The Cavalier is by most measures the largest toy breed: though clearly a lap dog, fully-grown adults tend to fill one rather amply. It is nonetheless quite small for a spaniel, with fully grown Cavaliers roughly comparable in size to an adolescent of a more convential spaniel breed. Breed standards call for a height between 29 and 33cm (12-13 inches) with a proportionate weight between 5.5 and 8.5kg (13 and 19 lbs). Unlike most other spaniels, the Cavalier has a full-length tail well feathered with long hair, which is typically carried aloft when walking.
Coat
The breed naturally grows a substantial silky coat of moderate length. Breed standards call for it to be free from curl, with a slight wave permissible. In adulthood, Cavaliers grow lengthy feathering on thier ears, chest, legs, feet and tail; breed standards demand this be kept long, with the feathering on the feet cited as particularly important feature of the breed.
The Four Colours of the Breed are:
Parti colours are the colours that include white: Blenheim & Tricolor. Whole Colours have no white: Black & Tan & Ruby. The Blenheim is the most common colour. although the others are not rare.
If you are wanting to show a Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel extra points will be given for a rich chestnut dot placed between the eyes on the top of the forehead, called the lozenge. it is rare which makes it desirable for show breeders.
Temperament
The breed is highly affectionate, and some have called the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel "the ultimate lap dog". Most dogs of the breed are playful, extremely patient and eager to please. As such, dogs of the breed are usually good with children and other dogs. A well socialized Cavalier will not be shy about socializing with much larger dogs. (However, on occasion, this tendency can be dangerous, as many cavaliers will presume all other dogs to be equally friendly, and may attempt to greet and play with aggressive dogs)
However, the extremely social nature of the Cavalier King Charles means that they require almost constant companionship from humans or other dogs, and are not suited to spending long periods of time on their own. Once you get a Cavalier you wont be disappointed with their friendly loving nature and if its the first one your to own, it certainly wont be the last.
Health
The disorders listed in the first 3 categories below are believed to have an inherited basis, or are known to have a predilection for this breed ("breed predisposition"). This means the disorder occurs more commonly in this breed compared to other breeds, or to the general dog population. Common sense suggests that these are inherited disorders, but for many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive.
Listed disorders for which there is a general consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed. The most popular breeds tend to have the most disorders because there is a larger number of dogs affected, and therefore more opportunity to recognize a breed predisposition to a particular disorder. As well, there is likely to be more indiscriminate breeding of these breeds, leading to a higher occurrence of inherited disorders. In less common or newer breeds, there may be no disorders listed or the list of disorders may be quite short, because it can take some time before enough dogs are affected to recognize an inherited condition.
These disorders are common in this breed, and where possible, efforts are being made to eradicate them.
Mitral Valve Disease
The heart consists of 4 chambers - 2 atria and 2 ventricles. The atrioventricular (AV) valves ensure that the blood flows from the atria to the ventricles when the heart beats. A defect in the mitral valve (the left atrioventricular valve) causes backflow of blood into the left atrium, or mitral regurgitation. Less commonly, a narrowing or stenosis of the valve can be identified. Because of the leaky valve, the heart is less efficient at pumping blood to the body. Mitral valve insufficiency is the most common acquired cardiac disease in older dogs, affecting over one third of dogs greater than 10 years of age. In some breeds however, mitral insufficiency develops at a much younger age, due to an inherited predisposition for this disorder.
In some breeds, abnormal development (dysplasia) of the valve has been identified in the embryo.
How is mitral valve disease inherited?
Although the pattern of inheritance has not been identified, it is agreed that there is a genetic basis for the early development of mitral valve disease.
What breeds are affected by mitral valve disease?
There is a relatively high incidence of early development of mitral valve disease in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cairn Terrier, Miniature Poodle, and Bull Terrier (particularly in the United Kingdom).
It is also seen, not as commonly, in the Miniature Pinscher, Toy and Standard Poodle, Boston Terrier, Whippet, Chihuahua, Pekingese, Dachshund, Beagle, Papillon, Great Dane, and German Shepherd.
What does mitral valve disease mean to your dog & you?
Dogs often compensate well for years, despite mitral regurgitation (backflow). You can help by maintaining your dog at a healthy weight, and ensuring regular exercise and a good diet.
Over time however, changes will occur in your dog's heart because of the increased work to make up for the insufficient, or leaky, mitral valve. Early signs that the heart is no longer able to compensate for mitral valve disease may include a reduced tolerance for exercise, difficulties in breathing, or a cough at night or at rest. All of these occur because of a build-up of fluid in the lungs. Other signs of a gradually failing heart include fainting, weakness, or collapse, which may be due to an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia).
How is mitral valve disease diagnosed?
Your veterinarian may detect a heart murmur before your dog is showing any signs associated with mitral valve disease. Further investigation by radiographs and electrocardiogram may reveal some of the changes that occur in the heart over time, as it works harder to compensate for the insufficiency of the mitral valve. These changes may include enlargement of the left side of the heart, enlargement of blood vessels in the lungs, and cardiac arrhythmias.
