Mitral Valve Disease

Currently the most serious problem facing Cavlier breeders today is Mitral Valve Disease. It is estimated that this may affect as much as 50% of the dogs in the breed in North America at this point. MVD leads in many cases to premature death or compromised quality of live and occurs in Cavaliers at a rate unknown in any other breed in the world. Dr. Mike O'Grady, cardiologist affiliated with the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada has been collecting data since 1993.

You should quiz the breeder about the steps they are taking to avoid MVD in their lines. Remember that this is a relatively new problem to be recognized in the breed and no firm or consistent policies have been set as data is still being collected. It appears that color doppler ultrasound exams are the best for picking up evidence of MVD, but auscultation exams are also often done. In addition, the evidence appears to be mouinting that puppies bred from parents who show clear of MVD at older ages (3-5 years) are more likely to be clear themselves or to develop the less virulent form of MVD.

Request to SEE the documentation for the dam. You should also be able to see copies for the stud dog even if it doesn't live with the breeder.