Bella’s heart scan comes back all clear

CAVALIER King Charles Spaniels are among the friendliest and most gentle of dog breeds.

It always seems so very unfair therefore that this type of dog is 20 times more susceptible to valvular heart disease than any other.

Endocardiosis is a chronic disease of the heart valves. As the valves deteriorate, lose their shape and become distorted, so the efficiency of the heart becomes progressively impaired finally resulting in heart failure. Consequently, many Cavaliers lives are cut short with this debilitating illness.

Whilst medication can support some patients for many years clearly the target would be to breed from Cavaliers that do not suffer from this problem. In the UK there has been very little progress with voluntary breeder schemes involving vets listening for heart murmurs with a stethoscope.

By contrast, Denmark which has a compulsory scheme for breeders involving more detailed ultrasound examinations (echocardiography) has reduced the incidence of endocardiosis by over 70%.

Quite simply, all breeders have to be registered in Denmark and are required by law to adhere strictly to any health programmes. It is hoped that a similar scheme may produce equally rewarding success here in the UK.

In an effort to promote better breed health, Fairfield Vets are offering a free echocardiogram for a limited period to our registered Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

“Bella” has been our first volunteer and we are delighted to announce that she currently has a very healthy heart.

Terry Dunne BVMS, Cert SAO, MRCVS.

www.fairfieldvets.co.uk