Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Age Calculator

A genetic muscle disorder unique to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, caused by a mutation in the BCAN gene. During episodes, the dog's muscles suddenly become hypertonic (rigid), causing the dog to fall, stiffen, and sometimes curl into a ball. Episodes are typically triggered by exercise, excitement, or stress and resemble seizures but the dog remains fully conscious throughout. The condition ranges from mild infrequent episodes to severe frequent attacks.

Prevention: DNA testing for the BCAN mutation is available, and responsible breeders test all breeding stock. Affected dogs should not be bred. Clonazepam can effectively manage symptoms in many dogs. Avoid triggers (over-excitement, vigorous exercise) that provoke episodes. Many mildly affected dogs live normal lives with medication and trigger management.

Symptoms: sudden muscle rigidity during exercise or excitement, falling and inability to rise temporarily, bunny-hopping gait during episodes, limbs held stiffly extended, episodes lasting seconds to minutes, dog remains conscious throughout

A neurological condition where the skull is too small for the brain (Chiari-like malformation), causing obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow and the formation of fluid-filled cavities (syrinxes) within the spinal cord. This condition is extremely prevalent in Cavaliers due to the breed's skull shape. Symptoms range from mild phantom scratching to severe neurological pain. It is one of the most significant welfare concerns in the breed.

Prevention: MRI screening of breeding dogs can identify CM/SM, and responsible breeders screen all breeding stock. However, the condition is so prevalent that eliminating it entirely from the breed is challenging. If your Cavalier shows signs of phantom scratching or unexplained pain, seek evaluation by a veterinary neurologist. Treatment options include pain management (gabapentin, NSAIDs), medical management of CSF production (omeprazole, cimetidine), and in severe cases, surgical decompression.

Symptoms: phantom scratching near the ear/shoulder (scratching the air without making contact), yelping or crying out with no apparent cause, sensitivity to touch around the head and neck, neck pain and reluctance to lower the head, weakness in limbs, wobbling gait, scoliosis

Cavaliers are predisposed to dry eye (inadequate tear production), which can cause painful corneal ulceration and scarring if untreated. Additionally, some Cavaliers are affected by a condition combining dry eye with a rough, curly coat and abnormal skin and nails (dry eye curly coat syndrome orDECKS), caused by a congenital defect. Standard dry eye typically responds well to lifelong treatment with cyclosporine or tacrolimus eye drops.

Prevention: DNA testing for curly coat/dry eye syndrome is available. For standard dry eye, early detection through Schirmer tear testing allows treatment before corneal damage occurs. Lifelong daily application of cyclosporine or tacrolimus eye drops maintains tear production. Never discontinue eye medication without veterinary guidance, as dry eye will rapidly return.

Symptoms: thick mucous discharge from eyes, red and inflamed eyes, squinting or pawing at eyes, dull or cloudy corneas, recurrent eye infections, rough or curly coat texture (in DECKS)

Displacement of the kneecap from its normal groove, causing intermittent or persistent lameness. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a moderate predisposition to patellar luxation, typical of their size range. The condition is graded from I (mild) to IV (permanent dislocation). Chronic luxation leads to cartilage erosion and arthritis. Many Cavaliers with grade I-II luxation live comfortably with conservative management.

Prevention: Source puppies from breeders who evaluate patellar health. Maintain a lean body weight to reduce joint stress. Provide ramps or steps to furniture to reduce jumping impact. Grade I-II luxation can often be managed with weight control and joint supplements. Grade III-IV typically requires surgical correction for best quality of life.

Symptoms: intermittent skipping on hind leg, sudden leg-holding while walking, popping or clicking from knee, stiffness after rest, reluctance to jump

A progressive degenerative disease of the heart's mitral valve that causes it to leak, leading to volume overload, heart enlargement, and eventually congestive heart failure. MVD is the leading cause of death in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and the breed is uniquely predisposed — nearly all Cavaliers will develop MVD during their lifetime, often at a much younger age than other small breeds. The disease progresses through stages from a soft murmur to overt heart failure with fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Prevention: There is no way to prevent MVD in Cavaliers, but responsible breeding from heart-tested parents can delay onset age. The MVD Breeding Protocol recommends that dogs should not be bred before age 5, and both parents should have clear cardiac evaluations. Annual cardiac evaluations by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist (not just a stethoscope check) allow early detection and timely treatment. Pimobendan has been shown to delay the onset of heart failure when started at the right stage.

Symptoms: heart murmur detected on examination, coughing (especially at night or when resting), exercise intolerance, rapid or laboured breathing, fainting or collapsing, abdominal distension from fluid, weight loss despite good appetite