I really like this breed but don't want to spend lots of money on one and have it keel over on me. Anyone have experience with this?
2007-05-30 07:34:33 · 5 answers · asked by nsfoxcpa 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Every breed has its disposition. Like bulldogs have problems with hip dysplasia and yorkies with patella problems and pancreas problems. Just becuase they have the genes to posbily get it doesn't mean that they will. If you find a reputable breeder who can show you the history of health conditions for the parents of the pup you would be interested then you would likely have less of a chance that your dog would have heart problems. But It's just like people. We could have a heart atack today and not know that we had heart problems. We to can have heart problems even if our family members don't. Don't dwell on what could happen instead enjoy having a loving doggie family member.If you are really worried about the cost you could get your dog covered under pet health insurance to cover some of the expenses should the problem arise. Good Luck
2007-05-30 07:54:30 · answer #1 · answered by Alicia G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Extremely - Cavaliers are the breed most likely to have congestive heart failure.
I love the breed too, I'd quite like one. There are precautions you can take to avoid your dog developing this problem - for starters, buy from a reputable (preferably recommended breeder) as a decent breeder would not breed from a dog who has had this problem in its line.
When you get your puppy, a new puppy check at the vets is vital - they must listen to his heart. It is important to have his heart checked every year so problems are caught early - this can be done when you get your yearly boosters of course.
Cavaliers are probably the breed most prone to being overweight (along with labs) which is a bugger because it doesn't help their hearts of course! You need to feed the dog on a high quality food from day one to keep it's weight under control, and never, ever give table scraps! They are so hard to keep a proper weight, I rarely see a cavvy that isn't overweight.
I'm definitely going to get a boxer and they often come with heart problems - most breeds to have their problems, but there are precautions you can take to help avoid this.
Chalice
2007-05-30 17:54:18 · answer #2 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have boxers but when I waitressed with this woman she had this breed and within in a week I think it went from perfectly healthy to not and then died all from a hear condition. Don't know much more then that but it was very odd and devestating for her!! Be careful!
2007-05-30 15:52:03 · answer #3 · answered by Heather D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had no heart problems with my Cav. King Charles Spaniel, we had her for 11 years, she was 16 when she died (breast cancer).
No heart problems though...
2007-05-30 14:47:36 · answer #4 · answered by Cinoi1551 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately very prevalent.
2007-05-30 14:48:16 · answer #5 · answered by saraly_11385 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