EPILEPSY

There is no test for epilepsy.  Cavaliers who are symptomatic for epilepsy--i.e. have seizures, should not be bred.  For more on epilepsy please see the following site:   www.canine-epilepsy.net

This site also has a page on fly-biting or fly-catcher's syndrome as well as a small video depicting a dog fly-biting. Click on Canine Epilepsy Basics. Scroll down that page to Complex Focal Seizures to find a link to this page. Fly-catchers is thought of as a possible type of seizure or some specialists think it may be a type of OCD--obsessive compulsive disorder. However there is some thought that some types of OCD may also be some type of strange seizure disorder. Since both are neurological in nature, both thoughts could be correct.

Note that several flea meds have been known to cross the blood/brain barrier and cause epilepsy as well. Another good reason to avoid flea meds as much as possible and, if needed, stick to the oldest/proven-safe meds.

Another cause of seizures could be MCADD (see below for more). The seizures are due to low blood sugar because the body is not able to form an alternative form of glucose for cells to use when the dog has not been eating for longer periods of time. In these dogs it is important to spread out their meals evenly, make sure they get more carbohydrates, and not go more than 6-8 hours without eating. Feeding a small meal of carbohydrates right before bedtime (or when you might be gone longer than 8 hours) can help. There is a new DNA test for this if you wish to rule out MCADD if your dog is having seizures. More information is below.

 
DEAFNESS

Some Cavalier lines are prone to early onset deafness--either partial or total. There is a test for this. Cavaliers who have developed early onset deafness should not be bred.


BACK PROBLEMS

Cavaliers can be affected by back problems, i.e. ruptured disks, the same way a human can. Cavaliers who develop this problem early should not be bred.


AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS INCLUDING ALLERGIES

Autoimmune disorders are many. Allergies, cancer, myasenthia gravis, demodectic mange and lupus are all autoimmune disorders. Cavaliers who develop any type of autoimmune disorder, should not be bred. For more on autoimmune disorders, please see the following site: www.canismajor.com/dog/autoimmn.html

DNA TESTING

DNA Testing is now available for several genetic issues Cavaliers can be born with: Dry Eye/Curly Coat Syndrome, Episodic Falling Disorder, Degenerative Myelopathy, and MCADD. Both parents should be DNA tested for these issues. Dogs who are affected (have 2 genes, 1 from each parent) should not be bred. Dogs who are carriers (have 1 gene from one parent) should only be bred to clear dogs. Note that puppies from two clear parents are DNA clear by parentage and do not have to be tested.

DRY EYE/CURLY COAT SYNDROME
The condition affects a dog's skin and eyes. Affected dogs are unable to produce tears due to the lack of watery secretions from the lacrimal glands, making their eyes very sore. Their skin becomes very dry and flaky, particularly around the foot, and this can make walking and standing difficult and painful. For more: Dry Eye/Curly Coat

EPISODIC FALLING DISORDER
Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS) is an autosomal recessive disorder predominantly found in King Charles Spaniels. It is characterized by muscle stiffness and collapse of the dog during times of excitement, stress, or exercise. Episodes can last for several seconds or several minutes. Approximately 13% of King Charles Spaniels are carriers for the mutation responsible for EF. For more: EFS

DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY (DM)
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a disease that affects the spinal cord in dogs, causing progressive muscle weakness and loss of coordination. It acts similarly to Lou Gehrig's disease, or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), in humans. For more: DM  Also note, DM is also an autosomal recessive disorder as the others, but it is also a syndrome with incomplete penetrance. This means it can show up very mildly to more severely, and sometimes not even show up at all, even when the dog has inherited a gene from each parent and is considered 'affected'.

MCADD
In the breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a mutation in ACADM gene causes medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency. Affected dogs showed complex focal seizures with prolonged lethargy, lower responsiveness and proprioceptive ataxia. For more: MCAD Deficiency