Health

"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen." Orhan Pamuk

Most common health conditions to be aware of:
  • Mitral valve heart disease a degenerative heart valve disease this breed is unfortunately known for. With Jubilee Cavaliers we use carefully selected breeding stock and ongoing heart echocardiograms and auscultations yearly to decrease the prevalence in our dogs.
  • Periodontal Dental disease is important to be aware of and prevent or treat as needed. Ask your vet for more details of the best techniques that will support your pet to have the healthiest, smile possible!
  • Obesity prone (Caution being a small breed, this is commonly a contributor to other health problems ie. Patella problems with limping, back pain, Pancreatitis, early arthritis etc.) Cavaliers are food hounds- and once you start with table scraps- be prepared! They will NEVER leave you alone!


  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Typical symptoms include primarily diarrhea, along with fatigue, vomiting, rumbling and gurgling abdominal sounds, and bright red blood in stools.
  • Anal Gland Disease Watch for scooting consistently or painful around the hindend, and seek professional veterinary support if concerns arise.
  • Large Platelets or Macrothrombocytosis This is a common and considered normal for Cavaliers. No treatment is required and this does not affect their life in any way.
  • Chiari Malformation or Syringomyelia A cranial or spinal defect that has variations of severity with some dogs being asymptomatic and others resulting in pain. There is ongoing new information about this condition which is helping to formulate breeding decisions.


  • Corneal Dystrophy the development of white lipid deposits of calcium and fats under the surface of both of the dog's corneas. They usually appear in cavaliers between the ages of two and four years. They do not typically cause serious vision concerns.
  • Deafness is commonly noted as they age and can be due to a number of issues.
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Distichiasis is the growth of hairs from the glands of the margin of the upper or lower eyelid, which normally is hairless and can cause extra tearing or irritation.
  • Patellar Luxation a recurring hereditary condition which causes luxating patellas -- loose knee caps and most cases have no symptoms.