How is mitral valve dysplasiatreated?
There is no cure for mitral valve disease but your veterinarian can recommend medical therapy to ease life for your dog. Depending on the stage of heart disease, this may include a special sodium-restricted diet, exercise restriction, diuretics, and medication to support the failing heart.
Syringomyelia is a condition whereby fluid filled cavities develop within the spinal cord. Some refer to SM as "neck scratcher's disease" because scratching in the air near the neck is a common sign.
What causes it
Syringomyelia is a consequence of an obstruction to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. In the normal mammal, the CSF around the brain shunts back and forth with the arterial pulse. If this rapid efflux and influx is obstructed then the pressure wave is transmitted down the spinal cord distending it below the blockage. This results in the formation of a cavity or syrinx. Syringomyelia can occur from any blockage in the subarachnoid space (space containing CSF around the brain and spinal cord). However, the most common cause is the cerebellum within the foramen magnum (i.e. the back of the brain poking though the hole at the back of the skull). The cerebellum is pushed (herniated) out the skull because there is not enough space since the volume of the back of the skull (occipital bone) is too small. This condition occurs in many small breeds but is common in the cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS). It is similar to the human condition Chiari malformation (some vets refer to it as Arnold Chiari syndrome which can be confusing as the original description by Arnold was of syringomyelia associated with spina bifida and this is not the case in the CKCS).
Clinical signs of syringomyelia
By far the most important sign of syringomyelia is pain. This is most commonly localised to the neck region but may be difficult to define or intermittent. Owners often report that their dog is worse at night; when first getting up; during hot or cold temperature extremes; when excited; or related to posture e.g. preferring to sleep with their head elevated. They may seem to be overly sensitive to touchon one side of the neck / ear / shoulder / sternum. In addition some affected dogs scratchat one area of the shoulder, ear, neck or sternum. This is typically one side only, while the dog is moving and sometimes without making skin contact Some dogs, more commonly younger patients, develop a scoliosis (twisted spine). Some severe cases may have other neurological deficits such as fore and hindlimb limb weaknessand ataxia (wobbliness). Facial nerve paralysis, deafness and seizures have also been associated with the condition but a link has yet to be proven.
What age of dog is affected
Clinical signs of syringomyelia secondary to occipital hypoplasia are usually recognized between 6 months and 3 years of age. However, dogs of any age may be presented and dogs with more severe disease tend to be presented before two years of age.
Do the signs get worse
Progression of the disease is very variable. Some dogs have the tendency to scratch with mild pain only and other neurological signs, such as paresis, never or very slowly develop. Others can be severely disabled by pain and neurological deficits within 6 months of the first signs developing. A small syringomyelia may also be found as an incidental finding, with no recognised clinical signs, in the investigation of another neurological disease.
The main diseases to rule out are other causes of neck pain e.g. disc disease (uncommon in dogs less than two years of age); CNS inflammatory diseases and other malformations. If scratching or face rubbing is the main sign then skin disease should be eliminated.
The only way to confirm a diagnosis is by MRI (Magnetic Resonance imaging). This is essentially a picture of the water content of the body presented in a series of slices (like a loaf of bread). Nervous tissue, which contains a lot of water, is not imaged by x-rays but is shown in great detail by MRI. The syringomyelia can be easily visualised as a pocket of fluid within the spinal cord. In severe cases the syrinx is so wide that only a thin rim of spinal cord remains
If my dog has been diagnosed with Syringomyelia what are the options
No one can make the decision for you about what is best for your dog.
Medical management
Long-term studies of medical management of syringomyelia are not available yet. The drugs used to treat syringomyelia can be divided into 3 types:
- analgesics;
- drugs which reduce CSF production;
- corticosteroid
Analgesics
Pain in mild cases may be controlled by non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. Rimadyl and Metacam. In more severe cases anticonvulsants, which have a neuromodulatory effect on hyperexcitable damaged nervous system, may be useful, for example gabapentin(Neurontin Pfizer;- these are not licenced for dogs). Oral opioids, e.g. pethidineor methadoneare also an alternative.
Drugs which reduce CSF production
Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole(Losec or Prilosec) can inhibit cerebrospinal fluid formation and therefore may be valuable; clinical data on their use and effectiveness for SM is currently lacking. This drug is unlikely to be useful in the long term as therapy longer than 8 weeks duration is not recommended as this may increase the risk for stomach cancer. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide(Diamox; Lederle laboratories) also decrease CSF flow and may also be helpful in treating syringomyelia although adverse effects of abdominal pain, lethargy and weakness may limit long term use.). Furosemidealso decreases intracranial pressure and therefore could be useful in the treatment of syringomyelia.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are very effective in reducing both pain and neurological deficits although the exact mechanism is not known. It has been suggested that these drugs reduce CSF pressure however laboratory evidence of this is lacking. They possibly have a direct effect on pain mediators such as substance P. Although corticosteroids may be effective in limiting the signs and progression, most dogs require continuous therapy and subsequently develop the concomitant side effects of immunosuppression, weight gain and skin changes. If there is no alternative then the lowest possible dose that can control signs is used. Alternate day therapy is preferred.
