Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Heart Disease Welfare

Mitral valve disease affects over 90% of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels by age 10, making it the most prevalent breed-specific cardiac condition. Progressive heart failure causes significant welfare compromise in the final stages.

Key Facts

Over 90% of Cavaliers develop mitral valve disease by age 10
A new mitral valve murmur is the first clinical sign, often detectable from age 5
Progressive valve deterioration leads to cardiac enlargement and eventually congestive heart failure
ACE inhibitors and cardiac medications extend quality life, particularly once cardiac enlargement begins
The Cavalier Health scheme recommends annual cardiac screening from age 1

Welfare Considerations

Cavaliers in early stages of mitral valve disease show no clinical signs and have normal quality of life. As disease progresses to cardiac enlargement, exercise intolerance and reduced stamina begin. Congestive heart failure causes respiratory distress, coughing, and marked reduction in quality of life. Early detection and treatment can significantly delay the onset of congestive failure, extending the period of good welfare. End-stage heart failure requires sensitive quality-of-life assessment for euthanasia timing.

What You Can Do

Annual cardiac screening for Cavaliers from age 1 through breed health scheme
Start ACE inhibitor treatment when cardiac enlargement is detected as recommended by EPIC trial
Never buy a Cavalier puppy unless both parents have been cardiac screened
Support Cavalier Health and BVA campaigns for mandatory cardiac screening in the breed
Donate to comparative cardiac research benefiting both dogs and human heart disease patients