What information is there about Mitral Valve disease, which is prevalent in the breed?
Early onset of Mitral Valve disease, which usually occurs at around 6 years of age, is pervasive in the Cavalier breed. But if the right steps are taken it can be dealt with. The most important way to deal with it is to catch it early through regular heart checkups with your veterinarian. The indicators are found through a very methodical examination of the dog’s heart beat, involving at least a minute straight of observation of the heart’s rhythm. If caught in its early stages, there is anecdotal testimony that blood pressure medication (beta blockers) will reduce the onset of the disease and the dog can live a long life. These medications can be bought at Walmart in person form, and the dosage for a Cavalier is about 1/3 of what the average person takes.
