It is heart-breaking to think that your Cavapoo might get sick, or worse – Cavapoos quickly an indispensable member of the family and it is hard to imagine life without them. Cavapoo owners will go out of their way to look after their little dog; so it is vital that you are armed with the facts of what illnesses can afflict your precious dog so you can prevent those illnesses you can and be on the lookout for symptoms that something might be wrong.
Common health problems that can affect a Cavapoo include eye disorders, such as Entropian, Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, leg problems such as Patellar Luxation and Hip Dysplasia, and other diseases including Syringomyelia, Epilepsy, Addison’s disease, Myxomatous Mitral Valve heart disease and Hernia. Many of these diseases are due to genetic factors, while others lifestyle related.
Thankfully Cavapoos are relatively health dogs. Cavapoos are a crossbreed; and while this makes them susceptible to diseases that can affect either parent, they are less likely to suffer from many of the conditions that can affect only their parents which are more common in purebred dogs.
So, what are all these diseases and how might they affect your Cavapoo? While we do not like to be doom and gloom, it is important as a Cavapoo owner – or owner in the making – that you know the types of conditions that can affect your Cavapoo, you are aware of what to look out for and you have some idea what treatment options may be available to you.
Read on for a breakdown of the most common health problems a Cavapoo might face.
Are Cavapoos a ‘Healthy’ Dog Breed?
What goes into whether a particular dog breed is ‘healthy’ or ‘not healthy’ depends on a lot of factors. Let’s go through these in turn as they will help explain how healthy Cavapoos are.
Cavapoos are a relatively healthy breed of dog. Being a cross-breed of two pure-bred dogs makes them less susceptible to some of the genetic health issues that pure-bred dogs tend to have. In addition, the breeds that make a Cavapoo – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle – are relatively health breeds in their own right.
Despite their relative health, there are three broad types of health issues which can afflict your Cavapoo over their life. These are:
- Genetic health issues. These issues arise because of genetic traits with the Cavapoo which are ‘baked in’ from birth and therefore may or may not affect your dog based on how they develop, but they predetermined.
- Lifestyle health issues. These issues can develop based on the way the Cavapoo is raised. Their occurrence can be minimized by choices you take as an owner, and the lifestyle you create for your Cavapoo.
Generic health issues. These issues can afflict many breeds, including Cavapoos. Some are preventable and others are treatable.
How you deal with these issues depends on the stage you are at – how you might deal with a genetic health issue when selecting a Cavapoo puppy will be different to how you would deal with it when your Cavapoo is already well established member of your family.
We’ll explore each of the common health issues in turn and outline some of the strategies you can take to deal with each of them.
Genetic Health Issues with a Cavapoo
Genetic health issues are some of the more challenging of issues to deal with for a Cavapoo owner. Firstly, many of the issues are hard to detect when you are selecting a puppy. Secondly, as the health issues are part of the DNA of your dog, they cannot be ‘removed’ or eliminated, but only managed once they become apparent.
Genetic health issues are derived from the genes of the parent dogs which bred to create your Cavapoo. Some of the issues arise from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, some from the Poodle and others can afflict either breed.
We will explore some of the most common genetic health issues in turn and provide some strategies for dealing with each one.
Entropion in Cavapoos
Entropion is a genetic issue which affects the eyelids. It can affect humans as well as dogs, and can be present in both Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
A dog with entropion will have their eye lids roll inwards, towards the eye. This in turn can cause the hairs on the eyelid to rub against the eyeball which can cause pain and discomfort to your Cavapoo. Serious cases can lead to issues with your Cavapoo’s vision, ulcurs on the eyeball or even perforations of the eye.
Entropion should be treated quickly as it can become more serious if left alone. The treatment for Entropion is surgery. Often this surgery is one major surgery, followed by a second minor surgical procedure later.
Currently there is no genetic screening test for Entropion in dogs. If you are considering purchasing a Cavapoo puppy, speak with your prospective breeder and ask about the occurrence of Entropion in the parents and lineage of your prospective Cavapoo puppy.
