Melahat TOKER*

Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yuksek Ihtisas University, Ankara, Turkey

*Corresponding Author: Melahat Toker, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yuksek Ihtisas University, Ankara, Turkey.

Received: September 09, 2025; Published: October 10, 2025

Abstract

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are breeds that are prone to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) with different coat colors and combinations. Acquired heart disease is common in these dogs, and mitral valve disease accounts for 75-80% of all heart disease. Small dogs may be more affected by mitral valve disease than larger dogs.  The rate of heart disease in these dogs increases with age, and even in geriatric dogs the risk rate can be 100%. In our studies, there is no statistically significant gender-related risk. In dogs, the enlargement of the heart, the decrease in effort capacity, coughing and later difficulty in breathing require veterinary control. The gold standard for the diagnosis of heart diseases is echocardiography.

Keyword: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; Dog; Echocardipgraphy

References

1. “Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Breed Information”. American Kennel Club (2023).
2. O'Neill , et al. “Longevity and mortality of dogs owned in the UK”. Veterinary Journal 189.3 (2013): 638-643. 
3. Lewis T., et al. “Heritability of premature mitral valve disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels”. Veterinary Journal (2010a).
4. Orton EC. “Mitral Valve Surgery: Current Veterinary Practice. 1^st International Symposium on Canine Valvular Diseases, Paris (2004).
5. Gürgen G and Serttaş S. “Performance Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms in Early Diagnosis of Heart Failure”. Euroasia Journal of Mathematics, Engineering, Natural and Medical Sciences International Indexed and Refereed20 (2023): 165-174.
6. Griffiths LG., et al. “Evaluation of techniques and outcomes of mitral valve repair in dogs”. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 224 (2004): 1941-1945.
7. Häggström J. “New perspectives on degenerative mitral valve disease in dogs”. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 3 (2004): 1209-1226.
8. Häggström J. “Etiology and Pathophysiology of Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs”. World Small Animals Association Conference Proceedings Rhodes (2004).
9. Kasar SK and Erzincanlı. “Evaluation of Medication Adherence in Patients with Heart Failure”. Turkish Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 28 (2021): 94-99.
10. Kazdağlı H and Özel HF. “Evaluation of Heart Rate Variability Parameters in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation”. Research Article Cbu-Sbed3 (2024): 287-294.
11. Puppy-Training-at-Home. “Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Training and Cavalier Dog Breed Information (2009).
12. Lewis T., et al. “Optimization of breeding strategies to reduce the prevalence of hereditary diseases in purebred dogs”. Animal Welfare S (2010b): 93-98.
13. Lundin T and Kvart C. “Evaluation of the Swedish breeding programme for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels”. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 52 (2010): 54.
14. MaccDonald KA., et al. “Brain Natriuretic Peptide Concentration in Dogs with Heart Disease and Congestive Heart Failure”. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2 (2003): 172-177.
15. Moonarmart W., et al. “N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and left ventricular diameter independently predict mortality in dogs with mitral valve disease”. Journal of Small Animal Practice 51 (2010): 84-96.
16. Norn S and Kruse PR. "[Cardiac glycosides: From ancient history to Withering's fox glove and endogenous cardiac glycosides]". Dansk Medicinhistorisk Arbog (2004): 119-132.
17. “Mitral Valve Disease and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels” (2009).
18. Rishniw M. “Syncope with Mitral Valve Disease”. Medical FAQ. VIN Partner (2009).
19. Smith P. “Management of chronic degenerative mitral valve disease in dogs”. In Practice 28 (2006): 376-383.

Citation

Citation: Melahat TOKER. “History of Heart Disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Dogs".Acta Scientific Cancer Biology 9.4 (2025): 20-23.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2025 Melahat TOKER. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.