Cattle

Archive for May 30th, 2009

If you get your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from a quality breeder, you can be fairly certain that you will have an excellent dog that will bring years of happiness. Overall, it is pretty healthy breed with typically few major health problems to speak of. Nonetheless, it is advisable that you become educated about the breed and learn if your dog may be predisposed to health problems via his family history. Keep in mind that some information given about the health of your Cavalier KingCharles Spaniel may simply be based on past assumptions. For example, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels historically have been reputable for their good eyesight and health. Yet over the past few years, the breed has changed a bit and is becoming increasingly susceptible to eye diseases. Similarly, overall eyesight quality decreases with age for most dogs and this certainly includes your Cavalier. Don’t be fooled by blanketed statements about the breed. Always check your facts as well as the bloodline history for your potential dog.

It is estimated that nearly half of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels inherit eye problems. Retinal dysplasia is the most commonly acquired of these diseases and is also the most serious eye problem that a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can get. With retinal dysplasia, the retina of the eye has does not properly form, resulting in what is known as retinal folds. The ailment causes blind spots, which are often almost unnoticeable from your dog’s perspective. The disease can also be more serious, causing complete blindness. Again, a bloodline background check is advised so that you can be assured your dog will not suffer from this potentially tragic disease. A reputable breeder should be able to inform you about the full lineage background and whether or not this dog is at risk for eyesight diseases or any other issues. It is disreputable for a breeder to sell a dog for commission if the animal’s lineage indicates the disease to be prevalent and serious. Finding a referred and respected breeder will assure that you can avoid this, and rest easy in knowing that your dog will be healthy and happy for years to come.

As with all breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has its own particular needs for proper care. Adhering to the guidelines for good health and careful grooming should avoid most eye issues. With proper inspections you will hopefully be able to obtain a healthy dog that does not experience serious eye issues until they inevitably come with age. Yet, on a less serious note, most dogs manage to get conjunctivitis at some point during their lifetime. If your dog has conjunctivitis, thoroughly clean the eyes and clear away the mucus regularly. If the condition persists despite your efforts, you are advised to consult your veterinarian. The veterinarian will prescribe an ointment to be applied regularly. In addition, they will advise that you clean frequently to avoid potential eyesight issues. If conjunctivitis is left untreated, permanent eye damage can result if not careful.