DOGS can be affected by Chiari-like malformation (CM) and Syringomyelia (SM), two complex conditions that are often linked. CM occurs when a dog’s brain is too big for its skull. Typically, the skull cavity is too short, pushing the back part of the brain (brainstem and cerebellum) into the skull’s rear and obstructing the cerebrospinal fluid’s flow. This brain compression is the most common cause of SM in dogs. SM is characterised by the formation of fluid-filled cavities or syrinxes in the spinal cord, which can lead to neurological symptoms. Brachycephalic breeds, recognised by their short muzzles and flat faces, are most likely to develop CM and SM. This condition is most commonly reported in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, one of the parent breeds of Cavoodles, and consequently, some Cavoodles inherit this issue.

Mitral Valve Disease is quite common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed. This disease is characterised by a left-sided heart murmur that gradually degenerates, eventually leading to heart failure and death. Sadly, this heart disease typically affects Cavalier King Charles Spaniels at a younger age than other breeds. This hereditary disease has nothing to do with the dog’s lifestyle and is all about the genes your Cavoodle may have inherited.

Atrophy is the wasting away of a body part. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), is a group of degenerative diseases in dogs that affect photoreceptor cells in their retinas. The gradual deterioration of these cells eventually leads initially to night blindness and finally to complete blindness. There is no known cure. Luckily, most dogs easily adapt to vision loss, as long as their environment doesn’t change too much.

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a condition in dogs where the hip joint, which should work like a ball and socket, doesn’t fit together as it should. The ill-fit results in grinding and rubbing instead of a smooth sliding movement, leading to joint instability and symptoms such as hip pain and issues with limb function. While mild cases can be controlled using anti-inflammatory drugs, severe instances could necessitate surgery due to extreme pain, difficulty in walking, and eventual loss of use of the joint.

Tracheal collapse occurs when the windpipe (trachea) weakens or collapses. The structural integrity of the trachea is maintained by small cartilage rings covering only about 83% of its circumference, with a thin tissue membrane completing the circle. When these cartilage rings lose their rigidity or if the membrane slackens and sags, the tracheal rings flatten during inhalation, hindering airflow to the lungs. This can result in characteristic symptoms, such as a honking cough, difficulty breathing, a reluctance to exercise, and bluish gums, caused by oxygen deficiency. Risk factors like obesity, chronic respiratory disease, and heart disease can exacerbate tracheal collapse.

Patellar luxation is a condition where a dog’s kneecap (patella) doesn’t stay in its proper position and slips or moves out of place. The kneecap normally sits and slides in a groove at the end of the thigh bone (femur). But in some dogs, especially smaller breeds or those that are bow-legged, the kneecap can ‘pop’ out of this groove. When this happens, it can look like your dog is skipping, hopping on three legs, or even holding one of their hind legs at an odd angle. It is often caused because the groove in the femur, where the kneecap sits, is too shallow or that the spot where the kneecap attaches to the shinbone (tibia) isn’t quite in the right place, upsetting the balance of forces on the knee.

Interestingly, once the kneecap pops back into place, your dog will usually carry on like nothing ever happened! In mild cases, the condition doesn’t usually cause too much discomfort and may not even require treatment. However, severe cases can cause pain and an unusual gait and may need surgery to fix.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. The condition is fairly common in dogs, with almost 1% of dogs affected. These seizures (sudden surges of electrical activity in the brain) can result in symptoms like twitching, tremors, shaking, spasms, and convulsions.

In most cases, the exact cause of Epilepsy is unknown, but a genetic basis is assumed to be the culprit in certain breeds. In many cases, the brain appears normal but functions abnormally.  However, seizures can also be caused by structural abnormalities in the brain. 

Anti-seizure medications are generally effective in managing epilepsy. While they may not completely stop all seizures, they can significantly reduce the frequency and severity, leading to a better quality of life.

Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy or opaque, often appearing bluish-grey. This leads to impaired vision or even blindness. Common in aging dogs (and humans), this condition is like a foggy window obscuring your view. Cataracts can be treated, often with surgery to remove the cloudy lens.

Atopic dermatitis, colloquially known as skin allergies, is fairly prevalent in dogs, Cavoodles included. This condition can lead to skin irritation and inflammation and is frequently triggered by environmental allergens.

Otitis externa, or ear infections, can be linked to skin allergies but also have other causes. In breeds like Cavoodles, their distinctive long, floppy ears can contribute to the problem by trapping moisture, providing an ideal environment for bacterial and yeast infections.