The Kennel Club, working in association with the University of Copenhagen and the Danish Kennel Club, has approved a new health testing programme for myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; the programme will help to dramatically improve heart health in the breed. The decision follows a 2016 scientific paper that was published on the decrease of MMVD prevalence following the use of the existing heart programme for Cavaliers in Denmark.
Heart failure was the most commonly reported cause of death for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the Kennel Club’s Pedigree Breed Health Survey 2014, affecting 19.73%, while heart murmurs (9.73%) and mitral valve disease (7.32%) were the most commonly reported conditions in live dogs.
Aimee Llewellyn-Zaidi, Head of Health and Research at the Kennel Club said: “Heart problems are the most prevalent condition in Cavaliers and this heart scheme will help breeders make informed decisions when it comes to breeding, enable potential puppy buyers to be aware of issues which could affect their breed, and ultimately further improve the health of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. We are pleased that we will be able to offer a means of centralising the data obtained through this testing which should go a long way in protecting the health of the breed.”
More information regarding this development, and updated breeding recommendations for the breed, can be found on the Kennel Club website.