Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a breed known for their affectionate nature and charming appearance. However, they are also notoriously predisposed to mitral valve disease (MVD), a heart condition that affects a large portion of this breed.
If you’re not familiar with this disease, this article is for you! We’ll explain what it is and how to care for your Cavalier King Charles affected by MVD.
What is Mitral Valve Disease? #
Mitral valve disease is a progressive degeneration of the mitral valve, which is one of the four valves of the heart. Normally, this valve allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle without backflow. In the case of MVD, the valve becomes thick and deformed, causing blood to leak back into the left atrium when the left ventricle contracts. This phenomenon is called mitral regurgitation.
Mechanisms and Causes #
MVD is often idiopathic, meaning it has no clearly identifiable cause. However, it is widely considered a hereditary disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Myxomatous degeneration, a pathological process involving the accumulation of mucus-like substances in the valves, is the main cause of this condition. It makes the heart valves thicker and less functional. Studies have also suggested a link between MVD and other conditions, such as high blood pressure and collagen disorders.
Mitral Valve Disease in Cavalier King Charles: A Real Plague #
In Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, mitral valve disease is unfortunately very common. Statistics* even show an alarming predisposition to MVD in this breed:
- At the age of 5, about 50% of Cavaliers show signs of MVD.
- At the age of 7, this percentage increases to about 70%.
- Nearly 100% of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels aged 10 or older suffer from mitral valve disease.
This high prevalence underscores the need for regular monitoring and proactive management of heart health in this breed.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of MVD in Cavalier King Charles #
The clinical signs of MVD vary depending on the severity of mitral regurgitation. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Persistent cough, especially at night
- Breathing difficulties
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Abdominal distension due to fluid accumulation (ascites)
The diagnosis of MVD is primarily made by auscultation, where a heart murmur is detected. Echocardiograms are essential to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of mitral regurgitation. Chest X-rays and electrocardiograms can also be used to evaluate the impact of the disease on the heart and lungs.
Preventing Mitral Valve Disease in Cavalier King Charles: How Minitailz Can Help #
While complete prevention of MVD is not possible, certain measures can help delay its onset and reduce its impacts:
- Regular Monitoring: Regular veterinary check-ups, including echocardiograms, can help detect MVD early and monitor its progression.
- Diet: A balanced diet tailored to the specific needs of dogs at risk of heart disease can help maintain good heart health.
- Moderate Exercise: Moderate physical activity is essential to maintain an optimal weight and reduce stress on the heart.
Monitoring Your Cavalier King Charles’ Heart Health with Invoxia’s Minitailz #
While regular vet visits are a must, it’s reassuring to be able to keep an eye on your dog’s health between visits. A perfect solution is Invoxia’s Minitailz. With its heart and respiratory health scan, it offers the possibility to monitor your Cavalier King Charles’ health daily. Thus, at the first signs of heart issues, there is an opportunity to act, which can improve management.
If your Cavalier King Charles is diagnosed with mitral valve disease, Minitailz allows you to monitor their vitals with medical precision. This way, you can ensure the disease does not worsen and react quickly if it does.
Learn MoreWhat to Do If Your Cavalier King Charles Has Mitral Valve Disease? #
Once diagnosed, the disease unfortunately will not go away, and it sadly affects their life expectancy. When symptoms are mild to moderate, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can live for several years with appropriate treatment. Dogs suffering from severe heart failure may have a reduced life expectancy, but intensive medical management can prolong and improve their quality of life.
Treatment and Management of MVD #
The treatment of MVD primarily aims to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options include:
- Medication: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), diuretics, and vasodilators are commonly used to reduce the workload on the heart and control heart failure symptoms.
- Regular Monitoring: Frequent vet visits allow for treatment adjustments based on the disease’s progression.
- Specialized Diet: Diets formulated for cardiac dogs, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in sodium, can help support heart function.
- Stress Reduction: A calm and stable environment is beneficial for dogs with MVD, reducing stress on their heart.
- Daily Symptom Monitoring: It is important to monitor the daily progression of the disease’s symptoms in your dog. This includes daily monitoring of their breathing, any unusual weakness, or coughing. To improve this monitoring, there are dog trackers like Minitailz with health data.
Improving the Well-being of Your Cavalier King Charles with Mitral Valve Disease #
To improve the well-being of your sick Cavalier King Charles, it is crucial to implement appropriate management measures. Owners should:
- Monitor Symptoms: Be vigilant for signs of disease worsening and consult a vet immediately if deterioration occurs.
- Maintain a Calm Environment: Reduce stressful activities to help lessen the load on the heart.
- Adopt a Suitable Diet: Use appropriate diets and supplements that play a crucial role in managing MVD.
Surgery as a Last Resort for Mitral Valve Disease #
There are surgical interventions that can help treat mitral valve disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. One of the main operations is the repair or replacement of the mitral valve.
However, this type of intervention remains rare, mainly due to its complexity and the risks involved. Additionally, it requires the intervention of specialized veterinary surgeons, which are unfortunately not common. The cost of such an operation is also a barrier, and recovery requires intensive care and constant monitoring.
A High-Risk Operation Conducted in France in July 2024 #
Recently, an operation was performed on Jayce, a Cavalier King Charles with mitral valve disease. Leading the team in charge of the intervention was Dr. Valérie Chetboul, Professor of Veterinary Cardiology and member of Invoxia’s Minitailz scientific committee.
The operation was a real success, and pre- and post-operative monitoring was carried out by Minitailz, continuously attached to Jayce’s neck.
Mitral valve disease is a major concern for Cavalier King Charles owners and should be considered even before adopting one. However, with early detection and appropriate management, it is possible to maintain a good quality of life for affected dogs.
*Sources: Le Point Vétérinaire