King Charles Cavalier Rescue | Daisy’s Legacy

Inspired by Daisy. Dedicated to Cavaliers.

At Daisy’s Legacy, we rescue, care for, and rehome Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, including seniors and dogs with medical needs.

Every Cavalier deserves comfort, compassionate care, and a family committed to their well-being. Our work brings together rescue, veterinary care, foster support, and thoughtful adoption placement—all inspired by Daisy.

🐶 Understanding Cavaliers and Their Health

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, gentle companions who often form deep bonds with their families. Behind their loving personalities, however, are significant health risks that deserve awareness, early attention, and lifelong care.

Some conditions are inherited or particularly associated with Cavaliers. Others can affect dogs of any breed. Not every Cavalier will develop these conditions, and no list can cover every possible illness. Understanding the main concerns helps families recognize changes and seek appropriate veterinary support.

❤️ Heart Disease

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

Also called myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), this condition causes the valve between two chambers of the heart to deteriorate and leak. Cavaliers are particularly affected by this disease.

Early disease may cause no outward symptoms. As it progresses, signs can include reduced stamina, coughing, faster breathing at rest, weakness, or collapse. Some dogs develop congestive heart failure.

A heart murmur warrants veterinary assessment. An echocardiogram helps evaluate the valve, heart size, and disease stage so monitoring and treatment can be tailored to the individual dog. A murmur does not automatically mean heart failure. Cornell Veterinary Cardiology

Daisy’s own experience with MVD is central to our commitment to informed care and advocacy for Cavaliers.

🧠 Neurological Conditions

Chiari-Like Malformation (CM)

CM involves abnormal skull and brain anatomy that can crowd the area where the brain meets the spinal cord and disrupt the normal movement of cerebrospinal fluid.

Some dogs experience pain associated with CM even without syringomyelia. Signs may include sensitivity around the head or neck, unexplained crying, reluctance to move, or difficulty getting comfortable.

Syringomyelia (SM)

SM involves fluid-filled cavities, called syrinxes, within the spinal cord. In Cavaliers, it commonly occurs in association with CM and can cause nerve pain and neurological problems.

Possible signs include:

Repeated scratching near the neck or shoulder, sometimes without touching the skin.
Unexplained yelping or sensitivity to touch.
Neck pain or an unusual head or neck posture.
Weakness, an altered gait, or difficulty moving normally.

Some dogs have MRI changes without obvious symptoms. Others experience substantial discomfort. A veterinary neurologist may recommend MRI and an individualized treatment plan, which can include medication and, in selected cases, surgery. Davies Veterinary Specialists: CM/SM

Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS)

EFS is an inherited movement disorder associated with Cavaliers. Excitement, exercise, or stress may trigger episodes of muscle stiffness, unusual posture, or falling.

Dogs generally remain conscious during an episode. Although it may resemble a seizure, EFS is a different condition. A DNA test is available to help identify the associated genetic mutation. Animal Health Trust research

Seizures and Epilepsy

Cavaliers can also experience seizures from causes unrelated to EFS or CM/SM. These may include epilepsy, metabolic problems, toxins, or structural brain disease.

Episodes of shaking, staring, abnormal movement, or collapse should be assessed rather than assumed to have a particular cause. A video, recorded safely, can help your veterinarian understand what happened. Cornell: Epilepsy in Dogs

Inflammatory Brain and Spinal Cord Disease

Cavaliers, like other dogs, can develop inflammatory neurological disease, including meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO), also described as meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE) when the spinal cord is involved.

Signs can include seizures, neck pain, changes in behavior, vision problems, circling, or difficulty walking. These conditions are separate from CM/SM and may require MRI, spinal-fluid testing, and specialist treatment. Veterinary Specialty Center: MUE

Pain, unusual scratching, or movement changes should never be dismissed as simply “a Cavalier habit.”

👂 Ear Conditions and Hearing Changes

Primary Secretory Otitis Media (PSOM)

Often called “glue ear,” PSOM involves thick mucus accumulating in the middle ear and is particularly recognized in Cavaliers.

It can be associated with hearing loss, discomfort, head or neck pain, and sometimes balance or facial-nerve problems. Some affected dogs show few obvious signs. Symptoms can overlap with other conditions, including neurological disorders, so veterinary assessment is important.

Diagnosis may require detailed ear examination and imaging. Treatment can involve a specialist procedure to drain and flush the middle ear, and recurrence is possible. Merck Veterinary Manual: PSOM

Cavaliers may also develop outer-ear infections or hearing loss from other causes. Changes in hearing or repeated head shaking deserve attention.

