, current research being done, and how to ensure you are choosing a responsible breeder that tests for these health issues and breeds accordingly.
💓 Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
MVD is the most common heart condition affecting Cavaliers. It’s a degeneration of the mitral valve in the heart, which can lead to a heart murmur and eventually congestive heart failure if left unmanaged.
Why it matters: Nearly all Cavaliers will develop some level of MVD in their lifetime, but responsible breeding can greatly delay its onset. The goal is to breed dogs that remain murmur-free until at least age 5.
Health testing:Annual heart exams by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist are essential. Breeding dogs should not be bred if they have a murmur detected before age 5. Ideally, breeders should use dogs with at least two generations of clear heart certifications.
🧠 Syringomyelia (SM) & Chiari-Like Malformation (CM)
Syringomyelia is a serious neurological condition caused by abnormal skull formation (Chiari-like malformation) that disrupts the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This can create fluid-filled cavities (syrinxes) within the spinal cord.
Symptoms may include:
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Scratching at the neck or shoulders (often air-scratching) Sensitivity when touched around the head, neck, or ears
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Weakness, limping, or vocalization when excited
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Health testing:MRI screening of breeding dogs is the gold standard for detecting CM/SM.
Breeding should follow the BVA/KC CM/SM breeding protocol, which recommends using dogs over 2.5 years of age with favorable MRI results. Pedigree tracking and selecting older, symptom-free lines reduces risk.
🦴 Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain or lameness. It’s one of the most common orthopedic issues in small breeds.
Health testing: Orthopedic exam by a veterinarian or OFA-certified evaluation for patellar luxation. Breeding dogs should have a normal (Grade 0) or near-normal (Grade 1) rating.
👁️ Eye Conditions
Cavaliers are prone to several inherited eye issues, including:
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Cataracts – clouding of the lens leading to impaired vision.
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Dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) – decreased tear production causing irritation.
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Retinal dysplasia or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – degenerative retinal diseases leading to blindness.
Health testing: Annual ophthalmologic exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist (OFA-CA certification).Genetic DNA testing can identify carriers for PRA and curly coat/dry eye syndrome.
🧬 DNA & Genetic Testing
Modern DNA testing has made it easier to screen for inherited diseases common in Cavaliers. Responsible breeders typically run full genetic panels that include tests for:
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Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS)
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Curly Coat / Dry Eye Syndrome (CC/DE)
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Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
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MCADD (Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency)
Dogs that are carriers can still be part of a breeding program when paired carefully with clear mates to prevent producing affected puppies.
🦷 Dental Health
Cavaliers are small-mouthed dogs that can be prone to dental crowding and tartar buildup. Routine brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings help maintain good oral health and prevent gum disease.
🧠 Epilepsy & Neurological Health
Some Cavaliers can develop idiopathic epilepsy (seizures without a known cause). While there’s no single genetic test, reputable breeders avoid producing dogs from lines with a history of seizures.
🩸 Other Health Considerations
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Ear infections: Their long, floppy ears can trap moisture. Regular cleaning prevents ear infections.
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Obesity: Cavaliers love food and can gain weight easily. Keeping them lean supports heart and joint health.
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Allergies: Some may have skin sensitivities or food allergies; high-quality diets help reduce symptoms.
🔬 Recommended Health Testing Before Breeding
Responsible Cavalier breeders should complete the following tests before breeding any dog, and report these test results to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA):
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DNA testing for:
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EFS (Episodic Falling Syndrome)
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CC/DE (Curly Coat/Dry Eye Syndrome)
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DM (Degenerative Myelopathy)
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MCADD (Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency)
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Heart Exam (MVD Screening) - Annually by a Board Certified Cardiologist
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No Cavalier should be bred before having a full Echocardiagram performed
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Eye Exam - Annually by a Vetrinary Ophthalmologist
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Patellar Evaluation - Once at age 1 by a Licensed Vetrinarian
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No younger than 12 months and rechecked at 2 years
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Hip Evaluation - Once at age 2 by a Licensed Vetrinarian
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PennHIP can be performed as young as 16 weeks, however, we prefer OFA hip evaluations performed no younger than 2 years
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MRI for CM/SM - Once at age 2.5-3 by a Vetrinary Neurologist and repeated at 5-6 years of age
📈 Current Health Research & Emerging Concerns
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (CKCSC) and international breed clubs continue to fund research to improve the breed’s health.
Recent findings include:
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Genetic markers linked to early-onset mitral valve disease are under active study.
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Breeders worldwide are collaborating on MRI result databases for better CM/SM tracking.
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Improved heart medications (like pimobendan) and early monitoring are extending the lives of dogs with MVD.
Staying informed through reputable sources such as the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), OFA, CKCSC, and the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (ACKCSC) helps breeders and owners alike support the breed’s long-term well-being.
💖 Our Commitment to Health
At Blackstone Cavaliers, every breeding decision begins with health. We perform all recommended screenings, register these test results with OFA, share results transparently, and breed only dogs that meet the highest standards for heart, eye, and neurological health. Our goal is to produce Cavaliers that live long, healthy, happy lives — true to the breed’s loving nature and royal heritage.
