Hi
I have a two year old tri coloured girl, Freya, who is a lovely pet and wonderful companion. I had her mated....but this was unsuccessful, then the whole SM issue was brought to my attention and I began to think perhaps I shouldn't breed her at all.
Then I thought maybe I should have her MRI'd to ensure she doesn't have SM before trying to breed from her. But I've read that it is expensive and have no idea whether it can be claimed for via pet insurance?
She quite often (several times a day) either runs her ears along the ground, shakes her head and scratches her ear area (not sure whether it is air scratching or not). She has had ear drops as the vet thought it might be an ear infection, but she has displayed these behaviours most of her life. When she was smaller if you went to pat or smooth her head she would shrink back. I am not terrbly worried, as she doesn't yelp in pain.....but on thinking she does grumble a lot!!! and I just thought this was just doggie behaviour in cavs, but I am concerned and unsure of what to do next.
Any constructive advice would be warmly welcomed.
Thanks
Ruth
Just an aside, my reason for breeding from her was something I had always wanted to experience and I would love to own two Cavaliers. But not at the expense of my girls health, or the health of any offspring.
I have a two year old tri coloured girl, Freya, who is a lovely pet and wonderful companion. I had her mated....but this was unsuccessful, then the whole SM issue was brought to my attention and I began to think perhaps I shouldn't breed her at all.
Then I thought maybe I should have her MRI'd to ensure she doesn't have SM before trying to breed from her. But I've read that it is expensive and have no idea whether it can be claimed for via pet insurance?
She quite often (several times a day) either runs her ears along the ground, shakes her head and scratches her ear area (not sure whether it is air scratching or not). She has had ear drops as the vet thought it might be an ear infection, but she has displayed these behaviours most of her life. When she was smaller if you went to pat or smooth her head she would shrink back. I am not terrbly worried, as she doesn't yelp in pain.....but on thinking she does grumble a lot!!! and I just thought this was just doggie behaviour in cavs, but I am concerned and unsure of what to do next.
Any constructive advice would be warmly welcomed.
Thanks
Ruth
Just an aside, my reason for breeding from her was something I had always wanted to experience and I would love to own two Cavaliers. But not at the expense of my girls health, or the health of any offspring.