Mitral Valve Disease: A Common Threat to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and your Cavapoo
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beloved breed known for their sweet, gentle nature and silky coat. Unfortunately, they are also known for their susceptibility to a heart condition called mitral valve disease (MHD). This disease is about twenty times more prevalent in Cavaliers than in other breeds, making it the most common heart disease in adult dogs.
Mitral valve disease has a serious impact on the welfare of Cavaliers, causing respiratory and other difficulties. Many dogs with this disease experience severe discomfort due to breathlessness and coughing. It can be heartbreaking to watch our furry friends struggle to catch their breath, and even more difficult to know that there’s little we can do to ease their suffering.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs of mitral valve disease typically start to show around 10 years of age, meaning that many Cavaliers will experience the impact of this disease during their senior years. For pet owners, this can be a challenging time, as we try to balance our desire to provide our dogs with the best possible care with the reality of a disease that is often difficult to treat.
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is a heart disease that affects many dogs, especially small breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If left untreated, this disease is caused by a degeneration of the mitral valve in the heart, which can lead to heart failure.
Dogs with mitral valve disease but no heart failure appear normal to their owners and have no welfare issues at that time, despite having a detectable heart murmur when listening with a stethoscope (usually noticeable anywhere from 3 – 5 years of age). Most pups develop heart failure within a few years of developing mitral valve disease.
The number of CKCS with heart murmurs typical of mitral valve disease increases at a rate of about 10% per year, so that by five years of age, 50% have a murmur and nearly all do by ten years.
Prevention
There is no genetic test for detecting animals with mitral valve disease-causing genes. It has been suggested that because the condition is so common, it should be assumed that every Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who lives long enough will develop it.
Choosing a dog born to older parents (5 years or older) who have not developed mitral valve disease has been recommended as the best preventative measure.
Treatment
Surgical valve repair is rarely a viable option. Although combination drug therapy can help control the early stages of heart failure, the prognosis is not promising, treatment is usually focused on easing of the symptoms. The majority of dogs die within two years of developing heart failure.
Here are some of the most common MVD symptoms in dogs:
Coughing: Dogs with MVD frequently develop a persistent cough, especially when lying down or at rest.
Breathing difficulties: As the disease progresses, dogs may have difficulty breathing, particularly during exercise or other physical activity.
Fatigue: Dogs with MVD may appear lethargic and tyre easily during walks or other activities.
Reduced appetite: Some dogs with MVD may lose weight or have a decreased appetite.
Swollen abdomen: As the heart weakens, fluid can accumulate in the abdomen, making it swollen and distended.
Fainting or collapsing: Due to a lack of oxygen to the brain in severe cases of MVD, dogs may faint or collapse.
It is important to note that MVD symptoms vary depending on the severity of the disease and the individual dog. Some dogs may not exhibit any symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly, whereas others may exhibit symptoms early on.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, you should see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of MVD can help to improve your dog’s quality of life and extend his or her life. Medication, dietary changes, and, in some cases, surgery may be used as treatment options.
Regular veterinarian visits and monitoring your dog for any changes in behaviour or symptoms can help detect MVD early and give your dog the best chance for a happy, healthy life.
Sadly, unless animals are euthanized, the disease will ultimately cause death by chronic heart failure. It’s a painful reality that many Cavalier owners have had to face, and one that we should all be aware of when considering bringing a Cavalier into our homes.
What is Mitral Valve Disease?
MVD is a polygenic condition, meaning that it is caused by multiple genes. It is the leading cause of death in the CKCS breed, with a survey from the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom showing that 42.8% of Cavalier deaths are cardiac-related. This is an alarming statistic, especially when considering that this condition can begin to emerge at an early age and may be expected to be present in more than half of all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels by age 5.
The condition is caused by the hinge on the heart’s mitral valve loosening and deteriorating, leading to a heart murmur and then eventually congestive heart failure. While heart disease is common in dogs generally, MVD is generally a disease of old age, making the Cavalier particularly susceptible to early-onset heart disease.
Veterinary geneticists and cardiologists have developed breeding guidelines to eliminate early-onset mitral valve disease from the breed. Unfortunately, it is unclear if a statistically significant number of breeders follow these guidelines. Because of this, it is important for breeders to ensure that any puppies they breed meet these standards. The protocol recommends that parents should be at least 2.5 years old and heart clear, and their parents (i.e., the puppy’s grandparents) should be heart clear until age 5.
It is unfortunate that MVD is a common threat to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, but by being aware of the condition and adhering to established breeding guidelines, we can help to reduce the number of affected dogs.
While mitral valve disease is a serious concern for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, it’s important to remember that these dogs can still live happy, fulfilling lives with proper care and attention. Regular checkups with a trusted veterinarian, a healthy diet, and low-impact exercise can all help to keep our furry friends healthy and comfortable for as long as possible.
As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to give our dogs the best possible care and to cherish the time we have with them, whether that time is long or short. With love and attention, we can help our Cavalier King Charles Spaniels live their best lives, no matter what challenges they may face.
