Hidden Valley Cavoodles

Health Tests

Hidden Valley Cavoodles conducts 12 additional tests available for the Cavoodle.

Congenital Macrothrombocytopenia (CM)

Genetic Test

Congenital Macrothrombocytopenia (CM) is a mild disease which normally does not have any impact on an affected dog’s health or lifespan but can cause concern if noticed on routine bloodwork without knowing the cause. It is a blood disease resulting in low numbers of very large platelets. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

Curly Coat

Genetic Test

This is a genetic condition affecting Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that causes severe skin, nail and eye issues, as well as making the usually long smooth coat tight and curly. Curly Coat is linked to Congenital Dry Eye disease. There is a DNA test available to identify if breeding Cavaliers are carrying Congenital Dry Eye or Curly Coat.

Curly Coat Dry Eye Syndrome

Genetic Test

Curly Coat Dry Eye Syndrome is a genetic cause of eye and skin problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies. The disease also caused an unsually tight curly coat texture. There is a DNA test available to identify if breeding Cavaliers are carrying the gene for Curly Coat Dry Eye Syndrome.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Genetic Test

This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease.

Episodic Falling Syndrome

Genetic Test

This is a genetic neurological condition affecting Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It causes sudden stiffening of the legs, often causing the dog to fall over and be unable to move. There is a DNA test available to indicate if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. The test is also recommended in Cavoodles.

Eye Certificate

Physical Test

An eye certificate means the breeder has had their breeding dogs examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist, to confirm they are not affected by any eye conditions which may be passed down genetically to their puppies. If relevant for the breed, it also includes running DNA tests to confirm the dog is not a genetic carrier of hereditary eye diseases, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). It includes breeders who have participated in the Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES).

GM2

Genetic Test

GM2 gangliosidosis is a lysosomal storage disorder that causes neurological problems. There are a few different types of this disease affecting different breeds. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

Heart Certificate

Physical Test

A heart certificate indicates that a breeding dog has been screened for heart disease such as DCM or MMVD. Auscultation alone is only accepted as a screening method if performed by a veterinary cardiologist or a GP vet certifying an OFA Basic Cardiac Screen. Echocardiography is an accepted screening method via GP or cardiologist.

Hip Dysplasia

Physical Test

These breeders have had x-rays taken on their breeding dogs to assess their ‘hip score’. Dogs with low hip scores have better hips and are less likely to develop problems in the future. Most large and medium sized dog breeds benefit from hip scoring to ensure they are unlikely to pass hereditary hip problems on to their puppies.

MPS

Genetic Test

Mucopolysaccharidosis is a genetic lysosomal storage disease that can cause various problems including stunted growth and bone deformities. There are a few different variants of this disease that have been identified in different breeds. For many breeds there are DNA tests available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying the condition.

PRA

Genetic Test

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in dogs is a type of genetic eye disease causing deterioration of the retina and eventually, blindness. There are a variety of sub-types of PRA, which can occur in various breeds. There are various DNA tests available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

Syringomyelia

Physical Test

Syringomyelia is a painful disease caused by pressure abnormalities when the skull is effectively too small for the brain. It is common in some lines of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It is vital that breeders never breed from a dog who has shown any signs of the disease. Ideally, breeding dogs should be MRI scanned to prove they are free from the condition.