The King Charles Spaniels are known to be a generally a happy and healthy dog but can come with many genetic health problems. These may be MVD ( Mitral Valve Disease ) Heart Murmurs, inherited eye defects, syringomyelia and slipping patellas.
MVD or Heart Murmurs can develop in King Charles Spaniels by the time they are 6 years old. In severe cases medication may need to be given and still live long and healthy lives. This heart condition is generally monitored and breeders have been diligently screening their stock or at least encouraged to do so as it is an inherited disease.
Some countries arrange frequent heart clinics in order for breeders to have their stock screened Vet Caridio Specialists. These specialists are able to detect the smallest of heart murmurs in these dogs. Certificates for each dog is then issued with their complete results and notes. Certificates with favorable news are ideal and indicate the possibilities for breeding. It is sometimes encouraged to breed mature dogs clear of MVD in their breeding programs.
King Charles Spaniels are also prone to inherited eye defects, the most serious being cataracts and retinal dysplasia.
With cataracts they lens of the eye loses the normal transparency and can look a bit cloudy. While the inherited forms of cataracts that are recognized from birth generally don