They concluded:. Some researchers have suggested that fly catching in cavaliers may be associated with another disorder unique to the breed, called "idiopathic asymptomatic thrombocytopenia", an abnormally low number of blood platelets. See Blood Platelets for more information. In a November study , a team of Canadian researchers studied seven fly-biting dogs -- including two cavalier King Charles spaniels -- and found that they were suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, including eosinophilic and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the stomach and small bowel, delayed gastric emptying, and gastroeosophageal reflux.
In this study, the researchers treated the gastrointestinal GI diseases and observed complete resolution of the fly-biting in five of six of the seven dogs, including a cavalier. The seventh dog, the other CKCS, was diagnosed with Chiari-like malformation and responded temporarily to pain management. The researchers concluded that:. In a July article , Japanese researchers report finding that a fly-biting cavalier had a case of porencephaly , a congenital cerebral cavity, filled with cerebrospinal fluid CSF , which is considered very rare in dogs.
The dog exhibited symptoms of chewing and excitement before secondary generalized seizures and fly-biting after the seizures for 5—6 min. However, it reportedly often has been found that CKCSs with flycatcher's syndrome will show no response to the anticonvulsant treatment, which would indicate the cause may be a compulsive disorder. In such cases, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs , such as fluoxetine Prozac, Sarafem , may be prescribed.
In a December report , 24 fly-catching dogs, including 10 cavaliers, were divided into two groups for treatment protocols. The researchers concluded:. Clomipramine Anafranil , a tricyclic antidepressant TCA , inhibits both norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake. In a November Belgium study , it successfully treated a shadow-chasing cavalier.
See this discussion of shadow chasing and this study. It has been suggested to have been associated with the onset of pancreatitis in one instance. See this February report. CAUTION: Fluoxetine and other SSRIs, as well as clomipramine and other TCAs, can lead to serotonin accumulation and serotonin syndrome symptomatically, twitching, tremor, tachycardia, myoclonic movements, and hyperthermia in humans when used in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs, which decrease the breakdown of serotonin or serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which increase synaptic serotonin concentrations.
Deaths have been reported in humans given clomipramine plus MAOIs—a well-established interaction. See this June report. Also, high levels of serotonin in cavaliers' blood platelets and mitral valve tissues have been associated with mitral valve disease.
For more information, see this discussion on our MVD webpage. If phenobarbital and clomipramine are combined, phenobarbital accelerates the metabolism of clomipramine. Zonisamide Zonegram is an anticonvulsant which in clinical trials appears to be effective for generalized seizures in dogs. Curtis Dewey has conducted studies of this drug. Reconcile fluoxetine hydrochloride is FDA-approved for canine separation anxiety and also may be prescribed.
However, Reconcile should not be given to dogs with epilepsy or a history of seizures, or with drugs that lower the seizure threshold, or with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor MAOI , or within a minimum of 14 days of discontinuing therapy with an MAOI. Daily doses of drugs may take three weeks or longer before a favorable effect is reached. The examining specialist may recommend that the dog be treated by a veterinary behaviorist to manage the compulsive disorder by behavior modification, such as counter-conditioning and positive reinforcement.
Also, it is reported that high protein diets tend to worsen compulsive disorders, although the reduction of meat or other protein content may result in only temporary improvement. G astrointestinal disorder treatments: In a November study , a team of Canadian researchers studied seven fly-biting dogs, including two cavaliers, and found that they were suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, including eosinophilic and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the stomach and small bowel, delayed gastric emptying, and gastroeosophageal reflux.
In this study, the researchers treated the gastrointestinal GI diseases and observed complete resolution of the fly-biting in five including a cavalier of six of the seven dogs.
The seventh dog the other cavalier was diagnosed with Chiari-like malformation and responded temporarily to pain management. Proton pump inhibitors such as Omeprazole Prilosec , Losec, Omesec, Zegerid , and Pantoprazole Protonix may be prescribed on a trial basis to determine if a GI disease is underlying the symptoms of fly catching. Long term use of omeprazole is not recommended by some neurologists, as its long term use reportedly has increased the risk of stomach cancer in lab rats.
