What are some of the problems facing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) in Australia?
Syringomyelia is a devastating and painful disease caused by the dog’s skull being too small for its brain. The incidence of Syringomyelia in Australia is likely to be comparable to other countries such as the UK and USA because Australian Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are descended from the same ancestors and there is a regular exchange of genetic materials between these countries. Unfortunately, many dogs can carry this disease without showing any symptoms until they have already been bred from, thus passing it on to the next generation. Responsible (CKCS) breeders are involved in research to try to eradicate this disease. Heart defects in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in Australia are comparable to those in the UK. Some breeders acknowledge heart defects and organise regular heart clinics to screen breeding animals. However, there is still no requirement for disclosure of these diseases to prospective owners.
