Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I fell in love with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel years ago, but never brought one into my life on my own because I was so scared of the health problems that the breed can have. Then one day I came home from work and there he was, in his crate on the kitchen floor with a note attached, "Merry Christmas, I hope you love him, his name is Milo". My husband had brought home to me this little 7 month old male, tri-colored Cavalier. My husband was in in-home dog trainer and had been training this dog for a few weeks when the owner decided she was just going to take it to the pound because she couldn't handle the dog, and it was challenging her 2 year old twins. Well, I have fallen in love with Milo and have had him for just slightly over a year now. I have tried not to think about all the problems that could arise in the future for Milo but it is always there in the back of my mind. I know this dog was purchased at a pet store by the previous owner and that only scares me even more, because he probably came from a puppy mill where no health testing on his parents were done. I can already see there is some problem with his hind quarters, doesn't seem to cause him pain but he will not jump up onto the couch or if I lift him onto it, will not jump down. His back legs just seem frail to me. Im just sad when I think I could lose him so soon, and it makes me so so mad to think that this poor breed has to suffer through all of these problems. I was wondering how this happened - does anyone know why this breed is prone to so many horrible health problems?

Hi!

Welcome to DogHobbyist!

I don't know anything about this breed, but I had to respond to your fears. I have seen this breed in dog shows and they are just gorgeous! I've thought they would make a greyt companion. Anyway, I can understand your fears with health problems and our loved pets. I have retired racing greyhounds, and even though they are a pretty hearty breed, there is a greyt fear of cancer in the retired racers. No one has really figured out why they have alot of cancer, but it may be from the stress of running.

Now that you have Milo and have fallen totally in love, just love him the way he is. Take care of any problems that arise when it happens. You can't worry about what could happen. He may or may not have future problems. A dog purchased from a reputable breeder that has done everything right can have medical problems that we can't foresee. Love him with all you have for as long as you have him.

Have you had Milo's backend checked by a vet? I'd have xrays done or anything the vet seems to think of to find out if he has a problem. I'd want to know now, so that maybe it can be fixed. Most vets will work with you on payment, if money is an issue.

I guess all I can say is love him all you can while he is with you. You just never know when a pet could be lost. You may have him for another year, or you may have him for 15 years. I hope this makes sense. All we can do is take one day at a time.

Please come back often and share your love of Milo with us. I certainly would love to hear about him and see photos! We have a greyt photo gallery where you can upload photos and easily put them in your posts.
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Melody/PHFasDog

My furkids:
Shadow, Jadzia and Lyta.
Kira waiting at the bridge.

Dogs come into our lives, and too quickly go leaving pawprints on our hearts, and we will never be quite the same again.

A big welcome to you and Milo to the PetHobbyist! There was time when I was researching into getting a Cavalier but then my attention was directed to Shiba Inus so I never got my Cavalier.
I have however rescued two of my three Shibas and while I'm certain they came from dubious lineage I don't let myself dwell on their past or any potential health problems. While you suspect your pup came from a mill that of course doesn't make him a bad dog. As much as you love your dog make his and your's "now" the best it can be. You know you have a lifelong companion with Milo. As with Shibas...Cavaliers can have their individual health problems. The same can be said for any breed out there. We just do the best we can for what we have. My first Shiba was stray in Brooklyn that they figure was hit by a car in his backend, however I'm more inclined to believe it's a case of hip dysplasia. While he is not as agile as his brother and sister, his problem doesn't slow him down any and I wouldn't have it any other way. I make sure he stays active, give him some extra long walks and playtime. I also started him several years ago on a gluocosime supplement...SynoviG3 which I do believe he has benefited from. I would suggest if you haven't done so already would be to take your boy to the vet for hip xrays to see what you're up against. This breed like mine is prone to luxating patellas which can be corrected through surgery. Your breed like mine has been developed from a hunting lineage so they love plenty of excercise. Keep him active.... this is one way to ward off any effects of possible arthritis. I think that with any kind of preventive measures that you can take now you will be rewarded with a happy and healthy dog for many years to come. When you can please post a picture or two of Milo. I really do love the look of the Cavalier King Charles and would especially love to read of some of his antics. Good luck and best wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2006 for you, your family and especially for Milo!
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

If you are really concerned about Milo's health or issues that may come up because of his breed or possible breeding than you may want to talk to your vet. They can start doing health test on him so you have a normal range now while he's healthy, that way if something does show up you can catch it early. Just like how they recomend people go in for yearly exams so they can catch diseases early. Hopefully you're loving Milo up as much as he's loving you