Cataracts in Cavapoos
Another eye disorder which can affect Cavapoos are cataracts. Cataracts can be genetically passed to a Cavapoo from either parent, and are more likely to develop as your Cavapoo ages.
Cataracts are a milky film which develops in your Cavapoo’s eye, over the lens. Left untreated it will affect your Cavapoo’s sight and can lead to inflammation and pain.
Treatment of cataracts is by way of surgery – usually a treatment called phacoemulsification where ultrasonic waves are used to break down, or emulsify the lens. The natural lens is then replaced with an intraocular lens (or IOT).
Syringomyelia in Cavapoos
Syringomyelia is another genetic condition which can affect humans as well as Cavapoos. It most prevalent in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed and can be passed to the Cavapoo. It is most commonly caused by a Chiari malformation, named after the 19th century Austrian pathologist Hans Chiari, who discovered that the cerebellum can bulge outside of the normal area of the skull it occupies.
Syringomyelia is the development of a fluid-filled cyst which can develop around the upper spinal cord around the neck near the brain in an affected Cavapoo.
Symptoms in Cavapoos can range from mild to severe, depending on the dog themselves. It can lead to sensitivity for the dog to touching in the area of the cyst, it can position its head in an unusual way, and it can reduce their mobility.
Syringomyelia can be managed medically through prescribed dogs for your Cavapoo. If medical management is unsuccessful, then surgery may be considered.
Syringomyelia is generally confirmed through an MRI. Work is afoot to develop a genetic test, but currently none is commonly available. [1]
Epilepsy in Cavapoos
Epilepsy is a neurological condition and the most common neurological condition to affect dogs. Epilepsy can be passed to Cavapoos for genetic reasons. Epilepsy can be passed on from both the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Epilepsy is most commonly seen as a seizure in the Cavapoo. It is caused by abnormal function in the motor cortex section of the dog’s brain. During a seizure a Cavapoo may convulse which can be seen as uncontrollable muscle activity in the dog.
Epilepsy in a Cavapoo can be treated by your vet through medication in many cases. Epilepsy can be treated by Phenobarbitone or Potassium Bromide, but the final treatment will be determined by your vet based on the specifics of your Cavapoo’s case. Surgery for epilepsy in humans is well established, but is rarer and less established for dogs.
There is not currently a commonly available genetic screening test for epilepsy in dogs.
Addison’s Disease in Cavapoos
Addison’s Disease is another inherited condition which can affect Cavapoos and is mainly attributable to the Poodle parent.
Addison’s disease relates to the dog’s body producing too little of the hormone cortisol and sometimes also not enough aldosterone. Both of these glands are located near the Cavapoo’s kidneys and are controlled by a master gland located near the brain called the pituitary gland.
Cortisol is essential to a Cavapoo’s wellbeing as it controls a number of facets of your dog’s health, including its ability to handle physical and emotional stress, blood sugar levels, inflammation, blood pressure and your dog’s immune system.
Aldosterone is also an important hormone as it helps to maintain blood pressure and a healthy heart in your dog, and also helps regulate some of your Cavapoo’s electrolytes.
In the majority of cases, Addison’s disease is caused by an autoimmune response where the body’s immune system attacks the adrenal glands. It can also be caused by infection, cancer or surgery in the region of the adrenal glands.
Symptoms of Addison’s disease in Cavapoos include lethargy, lack of thirst or appetite, generally depressed demeanor and a range of gastrointestinal-like symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Many of the symptoms of Addison’s disease could be many other conditions also, so you should see your vet for a proper diagnosis.
Addison’s disease is diagnosed ultimately by the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. If diagnosed, can often be treated in many cases with medicine prescribed by your vet.
Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Cavapoos
Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is another genetic disease which can be inherited from the Cavalier King Charles Cavalier. It is a degenerative disease and the leading cause of heart disease in dogs and is more likely to affect smaller dogs than large.
The mitral valve is on the left side of the dog’s heart, between the left ventricle and the left atrium. The disease is characterized by a ‘wearing out’ of the valve in the Cavapoo.
