How do you know if you chose a poor-health puppy? Are there signs and symptoms?

In honor of Hannah:

Part two of my “Puppy Mill” series (Part one is here: https://lifewithcavalierkingcharlesspaniels.com/puppy-mill-or-reputable-breeder-how-can-we-really-tell/) is to help open the conversation and importance of NOT giving time or $$ to those people who are not distinguishing themselves by doing the things it takes to have a HEALTHY dog. I met Donna (above) on one of our favorite Facebook groups, “The Healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel”. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1567669240154735/ Quick to encourage others and praise their “beautiful babies”, Donna is now, herself, going through the recovery process of loosing her favorite fur-baby and in process of waiting for her next furry companion to join her. The following is some of the direct quotes from our conversations that I feel would benefit many of us who love our dogs:

“Hannah’s MRI showed DM (Degenerative myelopathy) basically degenerative disks in her neck and improper alignment into the stem of her brain. The neurology vet stated that unfortunately it is becoming more common in many dog breeds not just Cavies… Hannah had been quite sickly all her life, with pancreatitis, various infections, including one in her mouth requiring major surgery.”

Kalama Cavalier notes: Degenerative Myelopathy is an inherited genetic disease (shown through DNA) which frequently will not appear until around 8-10 years of age.

Donna goes on to say, “Her recovery from the mouth surgery was really slow, and she had a lot of vomiting, which my Vet always thought was a “sensitive stomach”. 2 years later, I learned it was one of the DM symptoms. One evening, after having been to Vet the day before, and getting medication for the “sour stomach” she started losing use of her legs, and I could tell she could not see. She was glassy eyed, afraid to try to move, was falling over, and I could tell she could not see inches in front of her face. Immediately put her in car, and looked up emergency vet. Shortly after I arrived she started having seizures. I authorized an MRI for the next day, which is where I got the actual diagnosis.”

“I literally watched by dog go from what I thought was healthy to a horrendous state in 3 days. Any hope that she could recover enough to be happy was worth the chance.”

Donna Shelly

“I did not have insurance (I will for my next dog !!!!) A Cavalier is definitely an expensive breed when it comes to health upkeep. That surgery was nearly 3 years ago had about a $3500 price tag, including her first cardiology testing, in prep for the surgery. The Vet bills for her last 6 weeks totaled about $6500. $600 for cardiologist annual visit/ ekg, etc. She had dental work about a month prior also. Then tests run by my Vet, who was going to do more tests following week (she did not make it). The MRI was $2500, which was included in the final summary at the Emergency hospital, a bill of about $5500. The first thing the the neurology Vet told me after the MRI was that Hannah had a congenital defect, and there was nothing I could have done to prevent it.

“To complete my story, the neurology vet indicated that she was hopeful that she could treat Hannah, but due to fact that her heart was getting bad (cardiologist had just put her on Vetmeden a month earlier), a primary treatment was to incorporate steroids. She could not do that due to the heart issue.

“Hannah had a treatment to reduce brain swelling with a drug that is a kin to a lose dose chemo drug. However, early the next morning she had 2 seizures in a very short period of time. The second left her in an irreversible coma. The question I had been asking for those last 24 hours, was “what would be her quality of life” if we got her through this. Bottom line, when they called me in when she lapsed into the coma, she was struggling for every breath. I spent some alone time with her, talking to her, telling her how much I loved her, and how she did not have to be brave for me, that it was ok to let go. I stayed strong for her during the process. I was at peace that she was no longer suffering, but I had, and still have all the horrendous feelings of grief.”

When talking to Donna Shelly about the challenges of owning Hannah and what she will do differently with this new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy that she is waiting for, she was quick to let me know that she looked for a reputable breeder who is adhering to all the “Club Standards” and more: testing heart, eyes and even DNA checking. I am certain that Donna would find solace if only someone can learn from Hannah’s early, untimely passing.

A short internet search will show that the Cavalier’s life span is on the middle of the spectrum.

Not a day goes by that I don’t see the sad stories, the stories that I believe could be changed, the reason I am committed to sharing my knowledge with the world of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lovers. I want to see these compassionate souls on the right side of the spectrum, hearing stories of them living 17+ years – here are a few from today’s Posts:

” My 7 yo Ruby has bad arthritis. Vets wanted Rimadyl but I have not started yet giving Cosamin for now. Any other suggestions?”

“My poor Ben had to say goodbye to yesterday from his first day nearly 11years ago to his last day sitting on our door step looking out I just know yesterday he was giving up he put his paw on my hand and his head on my shoulder and gave me a lick like he was saying goodbye his heart was under a lot of pressure he was gone off food and lungs full of water I could not let him suffer i knew what was coming 2008 to 2019 such a loyal buddy 💔💔💔”

” Our little Maddie sleeps most of the day now. It’s been a little over a year since the dreaded MVD diagnosis…”

‎”I wanted to share the importance of buying your Cav though a reputable breeder. I bought Blue four years ago and took him to the vet due to pain he was feeling. He was diagnosed with front elbow problems due to splitting of the joints. Both front legs have now been pinned. He also requires surgery to his back knees and has hips dysplasia. The worst condition is a narrowing of the opening of his skull where the spine connects. This is potentially terminal due to the amount of pain he feels. He is now on daily medication to reduce the amount of cerebral fluid allowing normal movement. He’s doing ok but I fear for his future years.
Always do your research and beware of back yard breakers. I made this mistake.” Rob Harty on September 8, 2019

This article describes many of the common Genetic issues Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s may develop: https://www.caninejournal.com/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-health-problems/ But if you dig a little deeper you will note that nearly every one of the issues can be TESTED to show whether the parents have had the genetic health problems. After studying the 4+ line generations (to ensure there is a proper space from in-breeding), I then look at all of the (required) tests https://embarkvet.com/health-list/

I have to go through the same channels anyone else does when finding a good, healthy puppy and I am quick to share these “tools” with those who are looking for healthy puppies. After interviewing a Breeder (these are great questions to start with: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/questions-to-ask-your-potential-breeder/), I want to find out how many generations this breeder has owned from the puppy (or dog) they are selling. The longer the heritage, the better chance they would know whether there are problems from the line that this breeder is using. I just spoke to yet another Breeder who thought her lines were “clear of DM, but was frustrated to see that the last dog they tested showed a carrier for DM”. As a Breeder who is weeding these issues out, I will continue to strive to Breed ONLY HEALTHY (health-tested) dogs. It’s hard. I just retired my 8th dog (prematurely) in just over 8 years. Every one of these dogs were less than 5 years old. As soon as there is a problem (genetic or other), I will look for a family for this dog to grow old with. S/he will not be a Breeding dog if there are possible inherited issues. Just this week I had to make that very hard decision to place one of my sweet girls in a different home because of some mysterious issues that has removed her from my breeding program. It all boils down to the health and wellness of the puppies I am responsible for.

If you follow my Instagram https://instagram.com/kalamacavaliers/ you will only see HAPPY, sweet, beautiful Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. I adore each and every one of them. So, you might wonder, why would I write such a “downer” blog? Well, I really want you to know that I will research and I will report as balanced and unbiased as humanly possible. Before Posting (and even afterward) I welcome a select group of Editors to critique my writings. I want to help YOU, the public know, ultimately, how to raise a healthy, happy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I hope this blog will show you how!

Post Script: As I was finishing the edits on this blog my friend, Julie and I were talking about her precious 9 year old Sadie who crossed the Rainbow Bridge, far to young, yesterday. We cried together and shared memories of her beautiful girl. I pray this blog as well as those in the future will help give our dogs a longer, healthier life. RIP Sadie Girl