Short term use reportedly can cause a "profound and sustained increase in serum gastrin concentration in dogs. As a proton-pump inhibitor, omeprazole inhibits some cytochrome P enzymes in humans primarily CYP2C19 and may inhibit the clearance of some drugs, including diazepam, midazolam, warfarin, and carbamazepine.
Omeprazole also reportedly impairs conversion of clopidogrel, an antiplatelet agent, to its active metabolite in humans, leading to decreased antiplatelet efficacy and increased risk for ischemic cardiac events. Omeprazole may also lead to digoxin toxicosis, possibly via inhibition of P-glycoprotein efflux of digoxin. When combined with carprofen , omeprazole may negatively impact intestinal health, according to this September article.
As a potent inhibitor of gastric acid secretion, all proton pump blockers can decrease the absorption of compounds that require an acidic pH for optimal absorption, including iron supplements, oral zinc, ketoconazole, and itraconazole. This same interaction also applies to H2-blockers e.
Natural supplements may be prescribed as alternatives to anticonvulsants. The Canine Inherited Disorders Database recommends that cavaliers which have had seizures should not be bred, nor should their parents and siblings.
November Study of 24 fly-biters 10 cavaliers recommends several diagnostic procedures and finds fluoxetine treatment superior to phenobarbital. Click on the images at the right and below to view videos of two of the cavaliers.
Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.
If your dog has a seizure: Carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but don't try to control his mouth or tongue. It won't help him, and he may bite you accidentally! A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering.
With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend's bones, joints, or muscles you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life.
Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dog's quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. Unfortunately, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful!
We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Dry, flaky, itchy skin is a common problem for many dogs, but Charlies in particular are prone to a severe flaking skin condition called ichthyosis. Named for the large dry flakes that resemble fish scales, this problem usually arises very early in life, with most affected puppies born with abnormal skin. Several palliative treatment options like special shampoos and fish oils give variable levels of relief, but there is no definitive cure for this inherited disease.
There is a genetic test available for many breeds that can determine whether he is clear, a carrier, or affected. This is important information if you are planning to use your friend for breeding, as it is not recommended to breed dogs who are affected or carriers; the goal is to prevent this debilitating disease in future generations.
There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Call us immediately! In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected.
Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. Heritable deafness has been noted in some Charlie bloodlines, so if his ears are healthy and he's still ignoring you, a more thorough hearing workup may be needed, including brainwave analysis, if indicated.
If you suspect he may not be hearing as well as he should, schedule an appointment with us right away as the problem could also be caused by a severe ear infection. This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting.
With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people.
Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. For example, you come home from work or a night out where you encountered various odors, so naturally, your fluffy friend wants to know what you have been doing this whole time.
By smelling and licking you he will get enough info about how your day was. Maybe you were in a restaurant and the dog just want to taste that juicy steak you had earlier. Dogs develop this mental behavior while still in the litter. Mothers clean the puppies by licking them, so when the dog grows up it still connects licking to motherly love and expresses feelings by licking his new family.
Every puppy licks his owners and some people may be bothered by this. If you want to put an end to this you just have to show no interest when the pooch does this and walk away. In the dog world, when a more dominant or aggressive dog approaches, there are a number of behaviors that indicate submission or appeasement. Licking is one of those behaviors.
If you notice your dog licking at the air when you speak sternly or stare at them, they are letting you know they understand that you are in charge. If your pup regularly licks the air as you approach, avoid eye contact and speak in a quiet, high-pitched voice. This may decrease their anxiety enough to stop the licking. Depending on the cause of stress or anxiety, increased activity and some anti-anxiety supplements or medications might be appropriate.
Dogs need dental care just like people, including professional cleanings. Just like you might work a popcorn kernel out from between your teeth with your tongue, dogs may appear to be licking at the air when they have a chunk of food stuck in their teeth or to the roof of their mouth.
It may require sedation to remove the object before the licking will resolve. If your dog is chewing on a stick or bone and suddenly licks at the air, check for chunks of debris that could be stuck between their teeth on the roof of their mouth. Your dog might be licking the air to grapple with nausea, which can be a symptom of an underlying medical concern.
A chronic upset stomach could be caused by something as simple as a food sensitivity, but it could also be a symptom of pancreatitis , irritable bowel syndrome , or other GI disorders. Dogs with itchy skin or external parasites, like fleas, will usually lick, bite, or scratch at their skin to relieve the itch.
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