CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIELS UK ONLINE
Episodic Falling
Episodic Falling in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
by Barbara Reese and Dorothie Hellman
Episodic Falling (EF), sometimes called Falling Cavaliers or Collapsing Cavalier Syndrome, is a syndrome of muscle stiffness and collapse. Even though it has been in evidence in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for over forty years, the cause of it is still undetermined although it is assumed to be hereditary. It is frequently misdiagnosed as epilepsy and in mild cases may be written off as a cramp, an odd event or a quirk. The first signs of the disorder are usually seen by seven months of age, but have been known to appear later in life.
If your Cavalier is having “seizures” but is staying conscious through the event, or if your puppy is tumbling or freezing, or if your dog falls, tries to rise and then falls again, your Cavalier may very well have Episodic Falling.
Your veterinarian or breeder may be unaware that the disease exists because it is just being recognized in some parts of the world. One of the most compelling aids to understanding why EF in breeding lines must be addressed as soon as possible is that some researchers estimate that 90% of all Scottish Terriers are now carriers of Scottie Cramp - a very similar disorder.
The scientific word for the disorder is exercised-induced hypertonicity. Animals do not lose consciousness and are clinically normal between episodes. While there are a wide range of symptoms this is not a benign disorder. The frequency, intensity and length of episodes vary significantly from dog to dog and over time. Episodes are usually a lifelong experience.
Standard treatments are diazepam or clonazepam. A differential diagnosis is critical because some dogs have had an increase of symptoms while taking the anti-epileptic drug carbamazapine (Tegretol). It has been suggested that EF has some similarities to hyperekplexia (startle disease) in humans. see:
by Barbara Reese and Dorothie Hellman
Episodic Falling (EF), sometimes called Falling Cavaliers or Collapsing Cavalier Syndrome, is a syndrome of muscle stiffness and collapse. Even though it has been in evidence in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for over forty years, the cause of it is still undetermined although it is assumed to be hereditary. It is frequently misdiagnosed as epilepsy and in mild cases may be written off as a cramp, an odd event or a quirk. The first signs of the disorder are usually seen by seven months of age, but have been known to appear later in life.
If your Cavalier is having “seizures” but is staying conscious through the event, or if your puppy is tumbling or freezing, or if your dog falls, tries to rise and then falls again, your Cavalier may very well have Episodic Falling.
Your veterinarian or breeder may be unaware that the disease exists because it is just being recognized in some parts of the world. One of the most compelling aids to understanding why EF in breeding lines must be addressed as soon as possible is that some researchers estimate that 90% of all Scottish Terriers are now carriers of Scottie Cramp - a very similar disorder.
The scientific word for the disorder is exercised-induced hypertonicity. Animals do not lose consciousness and are clinically normal between episodes. While there are a wide range of symptoms this is not a benign disorder. The frequency, intensity and length of episodes vary significantly from dog to dog and over time. Episodes are usually a lifelong experience.
Standard treatments are diazepam or clonazepam. A differential diagnosis is critical because some dogs have had an increase of symptoms while taking the anti-epileptic drug carbamazapine (Tegretol). It has been suggested that EF has some similarities to hyperekplexia (startle disease) in humans. see:
A ten year test breeding program by Christa Krey of New Zealand has produced results which indicate that the genetic mechanism of EF is a simple recessive gene.
Dr. Jacques Penderis of the UK is doing research to try to find the gene or genes responsible for EF and to create a test that can be used to determine whether dogs are carriers. Then dogs of great quality can be bred without producing affected puppies. Eventually we may be able to reduce the extent of the disorder in the gene pool while at the same time continuing to improve the hearts and conformation of Cavaliers and maintaining the lovely personality of the breed.
If you believe you have a dog with Episodic Falling or know of one, please contact us to submit a pedigree and a blood sample for this most important work.
People to contact and more information about Episodic Falling, research, symptoms, history, a videotape of an affected dog, and a bulletin board are available at: