Annual Health Tests

Why annual health checks are especially important for Cavaliers

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a wonderful breed, but they are predisposed to several inherited and breed-associated health conditions. This makes preventative healthcare particularly important.

Dogs Australia recommends health testing of breeding Cavaliers for conditions including heart disease, eye abnormalities, Curly Coat/Dry Eye Syndrome, Episodic Falling Syndrome and, where available, MRI screening for Syringomyelia.

Importantly, health testing breeding dogs and routine health checks of individual Cavaliers are not the same thing. A Cavalier can come from health-tested parents and still develop health problems during its lifetime. Likewise, an annual veterinary examination cannot replace the health testing required of responsible breeders. Both have an important role.

Your Cavalier's heart

Heart health deserves particular attention in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The breed has a significant predisposition to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). During a routine examination, your veterinarian will listen carefully to your Cavalier's heart using a stethoscope.

They may be listening for:

• a heart murmur

• changes in heart rhythm

• abnormal heart sounds

• changes in heart rate.

A heart murmur does not automatically mean that your Cavalier has severe heart disease. However, if a murmur or other concern is detected, your veterinarian may recommend further investigation.

This may include diagnostic testing such as:

• echocardiography

• chest radiographs

• electrocardiography

• blood pressure measurement

• blood tests

• other investigations depending on the individual dog.

A normal heart examination today does not mean your Cavalier will never develop heart disease. Regular examinations provide an opportunity to detect changes over time.

Your Cavalier's teeth and gums

Dental health should form part of every routine health examination.

Your veterinarian will examine your Cavalier's:

• teeth

• gums

• mouth

• tongue

• oral tissues

• bite and dental alignment.

Dental disease is extremely common in dogs and can cause pain and other health problems. RSPCA Australia recommends regular dental care at home as well as veterinary dental examinations. A complete dental examination and appropriate treatment may sometimes require general anaesthesia and dental radiographs.

Your veterinarian can also advise you about:

• toothbrushing

• suitable dental products

• dental chews

• diet

• plaque and tartar

• when professional dental treatment may be necessary.

Weight and body condition

Your Cavalier's weight should be monitored throughout their life. Being overweight can place additional stress on the body and may contribute to a range of health problems.

At the annual health check, your veterinarian can assess:

• body weight

• body condition score

• muscle condition

• diet

• treats

• exercise

• calorie requirements.

A healthy weight is not determined simply by the number displayed on the scales. Two Cavaliers can weigh the same amount but have very different body compositions.

Your veterinarian can show you how to assess your dog's body condition. RSPCA Australia recommends regular veterinary visits as an opportunity to assess whether a dog's diet and exercise remain appropriate.

Eyes and ears

Your veterinarian will generally examine your Cavalier's eyes and ears as part of the physical examination.

They may look for:

Eyes

• redness

• discharge

• cloudiness

• irritation

• changes in the lens

• abnormalities of the eye surface

• signs of discomfort

• other changes requiring investigation.

Ears

• redness

• inflammation

• discharge

• odour

• excessive wax

• evidence of infection

• signs of discomfort.

Cavaliers can be prone to ear problems because of their ear anatomy, so regular monitoring is particularly worthwhile. If you notice your Cavalier repeatedly scratching their ears, shaking their head or showing sensitivity around the ears, do not wait for the annual appointment.

Skin and coat

Your veterinarian can also examine your Cavalier's skin and coat.

They may identify:

• parasites

• allergies

• dermatitis

• infections

• lumps

• hair loss

• skin irritation

• changes in coat quality.

Your veterinarian can also discuss grooming and skin-care requirements. Any new lump, unexplained wound, persistent itchiness or significant change in the skin or coat should be assessed rather than waiting for the next annual appointment.

Muscles, joints and mobility

Your veterinarian may assess your Cavalier's:

• gait

• posture

• muscle condition

• range of motion

• joints

• limbs

• spine

• hips

• knees.

They may look for signs of:

• arthritis

• joint pain

• muscle loss

• patellar luxation

• reduced mobility

• discomfort.

Don't assume slowing down is simply "old age"

If an older Cavalier becomes less enthusiastic about walking, climbing stairs, jumping onto furniture or playing, it is worth discussing with your veterinarian. Reduced activity can sometimes be an indication of pain.

Neurological health

A routine examination can also include a basic neurological assessment.

Your veterinarian may observe:

• gait

• balance

• coordination

• posture

• reflexes

• responses to touch

• signs of pain or sensitivity.

This is particularly relevant to Cavalier owners because the breed can be affected by neurological conditions including Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia.

An annual examination cannot diagnose every neurological disorder, and specialised investigations such as MRI may be required when clinically indicated. However, identifying concerning symptoms early can help your veterinarian determine whether further investigation is warranted.

Behaviour and mental wellbeing

A health check should not only consider your Cavalier's physical health.

Your veterinarian may also ask about changes in:

• temperament

• anxiety

• sleep

• appetite

• interaction with people

• interaction with other dogs

• activity levels

• toileting

• vocalisation

• separation behaviour

• general happiness.

A sudden behavioural change can sometimes be associated with pain or illness. For example, a previously friendly dog becoming unusually irritable may be experiencing discomfort. Likewise, a dog that becomes withdrawn or sleeps substantially more than usual may warrant further investigation.

Appetite and digestive health

Your veterinarian may ask about your Cavalier's:

• appetite

• food

• treats

• drinking

• vomiting

• diarrhoea

• constipation

• stool quality

• changes in weight.

Even seemingly minor changes can be useful information. If your Cavalier's appetite, drinking or bowel habits have changed, mention this during the appointment.

Vaccinations

Vaccination is an important part of preventative healthcare, but vaccination schedules should be based on current veterinary recommendations and your dog's individual circumstances. Modern vaccination guidelines do not mean that every dog necessarily needs every vaccine every year.

The 2024 WSAVA vaccination guidelines recommend tailoring vaccination to the individual dog and distinguishing between core and non-core vaccines. This is why the annual health check should not be viewed simply as an annual "vaccination appointment".

Your veterinarian can determine:

• which vaccines are due

• whether your Cavalier requires non-core vaccines

• what infectious disease risks apply to their lifestyle

• whether vaccination timing should be adjusted

• whether other preventative healthcare is required.

RSPCA Australia specifically recommends annual or more frequent health checks even when a dog is not being vaccinated every year.

Parasite prevention

Your veterinarian should also discuss parasite prevention.

Depending on where you live and your Cavalier's lifestyle, this may include prevention or monitoring for:

• heartworm

• intestinal worms

• fleas

• ticks

• other parasites.

Parasite risk varies according to geography, climate, lifestyle and exposure. A Cavalier that spends considerable time outdoors, attends dog parks, travels, goes camping or regularly interacts with other dogs may have different risks from a dog with a predominantly indoor lifestyle. Your veterinarian can develop a parasite-control plan based on those risks.

Should my Cavalier have blood tests every year?

Not necessarily. There is no single blood-testing schedule that is appropriate for every healthy dog.

Your veterinarian may recommend blood and/or urine testing depending on:

• age

• breed

• medical history

• medications

• symptoms

• previous results

• risk factors

• findings during the physical examination.

WSAVA's current wellness guidance notes that blood and urine testing may be considered during health checks and that testing generally becomes more important as dogs age and the risk of chronic disease increases.

For a healthy young adult Cavalier, your veterinarian may decide that routine laboratory testing is not necessary at every annual visit. For an older Cavalier, more frequent screening may be appropriate.

What about senior Cavaliers?

As your Cavalier gets older, annual health checks become even more important. In fact, senior dogs may benefit from veterinary examinations more frequently than once a year. WSAVA recommends more frequent clinical examinations for older animals and animals with chronic illness.

Your veterinarian may recommend:

• six-monthly examinations

• regular blood tests

• urinalysis

• blood pressure assessment

• dental assessment

• cardiac monitoring

• weight and muscle monitoring

• mobility assessment

• additional diagnostic imaging where appropriate.

There is no single age at which every Cavalier becomes a "senior". Your veterinarian can help determine when a more intensive senior-care approach is appropriate.