Cavoodle

In general, Cavoodles are healthy, yet there are a few genetic conditions that can occur in the breed. The best way to avoid genetic issues is to find a responsible breeder who thoroughly screens their breeding dogs for potential hereditary conditions.

• Syringomyelia is a condition in which the formation of the skull is too small for the brain. This can cause the dog mild discomfort or a great deal of pain depending on the severity of the condition. If your Cavoodle shows tenderness around the neck, head or shoulders, often whimpers when touched or scratches at its head, visit the vet as soon as possible for assessment.
• Mitral Valve Disease is very common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. MVD begins with a heart murmur that becomes increasingly problematic until the animal suffers heart failure and dies. This form of heart disease generally occurs at a much younger age in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel than in other breeds, therefore Cavoodle owners should be aware. The condition is thought to be genetic.
• Cataracts occur in dogs as they do in humans, when a cloudy membrane forms over the lens of the eye, causing vision loss. Cataracts can be removed surgically.
• Hip dysplasia is a condition where the thighbone and hip do not fit together properly at the hip joint, causing pain and lameness. Less severe cases can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications, but surgery may be required for serious cases.
• Patellar luxation occurs when the bones of the patella (kneecap) are not aligned properly and as a result slip in and out of place, causing pain and an abnormal gait. Mild cases generally do not require treatment and do not impact too much on the dog’s life, but severe cases may require surgery.
• Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a family of eye diseases which gradually result in the deterioration of the retina, causing first night blindness then progressing to total blindness. There is no cure, but most dogs adapt very easily to the vision loss, provided their familiar environment does not change too much.
• Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by seizures that have no known cause. A seizure is a sudden surge in the electrical activity of the brain causing signs such as twitching, spasms, shaking, tremors and/or convulsions. Fairly common in certain breeds, a genetic basis is suspected. Anti-seizure medications can be prescribed for affected dogs.

Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.