Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is a life-threatening heart disease that affects over 40% of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in the UK. As a result of these shocking numbers, the Kennel Club and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VCS) have developed a new heart scheme that aims to reduce the amount of dogs being affected by the disease.
So what are they doing?
After finding out that the Danish heart scheme has been much more efficient than the UK scheme, The Kennel Club and VCS were determined to make a change in the UK methods.
The Kennel Club and VCS are planning to trial one hundred dogs over the next few months. After the trials, all Cavalier breeders and owners will have access to the scheme.
The new heart scheme
Based on the Danish scheme, The Kennel Club and VCS held a training day for VCS members. They trained 18 members of the VCS in methods of testing for early MVD in Cavaliers. They then adapted the methods for testing on Cavaliers in the UK.
The new heart scheme will give the owner an idea of the degree of MVD in their dog. After getting this information, the owner can then make an efficient breeding decision. Through this, they hope that in the future the heart health of Cavaliers will improve.
For more information about the heart scheme, visit the Kennel Club’s website.