Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Mitral valve disease is a common cardiac disease affecting smaller dogs, although larger breeds may also be affected. It occurs when the valve between the two left chambers of the heart (the “mitral” valve) fails to form a tight seal, resulting in regurgitation of the blood back into the atrium. Breeds that are most susceptible include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Dachshunds, among other breeds. Development of mitral valve disease is usually evidence by a heart murmur of a low-grade severity, as well as exercise intolerance, increased respiratory rate and a cough over time. Treatment of this condition will depend on its severity – mild leakage with minimal to no heart enlargement may generally be monitored regularly without treatment. Dogs with heart enlargement require medication to delay the onset of the condition.

Syringomyelia, also known as caudal occipital malformation syndrome, COMS or Chiari-like malformation, is a developmental abnormality whereby there is a difference in growth between the brain size (too large) and the skull cavity (too short). This causes a partial blocking of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) along the spinal cord, causing both pain and the collection of fluid in pockets in the spinal cord. Syringomyelia is an extremely serious condition, and is commonly reported in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Affenpinschers, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, French Bulldogs and Pugs. Symptoms include intermittent neck pain, and reluctance in affected dogs to jump and climb. The condition may result in other neurological deficits such as weakness and poor coordination. Diagnosis is carried out with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and medical therapy is generally the treatment of choice. Other available medications include anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids.

Episodic falling syndrome (EFS) is an inherited disorder unique to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It is characterised by episodic movement disorders, and is often mistaken as epileptic seizures. It causes increased muscle tone and muscle spasticity, resulting in limbs that seem “locked” in an extended position. Episodes usually occur between 14 weeks nad 4 years of age, and are generally provoked by exercise, stress or excitement. Symptoms of EFS vary, but are predominantly attributed to the dog’s inability to relax their muscles. The EFS-affected dog remains conscious during these episodes, and will rarely experience pain or discomfort. Treatment for the disorder is through medication, with the aim of relaxing the muscle to prevent future episodes. Recovery for affected dogs is often positive with treatment.

Cruciate disease is a very common orthopaedic disorder of the knee ( stifle) of dogs. Inside the canine knee, there are two crossing ligaments that join the tibia and the femur. These are known as the cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments in dogs. The cranial cruciate ligament, in particular, is an important stabilizer of the knee joint. The cranial cruciate ligament prevents the movement of the tibia forward out from underneath the femur. A complete or partial rupture of the cranial ligament leads to joint instability and lameness. If left untreated this will result in progressive degenerative arthritis,  as unnatural movement damages protective joint cartilage and the special spacers in the knee, the menisci.

Canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), commonly referred to as dry eye, is a disease characterised by inflammation of the cornea and surrounding tissues from drying. It is usually due to a decrease of tears, which causes the eyes to become irritated, where the cornea will turn brown and gooey, yellow discharge forms. Dry eye is caused by a range of factors, such as canine distemper infections, trauma, or a side-effect of a medication prescribed for other conditions. Breeds prone to dry eye include West Highland White Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels and Bulldogs. KCS is diagnosed most commonly through the Schirmer tear test (STT), and treated with ophthalmic medications designed to stimulate tear production and replace tear film.

(Extra eyelashes irritating the eye in dogs) Distichiasis is a condition in which small eyelashes abnormally grow on the inner surface or the very edge of the eyelids. Both upper and lower lids may be involved. Some breeds are affected more commonly than others, suggesting that it is an inherited trait and unfortunately it affects the staffordshire bull terrier.

The abnormal eyelashes are best removed through the use of surgery or electroepilation. With electroepilation, a fine needle is passed into the hair follicle and an electric current destroys the hair and its roots. This procedure may need to be repeated after several months. This is because all of the abnormal hairs may not have developed at the time of the first treatment. When these follicles do start to produce hairs, they will need to be treated.

If surgery is performed, the lid is actually split and the areas where the abnormal hairs grow are removed. Both procedures require anesthesia and a full recovery is expected. Antibiotic eye drops may be used following surgery to eliminate infections.

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Other tests are not necessary, but are a plus. They are OFA heart, thyroid and hearing evaluations.

Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping a Stafford at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life.

Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and eye anomalies including hereditary juvenile cataracts, persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV), and posterior polar subcapsular cataracts (PPSC). SBTs can develop several forms of skin allergies, some of which may be genetic. The DNA test for L-2-HGA, a metabolic condition, allows breeders to identify carriers and avoid producing affected offspring. Be an informed owner, and discuss any health questions or concerns with your dog’s breeder and your veterinarian.