Puppylove Cavaliers

Health Tests

Puppylove Cavaliers conducts 5 additional tests available for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

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 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.

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.

Patellar Luxation

Physical Test

Dogs affected by patellar luxation have loose kneecaps that may pop in and out of the knee joint, which can be painful and even require surgery. Having a vet examine breeding dogs for patellar luxation can confirm the dog is not affected, and that their puppies are less likely to develop the condition. Patellar luxation is more common in smaller breeds.