Top 5 Health Concerns for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – From the Plantation Midtown Doctors
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, gentle companions with soulful eyes and loving personalities—and they’re a breed we see often and adore caring for at our hospital. Cavaliers and Cavie Mixes form incredibly close bonds with their families, and we know how important it is to keep them healthy and comfortable throughout their lives.
Like all breeds, Cavaliers are prone to a few specific health concerns. Knowing what to watch for allows us to detect issues early and provide the best possible care. Here are the top five conditions we most commonly see in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and their Mixes—and how we help manage them:
Heart Disease (Mitral Valve Disease)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are especially prone to mitral valve disease, a condition where one of the heart valves weakens and begins to leak. This is one of the most common and serious health issues in the breed and often develops as Cavies age. Early signs can be subtle, such as coughing, decreased stamina, heavier breathing, or tiring more easily on walks. With early detection and proper management, many Cavaliers live happy, active lives for years after diagnosis.
How we can help:
- Physical exam – We listen closely for heart murmurs, abnormal rhythms, or breathing changes during your Cavie’s check-up to determine if additional testing should be done.
- Diagnostic Imaging – Chest X-rays and ultrasound (echocardiogram) allow us to visualize the heart and lungs in detail. These tools are essential for diagnosing heart disease and determining whether long-term medication or ongoing monitoring is needed.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – We use this test to detect irregular heart rhythms and monitor electrical activity, which can guide treatment and prevent potentially fatal events.
- Ongoing management – If heart disease is diagnosed, we’ll create a tailored care plan with medication, diet changes, and regular monitoring to keep your Cavie as healthy and active as possible.
Ear Infections
Cavaliers’ long, floppy ears limit airflow, creating a warm, moist environment that allows bacteria and yeast to thrive. Recurrent ear infections are very common in this breed and can become painful if untreated. Warning signs include head shaking, scratching at the ears, odor, redness, or discharge.
How we can help:
- Ear Cytology – We examine samples under a microscope to check for infections like bacteria, yeast, or mites. This helps us choose the most effective medication based on what’s actually causing the problem.
- Culture Testing – This goes a step further than cytology. It helps us identify the exact type of bacterial or fungal infection that’s making your Cavalier uncomfortable and determines which medications will work best to treat it.
- Allergy Tests – Blood testing can reveal environmental allergy triggers. This helps us tailor your Cavie’s diet and develop a personalized allergy treatment plan.
- Food Trials – If we suspect a food allergy, we may try different diets to determine if food is the underlying issue.
- Medications – We provide options for both immediate relief and long-term management of ear issues related to allergies or infections.
Eye Problems
Cavies are prone to several eye conditions, including dry eye, cataracts, and corneal injuries. Their large, expressive eyes can be more vulnerable to irritation and trauma. Signs of eye trouble include redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness, or pawing at the face. Prompt care is essential to prevent pain or vision loss.
How we can help:
- Fluorescein dye test – A special eye-safe dye to identify scratches or injuries on the surface eye. This helps determine the safest medications to use for your Cavalier’s specific eye problem
- Tear test – This checks if your dog is making enough tears to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable. If Dry Eye is diagnosed, long term medications can be prescribed to reduce the risk of secondary infections and injuries.
- Eye pressure test – We gently check the pressure inside the eye to look for issues like glaucoma. If Glaucoma is diagnosed, this would require long term medications to make your pet more comfortable and reduce the risk of blindness and, in severe cases, surgical eye removal
Joint & Mobility Issues
Cavaliers and Cavie Mixes can develop joint conditions such as patellar luxation (kneecap instability) and hip dysplasia. Over time, these issues may lead to arthritis, stiffness, or reduced mobility, especially as your dog ages. You may notice limping, difficulty rising, hesitation with stairs, or decreased interest in activity.
How we can help:
- Orthopedic exams – We assess joint stability, movement, and comfort.
- X-rays – Imaging helps us evaluate joint structure and arthritis changes.
- Pain management & supplements – We may recommend medications, joint supplements, or weight management strategies.
- Surgical referrals – In more severe cases, corrective surgery may provide long-term relief.
Dental Disease
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to dental disease due to their small mouths and crowded teeth. Plaque and tartar can build up quickly, leading to gum inflammation, bad breath, tooth loss, and even infections that affect the heart or kidneys. Regular dental exams, professional cleanings, and at-home care are essential to keeping your Cavie’s smile—and overall health—bright and healthy.
How we can help:
- Oral exam – We check for plaque buildup, alignment issues, and signs of gum infection. We also evaluate for loose, broken, or crowded teeth
- Dental X-rays – These allow us to see below the gumline where serious issues can hide. X-rays help identify pockets of infection under the teeth, bone loss from the jaw, and damaged roots, which can all cause unrealized pain. This helps the veterinarian determine if any teeth need to be pulled or if infections need additional treatment
- Professional cleaning – Just like people, Cavies and their mixes need regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. Dental cleanings under anesthesia performed by a veterinarian are the safest and most effective way to thoroughly clean your Cavie’s teeth. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria, protect their airway, and allow the vet to remove any teeth that may be causing problems. This also lets the vet identify issues that aren’t visible during a regular exam
- Home care guidance – We can recommend brushing routines, dental diets, or safe chews to help maintain your dog’s oral health between visits.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cavie Mixes bring so much joy to their families, and they deserve attentive, proactive veterinary care to keep them thriving. We’re honored to care for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel like one of our own.
Mention this email when booking, and you’ll receive 50% off the wellness exam and consult for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Warmly,
The Doctors and Team at Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital
Dr. Sausner, Dr. Alonso and Dr. Zimandy