HEARTS IN THE U.K.

CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIELS: A note to Veterinary Surgeons

Widespread surveys, in the UK and elsewhere, have shown that, as in some other small breeds of dog, mitral valve disease (MVD or endocardiosis) is very common in Cavaliers.  Over 50% of dogs may have a murmur of mitral regurgitation by 5 years of age (Darke, 1987)*, and, as many vets have discovered, cardiac failure often occurs in dogs as your as 6 or 8.

The main difference from most other breeds is that MVD appears to develop prematurely in
Cavaliers.  This is distressing to owners and breeders, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club is taking the matter seriously and responsibly.  Not only are the Club seeking the assistance of veterinary cardiologists and a geneticist, but they intend to try to select more healthy breeding stock.

Breeding stock can best be selected from older dogs known to be free from a murmur of mitral regurgitation, and to certify your opinion, as on the form below, if you can detect such a murmur.  Murmurs of mitral regurgitation are systolic, and typically heard just caudal to triceps on the left side of the thorax, and slightly above the point of elbow.

It is hoped you may feel able to charge your client a nominal fee for this simple certificate so that cost doesn not discourage Cavalier owners and breeders from participating fully in this important piece of research.

Thank you for your co-operation.

P.G.G. Darke, BVSc, PhD, DVR, DVC, MRCVS,
*Darke, P.G.G. (1987) Valvular incompetence in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Vet.Rec. 120, 365-366.

DETAILS OF DOG, (Block Capitals Please)

K.C.Reg. Name............................................................ K.C.Reg. No...................................

Sex............................Colour.............................Date of Birth................ Age.........................

Sire................................................................... Dam............................................................

Whether a heart form has previously been submitted                      YES/NO

Owner's Name......................................................................................................................

Owner's Address...................................................................................................................
I agree that all information may be used in confidence by veterinary surgeons and geneticists researching the problem of heart murmurs in Cavaliers.

OWNERS SIGNATURE..........................................................DATE..................................
The Club wishes to PUBLISH a list of dogs and bitches CLEAR OF MURMURS in order to
improve the health of the breed.  Your co-operation is earnestly requested.  If you DO NOT wish your dog's name to be included on this list, please initial this box.  

VETERINARY OPINION
In accordance with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club's scheme I have examined this dog
for the presence of MVD.  I certify that at the time of my examination,

Please __ I was UNABLE TO DETECT any evidence of mitral regurgitation

Tick as__ I DETECTED A MURMUR consistent with mitral regurgitation, the grade being....... on a scale of 6.

appropriate

(Vet's Signature)...................................................................................Date..........................

(Name)..................................................................................................................................

(Address)...............................................................................................................................

ANNUAL TESTING IS ESSENTIAL FOR BREEDER USE AND RESEARCH PURPOSES
PLEASE send the top copy of this certificate to the Club Secretary, MRS. L. F. JUPP,
60 ROUNDWAY, CAMBERLEY, SURREY GU15 INU, The duplicate should be retained by the owner of the dog.