Common Diseases and Disorders
In general, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a healthy dog with few medical concerns. However, the following diseases or disorders have been reported:
Chronic valvular disease is a disorder of the valves of the heart. This can result in congestive heart failure.
Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) is a congenital birth defect caused by a blood vessel that normally closes after birth, but remains open resulting in the passage of extra volumes of blood into the lungs.
Patellar luxation is a disorder affecting the kneecap.
Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland does not function adequately. Without enough thyroid hormone, illness can occur.
Brachycephalic syndrome a group of conditions that cause resistance to airflow through the upper respiratory tract (nose, larynx) in short-nosed breeds of dogs.
Allergies and deafness also occur.
In addition, although these occur infrequently, the following disorders have also been reported:
Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.
Distichiasis is a condition in which there is growth of extra eyelashes from the glands of the upper or lower eyelid.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a disorder of the eye that results when tear production is decreased.
Corneal dystrophy is a primary, inherited, bilateral (both sides), symmetrical condition of the cornea that is not accompanied by corneal inflammation or systemic disease.
Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that develops between the ages of 2 and 5 years.
Cataracts cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a disease that causes nerve cells at the back of the eye to degenerate. The condition usually begins in older pets and can lead to blindness.
Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, lameness and arthritis.
Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum.
Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas related to insufficient amounts of insulin production.
Life Span
The life span of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is about 12 years.
We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.