Surgical management
Surgical management is indicated for dogs with significant pain or with worsening neurological signs. The aim is to restore CSF dynamics and if this can be achieved then the syrinx can resolve. The most common procedure for Chiari like malformation is suboccipital decompression where the hypoplastic occipital bone and sometimes the cranial dorsal laminae of the atlas are removed (with or without a durotomy) to decompress the foramen magnum. The success reported in the small case series varies from no improvement to post operative resolution of the syrinx. Syringosubarachnoid shunting has also been described. In the author's experience surgery is usually successful at significantly reducing the pain but some dogs may still show signs of discomfort /scratching. Also in the author's experience signs may recur in a proportion of dogs after several months/years. One must weigh the risks and benefits of surgery versus medication versus no intervention. Remember, progressive disease means that no action may enable further deterioration.
When to have surgery
There is more chance of success if the surgery is done early in the course of the disease before permanent damage has occurred. Surgical management is indicated for dogs with significant pain or with worsening neurological signs.
What are the risks of surgery
There are major blood vessels in the area and if traumatised the dog could quickly bleed to death. Although not actually operating on the brain/spinal cord, it is in close proximity and there is a risk of permanent neurological injury. In reality complications from surgery seem to be rare.
Can the disease recur
Signs may recur in a proportion of dogs after several months/years due to redevelopment of syringomyelia. The newly created "space" from surgery may fill in with scar tissue. If this happens, repeat surgery may be indicated; some owner prefer to continue with medical management e.g. with frusemide, NSAIDs, gabapentin or corticosteroids.
The Kennel Club recently issued a statement in response to a recent programme aired by the BBC in August 2008 to quote a passage of this statement :-
" The Kennel Club feels that the programme, Pedigree Dogs Exposed missed a real opportunity to progress the cause of dog health. It appeared to have a very specific agenda repeating prejudices, providing no context for the debate, and failing to put forward constructive proposals. It left viewers with the mistaken impression that all pedigree dogs are riddled with a wide range of health problems and that the dog community is doing little or nothing to improve the situation. This is patently not true.
Whilst the Kennel Club was shocked and saddened by the dramatic imagery used in the programme, and accepts some of the important issues raised, what is does not accept is that these problems apply widely across the 200 plus breeds in the UK. Pedigree Dogs Exposed failed to show the real progress being made by both the Kennel Club and responsible breeders in improving dog health or to recognise that 90% of dogs will not suffer from health problems that have a detrimental impact on the quality of life.
More than that, the programme drew upon a new study on dog genetics by Imperial College to underline its criticisms of dog breeding, without acknowledging the fact that this study was entirely enabled by the Kennel Club as part of its commitment to health research. This research will now provide the Kennel Club with a valauable scientific platform to enlist the support of breeders in tackling key health problems where they occur".
It should also be noted that the Kennel Club has lodged a complaint with OFSTED about the unfair and biased view raised by the programme.
Inbreeding/Line Breeding - The facts
There is a difference between "in" breeding and "line" breeding. Inbreeding was practiced in Victorian times to produce a particular breed, however, it is now uncommon.
Line Breeding is very different and is were animals are bred for particular (healthy) characteristics. If a dog is line bred it may appear more than once in a pedigree and so names within the generations will be repeated. That does not mean that the dogs are likely to be unhealthy. That is far from the case.
Responsible breeders have an intimate knowledge of the dogs that appear in pedigrees - they use that knowledge and their experience to breed for positive traits of health, character and the breed standard.
The research by Imperial College, which was supported by the Kennel Club, showed that inbreeding coefficients were not high as a result of incestuous matings - this is actually very rare.
The gene mutations that result inherited disease occur at random and are fairly rare events. We know from experimental data that certain kinds of chemicals can cause DNA damage resulting in the mutation of the gene involved. Some of the inherited diseases that we recognise today will have resulted from such insults, but probably most result from errors in copying DNA that have gone undetected. So, inbreeding per se does not cause genetic mutations, as far as we know. However, we have already seen that many of the inherited diseases in the dog result from recessive mutations; an affected dog will have two copies of the recessive mutation. However the carrier dog, that carrying one normal gene coyp and one mutant gene copy, will be clinically normal. Inbreeding to such carrier dogs will result in a rapid build up in the frequency of the mutant gene such that eventually affected dogs will be produced. Inbreeding therefore does not cause a mutation that results in an inherited disease, but once such a mututation has occured inbreeding will increase the frequency of the mutant version of the gene in the breed quicker than other more random breeding programme.
The above is meant as a guide and you should always carry out your own research prior to looking to purchasing a puppy.
This breed is the friendliest of the toy group.
