We are about to start to look in more detail at the incidence of heart disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels using echocardiography in combination with auscultation. As a result, we will be visiting different parts of the country over the next year to examine dogs with a portable echocardiography machine that was bought partly with generous funding from the Club.

We plan to evaluate about 200 mature cavaliers by auscultation for the presence of a murmur and then perform an echocardiogram to evaluate their heart valves and chamber sizes. We will also be collecting DNA with a cheek swab for analysis. We will attend health days, or clinics which may be at a breeder’s premises. Following analysis of the database, there may be certain dogs that we think are particularly suitable for the study and we may contact members directly using contact details from the database to see if they would be willing to take part.

Once the timings and venues have been established, we will advertise widely through the website and local breed clubs. We hope you will be keen to participate in this valuable research.