Health Concerns

Sadly, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can have a variety of health concerns over the course of their average 12-15 year lifespan.  These include mitral valve disease, eye conditions including retinal problems and cataracts, patella luxation, hip dysplasia, middle ear infections, and a neurological condition called syringomyelia.  Mitral valve disease is the most serious of these, with at least 50% of cavaliers having a diagnosable murmur by age 5, and almost all cavaliers being diagnosed by age 10.  Mitral valve disease can be treated by medications, specialty diets, and sometimes surgery, but 50% of these loving dogs will perish from this condition.