Mitral valve disease (MVD) is a polygenetic disease which is the most common heart disorder in older dogs of all breeds, affecting more than a third of all dogs over 10 years of age. However, in the cavalier King Charles spaniel, the prevalence of MVD is about 20 times that of other breeds. Also in cavaliers, the onset of the disease typically is much earlier in the life of the dog. MVD is the leading cause of death of cavalier King Charles spaniels.

Owners of all breeds of dogs are welcome here. This is a group for members to come together to share treatments, experiences, advice, support, and hope to those who's dogs suffer from this affliction. We have an extensive Files and Links section. Research is ongoing into this disease, and it is hoped that eventually early-onset MVD will be eradicated from our beautiful breed. We will notify our members of new information about MVD as and when we receive it. We also encourage you to check out the MVD webpage at http://cavalierhealth.org/mitral_valve_disease.htm

(Photo at right: List member Debra Orenstein's Ollie, who died of heart failure at age 8 years in October 2010)