Eye Testing in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel AKC's National Cavalier Breed club (ACKCSC) established the breed specific testing protocols. Dogs complying with the breed specific testing requirements are issued a CHIC number by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). The ACKCSC requires that to qualify for a Certification the Eye Examination is by a Board Certified American Veterinary (ACVO) Opthalmologist.
Initial exam 8-12 weeks
1 Year Follow up
2-5 years of age Annually
6+ Every two years until age 9 unless breeding then annually
About 30% of Cavaliers are afflicted with eye disorders ranging from mild to serious eye problems.
The following information is listed by the ACVO as eye conditions that occur in the Cavalier is high enough percentages to be considered of concern to the breed.
CATARACTS - there are two types; early onset- juvenile cataract which appear by 6 months of age and will progress to total blindness by 2-4 years of age. This can normally be caught at the 8-12 week exam. Age related cataracts such as from diabetes or prgressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
CORNEAL DYSTROPHY- is a genetic disorder which is quite common in Cavaliers. It is the development of a gray-white opaque deposits of calcium and fats under the surface of both the dog's corneas. The will appear around the age of 2 and 4 and can come and go. Corneal dystrophy does not affect vision, is not painful and no treatment is necessary. Interestingly that bitches that have had Corneal Dystrophy prior to being bred often test normal after whelping and nursing a litter of puppies. Some changes in food and diet can also reduce or increase the size of the deposits.
DISTICHIASIS - is the growth of extra eyelashes (cilia) can cause serious irritation, tearing and corneal abrasions and ulcerations that are extremely painful. Treatment is to surgically correct and remove the eyelashes and kill the hair follicles to stunt regrowth.
ETROPIAN - is the inward rolling of the eyelid edges and normally affects the lower eyelid. The hair on the affected lid continuously rubs the cornea and causes significant pain and trauma to the cornea resulting in blindness if untreated.
MICROPHTHALMIA - an inherited defect which is particularly common in the CKCSC where one or both of the eyes is smaller than normal. This has restriction of vision and often blindness.
RETINAL DYSPLASIA - is a malformation of the retina. It occurs when the two layers of the retina do not lay properly where 'folds' in the inner layer called retinal folds form. These folds can be seen on the 8 - 12 week exam and often flatten out only to re-appear later in life. Single or intermitten Retinal folds represent small blind sots which normally do not affect the dog's vision.
Geographical Retinal Dysplasia - Geographical folds which can cause larger defects in the visual field and retinal detachments where complete blindness can occur.
DRY EYE SYNDROME - is a painful genetic disorder where itis estimated that over 12% of CKCSC are at risk. Dry Eye is the inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva due to the inability to produce tears. It can not be cured. Dry Eye requires frequent medication daily. Early treatment of Dry Eye is crucial to prevent corneal destruction and infection which leads to blindness.
Initial exam 8-12 weeks
1 Year Follow up
2-5 years of age Annually
6+ Every two years until age 9 unless breeding then annually
About 30% of Cavaliers are afflicted with eye disorders ranging from mild to serious eye problems.
The following information is listed by the ACVO as eye conditions that occur in the Cavalier is high enough percentages to be considered of concern to the breed.
CATARACTS - there are two types; early onset- juvenile cataract which appear by 6 months of age and will progress to total blindness by 2-4 years of age. This can normally be caught at the 8-12 week exam. Age related cataracts such as from diabetes or prgressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
CORNEAL DYSTROPHY- is a genetic disorder which is quite common in Cavaliers. It is the development of a gray-white opaque deposits of calcium and fats under the surface of both the dog's corneas. The will appear around the age of 2 and 4 and can come and go. Corneal dystrophy does not affect vision, is not painful and no treatment is necessary. Interestingly that bitches that have had Corneal Dystrophy prior to being bred often test normal after whelping and nursing a litter of puppies. Some changes in food and diet can also reduce or increase the size of the deposits.
DISTICHIASIS - is the growth of extra eyelashes (cilia) can cause serious irritation, tearing and corneal abrasions and ulcerations that are extremely painful. Treatment is to surgically correct and remove the eyelashes and kill the hair follicles to stunt regrowth.
ETROPIAN - is the inward rolling of the eyelid edges and normally affects the lower eyelid. The hair on the affected lid continuously rubs the cornea and causes significant pain and trauma to the cornea resulting in blindness if untreated.
MICROPHTHALMIA - an inherited defect which is particularly common in the CKCSC where one or both of the eyes is smaller than normal. This has restriction of vision and often blindness.
RETINAL DYSPLASIA - is a malformation of the retina. It occurs when the two layers of the retina do not lay properly where 'folds' in the inner layer called retinal folds form. These folds can be seen on the 8 - 12 week exam and often flatten out only to re-appear later in life. Single or intermitten Retinal folds represent small blind sots which normally do not affect the dog's vision.
Geographical Retinal Dysplasia - Geographical folds which can cause larger defects in the visual field and retinal detachments where complete blindness can occur.
DRY EYE SYNDROME - is a painful genetic disorder where itis estimated that over 12% of CKCSC are at risk. Dry Eye is the inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva due to the inability to produce tears. It can not be cured. Dry Eye requires frequent medication daily. Early treatment of Dry Eye is crucial to prevent corneal destruction and infection which leads to blindness.
Karen Dennehy & Natalija Zeljic
Small World Puppies (Taurunum Angels Kennel)
Small World Puppies (Taurunum Angels Kennel)