👁️ Eye Conditions

Cavaliers may experience several eye problems, including:

Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS): Inadequate tears that can cause irritation and damage to the eye’s surface.
Corneal ulcers: Injury to the clear surface of the eye.
Cataracts: Clouding of the lens that can affect vision.
Retinal disorders: Conditions affecting the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

Regular eye assessment is an important part of breed-aware care. VCA: Cavalier Health Overview

Dry Eye and Curly Coat Syndrome

This rare inherited disorder, formally called congenital keratoconjunctivitis sicca and ichthyosiform dermatosis, affects the eyes and skin.

Affected dogs may have severe dry eye, an unusually rough or curly coat, scaly skin, and painful footpad or nail changes. It is distinct from ordinary dry eye, and a DNA test is available. Animal Health Trust research

🦴 Joint and Mobility Problems

Patellar Luxation

The kneecap can move out of its normal position, sometimes causing a skipping gait, intermittent limping, or discomfort.

Hip Dysplasia

Abnormal development of the hip joint can contribute to pain and mobility difficulties.

Cavaliers can also develop arthritis as they age. Maintaining a healthy weight and arranging veterinary assessment for limping, stiffness, or reluctance to exercise can help support comfortable movement. VCA: Cavalier Health Overview

🫁 Breathing and Airway Problems

Some Cavaliers experience brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), in which the shape of the head and associated soft tissues restrict airflow.

Signs may include noisy or labored breathing, reduced exercise tolerance, and difficulty coping with heat. Persistent breathing difficulty should not be accepted as normal just because a dog has a short muzzle. University of Cambridge: BOAS

🩸 Inherited Platelet Differences

Some Cavaliers have inherited macrothrombocytopenia, meaning their platelets are unusually large and the measured platelet count may be low.

This inherited finding does not necessarily cause abnormal bleeding. However, a low platelet count must still be evaluated because other causes can be serious. Tell your veterinarian about the breed association so results can be interpreted appropriately. Cornell: Diagnostic Approach to Bleeding Disorders

🦷 Dental Health and Other Medical Needs

Dental disease is another important concern in Cavaliers. Regular veterinary examinations and an appropriate dental-care plan help protect comfort and overall well-being. Royal Veterinary College: Common Cavalier Disorders

Like other dogs, Cavaliers can also develop allergies, skin disease, digestive disorders, kidney or liver disease, hormonal conditions such as diabetes or Cushing’s disease, and cancer. These should not all be described as uniquely Cavalier conditions, but they remain part of planning for lifelong care.

💚 Caring for the Whole Cavalier

At Daisy’s Legacy, we consider medical needs, nutrition, comfort, mobility, and emotional well-being together.

Responsible care includes:

Regular veterinary examinations and appropriate specialist referrals.
Following prescribed treatment and monitoring plans.
Paying attention to changes in breathing, movement, sleep, appetite, or behavior.
Balanced nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight.
Comfortable resting areas, gentle handling, and suitable enrichment.
Reviewing supplements and complementary therapies with the treating veterinarian.

If feeding a home-prepared diet, seek a properly balanced recipe tailored to the dog’s needs. Supplements should be assessed for safety and compatibility with medications. UC Davis Veterinary Nutrition Service

A medical diagnosis does not define a Cavalier’s capacity for joy, affection, or companionship. It does mean they deserve a family prepared to understand and support their needs.

🌸 Daisy’s Story

Daisy was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) at age 8. She lived a joyful, well-supported life for years after her diagnosis through careful management, love, and a holistic approach. At age 10, she underwent successful mitral valve repair surgery in the UK, which gave her a new lease on life. Her resilience and spirit continue to inspire the work we do every day.

📨 To Rehome Your Cavalier

We are here for you and your family. If you need to surrender your Cavalier, we’ll ensure they’re safe, loved, and placed in the best home possible.

We accept Cavaliers regardless of age or medical condition. Each dog lives with one of our experienced foster volunteers as a family member—never in a kennel—until we find the perfect new home.

👉 Email us at info@daisyslegacy.org

💝 Ready to Donate?

Please click the button below to make a tax-deductible gift. Every cent goes directly to helping Cavaliers live healthier, happier lives.

Make a Donation Today:

♥ Monthly Recurring ♥

Monthly donations allow us to consistently provide food, medical care, training, and essential support for the animals in our programs.

✔ Click “Monthly” to set up a recurring donation.

PayPal

♥ One-Time Donations ♥

Every dollar helps fund veterinary care, food, shelter, and life-saving programs for animals in need.

✔ Donate via:

Venmo

PayPal

Make a one-time donation

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$50.00

$100.00

$500.00

$25.00