Care of the Rescue Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a charming breed that has captured the hearts of many people throughout the world. The Cavalier’s loving nature and wonderful intuitive attention to humans make them ideal companions for the young and old alike. Because of the Cavalier’s wonderful nature and undeniable beauty, the breed has become popular with pet owners and diverse groups of people are breeding many Cavaliers throughout the country. This often results in dogs that become available for rescue situations. Because of the unknown and often less than desirable lives of the rescued dogs, post rescue care, both in the foster home and in the permanent home, requires a little extra attention to ensure a happy healthy Cavalier. The following information is provided in a general context and each dog’s situation should be taken on an individual basis. However, the general principles provided here will help the Cavalier to live as long and as comfortable a life as possible.

Common sense is a primary concept in care of the Cavalier. Providing the dog with a comfortable environment that is safe, warm, dry, and interactive will help the dog feel comfortable and reduce his or her stress significantly. Just like in people, dogs are susceptible to illness in the presence of stress. Dogs require an environment that is consistent, relatively calm, and reliable. It is essential to set up a pattern of behavior that the dog can rely on. Exercise times, feeding times, and playtime should be regular and generally about the same time each day. In this way, the dog can rely on these things occurring regularly and this reduces stress. Be sure the dog’s environmental considerations are similar to those that make a person comfortable. Warm sleeping arrangements, relatively dry exercise area, areas to which the dog can retreat for sleep and rest that are comfortable and uniquely his or hers will make the dogs life far less complicated and stressful. Remember that dogs are denning animals and do not object to carriers or cages. They often view these as a retreat like a bedroom or other personal space. Provide an interactive environment for the dog. Like humans, dogs require mental and physical stimulation that are both challenging and enjoyable. Provide the dog with toys that are exclusively his or hers and be sure the dog does not feel challenged by other dogs or children. Talk to the dog in a normal and informative voice. Explain what you are doing and what the dog’s expectations are in the situation. Following these simple common sense principles will ensure a quick and successful transition into the new environment.

Whether a rescued Cavalier or one purchased as a puppy, several health issues can arise for any Cavalier owner. Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), syringomyelia (SM), and periodontal disease (PD), are some of the disease processes that are often found in Cavaliers. However, as with any dog, the Cavalier is susceptible to a host of physical challenges that are not unusual or unique. As with any living being, there are any numbers of health issues that can occur for reasons that may never be known. The following information can help to recognize issues and either prevent or reduce the incidence.

Most of the time the rescued Cavalier will have already received any required vaccinations. Please be sure that all health records are provided with the Cavalier. Establish a relationship with a veterinarian as soon as possible. However, remember that like physicians not all veterinarians practice the same. Ensure the veterinarian is a reasonable and experienced practitioner who has a working understanding of Cavaliers. Understand the feeding habits of the dog if possible and attempt to provide the same nutrition making any changes slowly. The Cavalier should ALWAYS have access to fresh clean water. Never limit the dog’s access to water either inside or outside. Provide regular access to exercise facilities and ensure the dog receives moderate exercise daily. Never allow the Cavalier to become obese or anorexic. The tendency for most Cavaliers is to become obese and this condition is extremely counter-productive for the good health of the dog especially with MVD. Keep the Cavalier clean and parasite free. Use of topical treatments for fleas and ticks is very helpful and ensures a comfortable lifestyle for the dog. If the Cavalier comes with health challenges be sure to understand the nature of the health issue and be comfortable in the care of the issue.

The following information provides an overview of the most common issues in Cavaliers and some insight into caring for the health challenges. Mitral Valve Disease is the degeneration of the mitral valve in the heart changing the normal flow of blood through the heart. The mitral valve has two leaflets that open and closes according to the contraction of the heart thus directing blood through the heart in a proper sequence of events. When the mitral valve becomes compromised, the flow of blood is changed and this often causes an audible murmur when a stethoscope is used. The murmur is a result of the blood flowing against the stream and causes turbulence in the chambers of the heart. At this time, there is no real understanding of what causes this to occur in Cavaliers with such frequency. Common causes are thought to be genetic, environmental, and care related. Therefore, understanding how to care for the Cavalier to minimize the influence of this problem is an important part of properly caring for the dog. The employment of the following approaches can improve the lifespan and quality of life of all dogs and Cavaliers in particular.