Symptoms of MMVD in your Cavapoo can include trouble breathing, lethargy, fainting, coughing, collapse, and unwillingness to exercise and lack of appetite.
Following diagnosis, MMVD may be treated by drugs prescribed by your vet. These can include ‘beta blockers’ which reduce heart rate and/or blood pressure. While there is valve replacement options through surgery for humans with MMVD, it is not usually undertaken in dogs due to the complexity and risks involved.
At present there is no genetic screening test for MMVD in dogs [2] although research continues.
Hernia in Cavapoos
Hernias are again another health issue which can affect humans as well as dogs, including the Cavapoo. Again, hernias can be hereditary and Inguinal hernias are common to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Hernias can range in severity, and can require surgery in the more serious of cases. Surgery is not as complex or expensive when compared to more serious health issues, but all surgery comes at a cost which Cavapoo owners should bear in mind.
Patellar Luxation in Cavapoos
A luxating patellar is a condition which is common in smaller dog breeds, with Cavapoos inheriting a disposition for the health issue from their Poodle parentage.
The patellar (also spelt patella) is a fancy word for the knee cap. “Luxating” means out of place, or dislocating. In other words, a luxating patellar is an out of place knee joint.
Luxating patellars in Cavapoos result from an incorrect alignment from the bottom of the thigh bone (the distal femur) and the top of the tibia (one of the two long bones located in the lower leg). This misalignment causes the quadriceps mechanism to be misaligned rather than being centered over the knee cap where it is meant to be.
Vets will classify a luxating patellar into one of five categories: normal, Grade 1 to Grade 4.
Unfortunately, the only solution to a serious luxating patella is surgery, and it is expensive surgery (costing up to $3,000 USD or more). The decision on whether surgery is required will be made in consultation with your vet, but generally they will want to know how the issue is affecting your Cavapoo before recommending treatment. Mild cases can generally be tolerated by dogs, but in more serious cases surgery may be warranted.
A Cavapoo that has a luxating patella will typically ‘skip’ while walking; briefly walking on three legs before returning to all four.
A luxating patella will be diagnosed by your vet. This diagnosis may be made through a physical exam, or by assessment of x-rays.
Hip Dysplasia in Cavapoos
Similar to Patellar Luxation which we have just discussed, another leg issue which can affect Cavapoos is Hip Dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is a joint condition which is also due to genetics, with certain breeds more susceptible than others. Unfortunately, Cavapoos are one of those breeds that can be affected.
Hip dysplasia affects the rear legs of dogs and is due to an abnormal growth of the hip joint. If your Cavapoo is to develop hip dysplasia it is likely that both hips will be affected. It is the most common cause of hip osteoarthritis in dogs.
While genetics play a big role, the chance of your Cavapoo developing hip dysplasia can also be influenced by their weight – keeping them at a healthy weight puts less stress on their joints, including their hips.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia in your Cavapoo depend on their age. If it is an early onset then you may find your young Cavapoo is unwilling to exercise, or appears lame in their rear legs. As most puppies are insatiable in their demands for running and playing, this is a sure sign that something is not right.
If your Cavapoo is older then you may notice the onset of hip dysplasia due to their general unwillingness to exercise or them tiring easily after they do exercise. They may struggle to get up after they have been resting or they may change the way they walk.
Diagnosis of hip dysplasia in your Cavapoo will be through a physical examination by your vet possibly coupled with x-rays. As well as examining your Cavapoo, your vet is likely to ask questions about their normal lifestyle and the changes you have noticed.
Treatment options depend on the age of your Cavapoo and how severe the hip dysplasia is. For example, younger dogs may be treated by your vet prescribing rest and things like weight loss. While older dogs, or more advanced cases, may require surgery to properly address.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Syndrome in Cavapoos
Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome is a degenerative condition of the ‘ball’ of the thighbone (the femoral head). It is caused by a shutting down of blood supply to the bone, which causes bone cells and associated cartilage to die (osteonecrosis).
The signs of Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome in Cavapoos include limping, favoring the unaffected leg, reluctance to walk, difficulty ascending or descending stairs, pain.
