Thanks Gemma for creating this blog. I am goingto add some posts with information that was on the June newsletter.
Like other breeds, the King Charles Spaniel can have potential health problems. Some genetic conditions to be aware of are Patellar Luxation, Mitral Valve Disease, Syringomyelia, and eye disease. Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) and Syringomyelia (SM) are both severe and very common. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA (CKCSC) has a strict code of ethics and believe that breeding from less than the best can result in serious health problems. Most responsible breeders with screen their breeding dogs for heart, syringomyelia, hip, eye, hearing and patella problems and follow the recommended breeding protocols to try and reduce the incidence of all these defects in the breed. Although screening lessens the chance your dog will develop problems it is not a guarantee that your dog will never develop a problem during its lifetime. This month I want to focus on Syringomyelia which along with Mitral Valve Disease is a big concern for Cavalier owners.
What is Syringomyelia?- It is a condition where fluid filled cavities develop within the spinal cord. Also known as ‘neck scratcher’s disease’ because scratching in the air near the neck is a common sign.
SM is rare in most breeds but has become widespread in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It is estimated that as many as 50% of Cavaliers have syringomyelia (SM).
Symptoms- The earliest sign is that the dog is hypersensitive around the neck causing an urge to scratch at its neck and shoulders. As the pain progresses it may cause the dog to yelp. The dog may experience pain that it may sleep and eat with their head elevated.
Diagnosis- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI is the most accurate way of diagnosing the disease. The cost for an MRI can range from $900 to over $2000. Other methods are computed tomography (CT), thermography, ultrasound, and brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER).
Treatment- The options for treatment are limited and consist of drugs and surgery.
You can get more information about SM at www.cavalierhealth.org and also at http://www.fortheloveofollie.com/
SM is rare in most breeds but has become widespread in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It is estimated that as many as 50% of Cavaliers have syringomyelia (SM).
Symptoms- The earliest sign is that the dog is hypersensitive around the neck causing an urge to scratch at its neck and shoulders. As the pain progresses it may cause the dog to yelp. The dog may experience pain that it may sleep and eat with their head elevated.
Diagnosis- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI is the most accurate way of diagnosing the disease. The cost for an MRI can range from $900 to over $2000. Other methods are computed tomography (CT), thermography, ultrasound, and brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER).
Treatment- The options for treatment are limited and consist of drugs and surgery.
You can get more information about SM at www.cavalierhealth.org and also at http://www.fortheloveofollie.com/
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