The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a breed of dog known for its sweetness, energy and friendliness. A toy breed, the Cavalier is a popular pet for those living in apartments, but its energy also makes it a good choice for country life. The Cavalier is prone to a serious genetic heart defect, mitral valve disease, that affects the majority of Cavaliers by the time they are 10. Heart murmurs can suggest the presence of this disease, and there are a number of symptoms associated with heart murmurs to watch for.
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Coughing
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Depending on the severity of the heart murmur, coughing can range from mild to chronic. If your Cavalier King Charles spaniel has a cough, it is a good idea to take him to the vet for a checkup; even if the cough is not related to a heart murmur, it could indicate another illness, such as bordatella (kennel cough).
Labored Breathing
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If your Cavalier is having trouble breathing, it could signify a heart murmur; these are caused by abnormal blood flow, which can cause breathing problems for your dog. A vet can listen to your Cavalier's breathing with a stethoscope to determine whether the labored breathing is being caused by a heart murmur or something else.
Poor Exercise Ability
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The Cavalier is a playful, energetic dog who enjoys long walks as well as off-leash romps. If your Cavalier's exercise ability has diminished more than expected with age, it could be a symptom of a heart murmur. Young Cavaliers typically have more energy than older adults, but if your Cavalier has gone from wanting three daily walks to barely getting off the couch when the leash comes out, it's best to take her to the vet for a checkup.
Fainting
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Fainting in any dog signifies a possible heart problem and the need for a vet trip. Due to the Cavalier's high risk for mitral valve disease, it is even more vital to take your dog to the vet to check for a heart murmur.
Blue Tinge
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A bluish tinge to your Cavalier's gums or tongue could signify a heart murmur. The heart is not working hard enough to pump blood to these parts of your dog's body, and the lack of blood and oxygen causes the gums and tongue causes this effect, a sure sign your Cavalier needs a trip to the vet.
Lack of Stamina
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Cavaliers are historically a sporting breed. They enjoy long walks, running around and participating in canine sports such as agility or fly ball. They also enjoy chasing other creatures and hunting. The Cavalier has the stamina to go all day, so if your normally active Cavalier becomes exhausted after a short walk, it's a warning sign. There are many illnesses and diseases that decrease stamina in dogs, but with the Cavalier's high risk of mitral valve disease, a trip to the vet is warranted.
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