Cavalier Education
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Learn Center
Expert health information and breed education for Cavalier owners and families
Mitral Valve Disease
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is prevalent in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed. Statistics have shown that MVD is 20 times more likely to strike the CKCS breed.
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Syringomyelia
Chiari-like malformation (CLM) is where the brain of the affected dog is too large and the skull space is too small, leading to syringomyelia.
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Dry Eye Curly Coat Syndrome
A severe congenital disorder unique to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, caused by a mutation in the FAM20A gene affecting both skin and eyes.
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The Reverse Sneeze
If you have a Cavalier, you likely have experienced the reverse sneezing they sometimes have. This phenomenon is typically harmless but can look alarming.
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Episodic Falling Syndrome
Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS) is a genetic condition that only affects Cavaliers, due to a mutation in the BCAN gene that causes inability to relax muscles after exercise.
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Idiopathic Asymptomatic Thrombocytopenia
IAT is unique to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed and is present in approximately 50% of Cavaliers, causing low platelet counts without clinical signs.
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Risks of Spaying and Neutering
The advice to spay or neuter early must be weighed against serious risks. Hormones from reproductive organs are crucial for proper growth and development.
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Breed Differences: CKCS vs KCS
People often confuse a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the King Charles Spaniel. While both originated in England, they differ in appearance and personality.
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