Mitral valve disease has a number of symptoms to watch for in both dogs with diagnosed MVD and dogs that have not had MVD diagnosed. Usually the disease process starts with a reduction in activity as the dog finds normal activity more and more tiring. Often a dog will develop a slight cough that may only seem occasional. However, with increased difficulties the coughing may become more and more pronounced. In advanced cases of MVD the dog finds any exertion overwhelming and often has coughing fits from which they have trouble recovering. As the disease process progresses to the most comprising stages the dog may even find sleeping on the chest difficult and has problems with the most minor exertion. There are a number of interventions that can assist with improved quality of life and management of the disease process.

Do not allow the Cavalier to become overweight! Just as in people, obesity and overweight conditions in dogs are not compatible with good heart health. The dog’s ideal weight depends on each dog’s overall size; however, be sure that you can feel the ribs through a thin covering of fat. Anytime a dog is allowed to become obese and sedentary the chances of compromise in the heart increase dramatically. Certainly, if the dog has an existing heart issue, provide frequent mild exercise and quality food in small amounts. If the dog has advanced heart disease be sure to provide several very small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal and keep exercise to a minimum effort. The large meals put significant pressure on the heart and reduce the effectiveness of cardiac output. Some exercise should always be provided, however, use caution in the presence of advanced disease. Allow the dog to determine the comfort level for exercise.

There are several medications that assist with management of MVD. In mild MVD, supplements may be used such as vitamins C and E. There are also a number of supplements on the market that attempt to provide key supplements for heart health. Each of these may provide some assistance in managing MVD. However, as with all supplements use caution as the supplements cannot be given in unlimited amounts without causing significant difficulty. Enalapril, which is an ACE inhibitor, may be prescribed for treatment and prevention of heart failure. Another medication often prescribed for Cavaliers with MVD is Spironalactone (potassium sparing diuretic). Furosemide (diuretic) and Pimobendan (intrope and vasodilator) are most frequently used for the treatment of advanced MVD. Surgical options are also available for the treatment of MVD with limited success. The most important thing to remember with MVD in Cavaliers is to keep them physically and mentally healthy and happy.

Syringomyelia is a neurological disorder that occurs in the spinal cord. As with MVD, there are both genetic and environmental considerations for causing the disease. Essentially malformations in the spine and the opening at the base of the skull cause encroachment of the spinal fluid into spaces that produce pain and discomfort for the dog. Often this results in a scratching behavior and sensitivity to touch along the base of the skull and the top of the neck. Treatment consists of medication and reduction of stress and environmental pressures. Corticosteroids and analgesics reduce the pain and swelling. In advanced cases of SM, the dog has difficulty maintaining a normal life and appears to suffer considerably. Once again, common sense care is the order of the day. Keep the dog’s lifestyle calm and relatively stress free. Limit exercise to that which the dog can tolerate. Encourage rest and avoid obesity. Providing for Cavaliers with advanced SM can be challenging but not impossible. Work closely with an experienced veterinarian to provide the ideal balance of medication and activity.

Periodontal disease is a major issue for all Cavaliers especially since PD can be detrimental to the treatment of MVD. Fortunately, PD is preventable with simple tooth care. There are numerous products on the market that can be used on a regular basis to reduce the effects of PD. Like dental care for humans, the secret is consistency of use. Most veterinarians and pet supply stores will have products that help with the reduction of PD. Regular deep cleanings by a veterinarian are also part of a successful PD treatment plan. All Cavaliers should receive antibiotics prior to deep tooth cleaning by a veterinarian because of the association between PD and endocarditis (bacterial infection of the mitral valve). Dry food and natural bones will also help with the reduction of PD. Remember; even our lovely little Cavalier pets are dogs that are used to chewing on hard things to maintain good dental health.

Cavaliers are a precious gift to be treasured and caring for a Cavalier is not complicated or overly demanding. Simple common sense care and an understanding of the needs of the dog will ensure that both the Cavalier and his new family are happy and thriving. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of resources available and be sure and contact the local District Director or the National Director for any questions or problems that may arise.