Which health problems are common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Cavaliers are best known for heart valve disease, which often starts in middle age and worsens slowly. A yearly heart check from 1 year of age catches it early, before signs show.
Updated November 9, 2026
What should Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners watch for?
Common for the breed doesn't mean your dog will have it.
- Heart valve disease. The heart's mitral valve wears early in this breed. At first there are no signs; later, a cough, fast breathing at rest or tiring on walks.
- Syringomyelia. Fluid builds up in the spinal cord. Scratching at the neck, ear or shoulder with no skin problem, or yelping when picked up or jumping down, are signs to show your vet.
- Eye problems. Dry eye and corneal problems are seen in the breed. A red, cloudy or squinting eye needs a vet soon.
- Ear infections. Head shaking, scratching or a smell from the ears can mean an infection, one of the breed's common problems.
- Dental disease. Tartar and gum disease are common. Bad breath or red gums are signs; brushing and yearly checks help.
Which checkups do vets often suggest?
| Checkup | What it is | When |
|---|---|---|
| Heart exam by a cardiologist | A vet listens to the heart, and a heart specialist may add an ultrasound. Programmes certify it from 1 year of age and suggest it every year. | From 1 year · Every year |
| Eye exam by an ophthalmologist | A specialist checks the eyes for inherited problems. Screening programmes suggest repeating it every year. | Every year |
| Kneecap check | Your vet feels the knees to see whether a kneecap slips out of place. Programmes certify it from 1 year of age. | From 1 year · Once |
Your vet decides which checkups fit your pet, and when.
How do I keep a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health record?
VetVitae, a free pet health record app for iPhone, Android and the web, shows these notes on your dog’s profile under Health, and Plan it opens the exam or test with its name filled.
For vaccines, parasites and the signs that can’t wait, see the dog care guide.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet knows your pet.
Sources
- Prevalence of disorders recorded in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels attending primary-care veterinary practices in England, Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2015
- Mitral valve disease (MVD), Science for Animal Welfare (UFAW)
- Syringomyelia, Science for Animal Welfare (UFAW)
- Cardiac disease, OFA
- Toy group health testing requirements, American Kennel Club
- The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England, Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2016
- Eye certification, OFA
Start a record for your pet.
Add your pet, log the last vaccine, and you're set up. Use it in your browser, on iPhone or on Android.