The Kennel Club and VCS/CSAG developed an official heart screening scheme for CKCS in 2019.

Please click on the link below to view the whole leaflet from the KC detailing the scheme.

CavalierHeartSchemeOwnerLeaflet

Please use the link below to open the document detailing the unique echo examination required for the CKCS screen.

echo protocol CKCS

Guidelines for cardiologists filling in the KC/VCS Heart Scheme for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Assessment Form.

  1. The cardiologist must check the details listed on the form and check the microchip number of the dog. By signing the form the cardiologist confirms that they have checked and verified the microchip number corresponds with the paperwork provided by the owner/agent.
  2. Following auscultation, the cardiologist should determine if an audible murmur has been detected, and note the grade. The grade of the murmur should NOT be entered on to the form until it has been determined by echocardiography whether this is a mitral or innocent murmur. If no murmur is identified, grade 0 can be entered prior to echocardiography.
  3. Following echocardiography, the cardiologist should assign a grade for mitral valve prolapse (grade 0-3), and fill in the appropriate box on the form. The cardiologist can then either fill in the mitral murmur grade (0-6) or indicate that the dog has an innocent murmur.
  4. If an innocent murmur is identified, the grade of the murmur should be entered in the comments box.
  5. The comments box is to be used for additional information such as additional audible heart sounds etc.
  6. The cardiologist will sign and date the form and add their stamp and/or contact details.
  7. The cardiologist will also stamp and sign the reverse of the registration documents for that animal.

Please click on the link below to see details of how to interpret the results from the CKCS screen.

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