Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have health problems?

1. Hip Dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly.

1. Elbow Dysplasia: Unlike hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. 

1. Episodic Falling: This condition has symptoms similar to epilepsy, but the dog remains conscious during the seizure-like episodes. A dog suffering from episodic falling will have periods where they cannot relax their muscles. During an episode, their limbs will become rigid, they will lose coordination, and they may fall. Symptoms usually start before five months of age.

1. Syringomyelia (SM): This condition affects the brain and spinal cord and is caused by a malformation of the skull. The result is a skull that is too small for the brain, making it difficult for spinal fluid to properly travel down the spine. The fluid eventually backs up near the neck and creates cysts. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis. You might notice sensitivity around your dog’s head, neck, or shoulders, and he may frequently scratch at the area of their neck or shoulder.

1. Heart problems: Mitral Valve Disease is a condition where the valve directing blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle begins to fail and eventually leads to heart failure. Though there is no cure for mitral valve disease, there are medications to help slow progression and allow a good quality of life. Congestive heart failure is also a concern.

1. Others: Patellar luxation, a common problem where the kneecap slips out of place; dry eye; and other ear and eye disorders. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend joint, heart, and DNA tests for the dog.