While debate still goes on and research continues, Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome is considered to be a hereditary condition [3].
Treatment for Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome in Cavapoos depends on severity. Mild cases may be treated by pain relief medications, such as NSAIDs Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. More severe cases, or where pain relief is insufficient to manage the condition, may require surgery.
There are two typos of surgery designed to deal with Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome in Cavapoos – Femoral Head Osteotomy (FMO) and Total Hip Replacement (THR).
THR would be the common treatment for a degenerated hip in humans, but for small dog breeds – like Cavapoos – they may be treated sufficiently with FMO. FMO involves the removal of the femoral head which leads to the muscles and tissues in the joint healing and creating scar tissue between the socket and femur. This scar tissue is often sufficient to allow near or full flexibility, and recovery can occur in weeks.
Should FMO be unsuccessful in your Cavapoo, your vet may turn to THR. THR is a more invasive surgery, and with similar results to FMO, FMO is often the first choice.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Cavapoos
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (or PRA for short) is a degenerative condition which can affect Cavapoos. PRA affects the retina of your Cavapoos and can cause them to go blind over time.
An eyes retina is the area at the back of the eyeball where light is focused by the eye’s lens. The retina is covered with photosensitive cells – a mixture of cones and rods. Rods are the cells which are good at detecting low light, and for detecting movement, while cone cells are good at detecting color. Cavapoos, like all dogs, have more rod cells than cone cells.
In PRA the photoreceptors essentially die off over time. There are various causes of PRA, in fact it is a group of diseases, but the outcome is invariably the same – blindness in the dog. Typically, from onset the dog is expected to be fully blind within 1 to 2 years.
While a dog losing their sight is clearly a concern, it is not a painful condition and many dogs live long and fulfilling lives even after losing their sight. Unfortunately, at this point there is no known cure for PRA.
How to Find a Healthy Cavapoo Puppy
Clearly no one wants to experience the anguish of dealing with some of the more serious health issues that can affect a Cavapoo. The good news is there are things you can do when selecting a puppy which can improve the outlook for your Cavapoo over the long term.
It all starts with where you source your Cavapoo from. Choosing a good breeder is by far and away the single biggest thing you can control when you buy a puppy. Like choosing what to hotel to stay at – if you choose a higher quality establishment with better reviews you are more likely to have a better experience.
But a word of caution – don’t judge a book by its cover. Some places you can buy a Cavapoo puppy from – such as a pet shop or even a nicely formatted breeder website – can give the impression that the dogs being sold are healthy and will give you many years of care-free fun. You need to look behind the façade of the outward appearance and make sure you find out what the breeder is really like.
Some of the better breeders are ones where the puppies are bred at the breeders’ home, and they actively encourage you to visit them and see where they come from. In fact the best breeders will want to meet you to make sure you will provide the best ‘forever home’ possible for their puppy!
You should ask to meet the parents of your would-be Cavapoo and see where they live to make sure the conditions are clean, safe and they are well cared for. Meeting the breeders also give you an insight into what they are like as people, and seeing how they treat their dogs is a great insight into how they might be treating your puppy.
When you’re selecting a breeder also be wary of ‘puppy farms’. Puppy farms are high-volume puppy breeding where there is little love and poor care for the dogs being produced. They are often kept in cramped conditions with little opportunity to play or be outdoors; they may be kept in dirty conditions and may be left caged up for long periods. Puppy farms often breed in bulk which can lead to increased risk of genetic disorders.
When meeting with your breeder here is a checklist of things you should do:
- Ask how long the breeder has been breeding and how many dogs they breed per year
- See the parent dogs of the puppy/puppies you are looking at
- Ask for evidence of genetic screening tests of the puppies’ parents
- Ask to see where the dogs and puppies sleep
- Ask for a history of health issues with dogs they have bred in the past
- Ask whether they check in on owners after they take their puppies
- Ask for evidence of vet checks they have done
- Ask whether they offer a ‘health guarantee’. A health guarantee is an agreement where if the puppy develops serious health issues, or dies, in the first few months you have the right to a replacement puppy
If you are worried about health issues with a Cavapoo puppy then consider adopting a fully grown dog. Not all owners who adopt a dog can continue to care for them, so you may find an adult Cavapoo at a shelter and this will help you avoid some of the uncertainty of puppy health issues.
No matter where you get your Cavapoo from, you should register with a vet as a priority and get a full check-up. This will help identify any immediate issues as well as help you get advice on steps to take to keep your Cavapoo in good health. Should the vet identify any health issues with your Cavapoo they can also prescribe steps to manage these health issues early, which can help in the long term.
DNA Tests for Cavapoos
You may wish to consider getting a DNA test of your new puppy, or even the puppy you are looking at before purchasing. A DNA test can check for a range of health issues which gives you some confidence in whether your Cavapoo may be at risk.
Embark DNA kits are a great option when you are looking to get your Cavapoo tested. Their kits are a simple saliva collection which is quick and easy to do, and which can help check for over 215 genetic health risks across over 350 dog breeds.
Insurance for your Cavapoo
Insurance is a sensible choice for all Cavapoo owners to manage to unexpected cost of a developed health issue, or even an accident.
There are a range of insurance types on the market, so do your research before you purchase. Things to look at in insurance policies include:
- What the insurance includes, and importantly what they exclude (look for any exclusions about hereditary issues which may affect your Cavapoo)
- What financial payments you can expect in the event of a claim. Some offer a fixed amount back on claims, while others offer a percentage back off the treatment (up to 90% in some cases)
- What annual caps the insurance may have. Some insurances limit the amount of claims you can make in a year, or possibly even over the life of your Cavapoo
- The cost of the insurance
- The payment methods, including whether you can pay monthly.
Insurance is a very sensible choice for that peace of mind. A friend of mine recently paid more than $10,000 (!) in costs for her dog which had a range of health issues which required multiple surgeries and stays in a vet hospital. They had opted not to have insurance and instead had saved money to cover the cost, but even these savings were insufficient for the dog’s final health bill.
Keep your Cavapoo Healthy!
One of the best ways to avoid unexpected health issues is to make sure your Cavapoo is healthy! Good health comes from getting a few things right, including:
- Exercise. Make sure your Cavapoo is regularly taken for walks, ideally daily. Exercise has a hugely positive effect on your dog’s overall health and also helps directly with issues such as obesity. We discuss the importance of walking your Cavapoo here.
- Diet. Make sure you feed your Cavapoo a health balanced diet of quality dog food. Make sure you also keep their water changed and topped up regularly.
- Mental stimulation. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and studies have shown depression can lead to physical health issues. Play regularly with your Cavapoo, give them lots of attention and make sure they are mentally stimulated with the games you come up with
- Oral health. Your Cavapoo’s teeth need looking after just as yours do, so make sure you regularly clearn them, or give your Cavapoo dental chews which can help their pearly whites all clean sparkly
- Vet Care. Visit your vet regularly to ensure your Cavapoo gets the check ups they need as well as the vaccines which will keep them safe. Also use your vet whenever you are concerned with a change in appearance or behavior with your Cavapoo.
Summing Up
We have covered a range of health issues that can affect your Cavapoo, which can be a bit scary if you are about to buy your first puppy. But rest assured, most dogs are perfectly healthy and live long happy lives.
Knowing health issues up front helps you as a responsible owner find the most healthy dog in the first place, be aware of signs they may not be in good health, and then know the steps to take on an ongoing basis to keep them in tip-top health. Don’t let their potential health issues be a reason to put you off buying a Cavapoo – they are a loving and rewarding pet which bring joy to the homes of millions of owners around the world!
[1] AKC Canine Health Foundation | Defining The Genetic Foundations of Chiari-Like Malformation and Syringomyelia as a Tool to Better Treat Neuropathic Pain in the Dog. [online]. Available at: https://www.akcchf.org/research/research-portfolio/2162.html
[2] A Genomic Study of Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – PMC. [online]. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7602727/
[3] https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6874/legg-calve-perthes-disease