Clare Rusbridge News

Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital Referral Services CPD Evening

2012-02-04T19:03:00.007Z

15th March 2012

The 5 minute Neuro Examination

Presented by Dr Clare Rusbridge

BVMS PhD DipECVN MRCVS RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology

Do you have neuro-phobia? Does distinguishing upper motor neuron from lower motor neuron leave you in a tiz or the thought of testing cranial nerves have you desperately trying to remember a mnemonic? In this lecture Clare Rusbridge puts the “why”, “how” and “I can do” back into the approach to a patient with neurological signs.

Venue: LondonScottishGolfClub Wimbledon SW19 5NQ

Price: £12 per person – Event kindly sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd
Registration and finger buffet from 7:30pm and 8:00pm Prompt Start

Download details, directions and application form here

Conversion of 2006 CM/SM breeding guidelines to the BVA/KC scheme

2012-01-24T14:49:00.007Z

In order to select mates that were screened with the informal 2006 breeding guidelines the chart below provides a conversion.

It is for SM only. CCD=central canal dilatation

Grade depends on age at which dog was scanned.

a= over 5 years

b= 3 - 5 years

c= less than 3 years

Green = can breed

Red = do not breed

*A = dog over 5 years no SM

# dogs with CCD aged less than 2.5 years were often attributed a D grade

Download here

BVA/KC Chiari-like Malformation / Syringomyelia (CM/SM) Scheme - Summary

2012-01-16T14:31:00.014Z

The scheme aims to reduce or eliminate the incidence of inherited CM and SM in dogs.

It will be open to all dogs and is particularly applicable to toy breeds and their crosses. It requires a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the brain and upper neck.

It is designed to work with the Kennel Club’s Mate Select programme - a database that will enable both occasional and regular breeders to select the most appropriate proposed mating to maximise the chances of producing healthy puppies whilst having the optimum impact on the breed’s genetic diversity. Details are available on http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk .

The minimum age of a dog for submission to the CM/SM Scheme will be one calendar year. There will be no upper age limit. As SM is a progressive disease (i.e. dogs can get worse with age) scanning is best performed at five years of age or older as this will give more accurate EBV of the dog’s offspring.

There are a number of veterinary centres which offer MRI scanning facilities and which follow the protocol recommended by the scheme to ensure an adequate quality of the images.

The MR images required are DICOM images (Digital Imaging & Communication in Medicine, as used in hospitals). DICOM images are used for security reasons as it is not possible to divorce client details from images.

There is a panel of BVA-appointed neurologists and radiologists who will review the MRI scans. The MRI scans will be assessed by two scrutineers who will agree grading for the images. If necessary the Chief Scrutineer will make the final decision. The anticipated turnaround will be about four weeks. There will be an appeals procedure.

All dogs must be permanently identified (by microchip or tattoo)

Owner must have the relevant KC owner registration document/related transfer or change of name certificate with you in order to present your dog for a MRI scan. It is possible to scan dogs that are not KC registered; an alternative appropriate form of identification must be provided (e.g. pet name, identification from your veterinary practice or breed club).

Owners must sign a declaration certifying that the details are correct, and that the results may be published in the KC Breed Record Supplement and on the KC website for use with their Mate Select programme, and also used for research purposes.

All of the above information must be correct at the time of scanning as it is not possible to changes the details on DICOM images retrospectively.

Grading is according to the severity of the CM and SM. The grade is qualified with a letter indicating the age group at the time of scanning as follows:

a = more than five years of age;

b = three to five years of age;

c = one to three years of age. The grade is not valid without the qualifying letter.

Chiari-like malformation (CM):
Grade 0 - No Chiari malformation
Grade 1 - Cerebellum indented (not rounded)
Grade 2 - Cerebellum impacted into, or herniated through, the foramen magnum.

Syringomyelia (SM):

When viewing the images for syringomyelia, presyrinx, which is cord oedema, is sometimes seen. This may be transitional.

Grade 0 - Normal (no central canal dilation, no presyrinx, no syrinx)
Grade 1 - Central canal dilation (CCD) less than 2mm in diameter
Grade 2 - Syringomyelia (central canal dilation which has an internal diameter of 2mm or greater, separate syrinx, or pre-syrinx with or without central canal dilation).

If the dog is not KC registered or closely related to a KC registered dog then an EBV cannot be generated and owners should refer to the breeding guidelines (below) and select breeding stock based on the CM/SM result. Owners should also refer to these breeding guidelines for breeds and crossbreeds that do not have an EBV scheme.

This cross chart is for SM only - Green colour = breed Red colour =do not breed.

Can breeding strategies modify or eliminate the syringomyelia phenotype?

2011-12-28T10:34:00.004Z

Editorial in Veterinary Record 2011 169: 679-680

Colin J. Driver, BSc, BVetMed, MRCVS, Holger A. Volk, DVM, PhD, DECVN, MRCVS, FHEA, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK

The authors comment on a research paper in this week’s issue of Veterinary Record, Knowler and others (2011) which describes the effectiveness of the breeding guidelines in reducing syringomyelia in CKCS and Griffon Bruxellois, five years on

Breeding strategies have existed for some time to limit the inheritance of common canine breed-specific diseases but progress in the control of these diseases relies on a greater understanding of their mode of inheritance. For some years a hereditary basis for syringomyelia has been suggested in CKCS (Rusbridge and Knowler 2003). However, there had been limited research to suggest a mode of inheritance for the disease. On this basis, a ‘common sense’ approach to interim breeding guidelines was established in 2006 at an international Cavalier Club round table (Cappello and Rusbridge 2007), which is still used. The scheme hoped to limit symptomatic syringomyelia while not affecting genetic diversity. It was recommended that symptomatic dogs and young (less than two years) asymptomatic dogs with syringomyelia were not used for breeding. Recent research has found syringomyelia to be a complex trait with moderately high heritability (Lewis and others 2010). The severity of the mismatch between the brain and skull that typifies Chiari-like malformations is associated with the presence and severity of syringomyelia (Driver and others 2010a).

Data from 550 CKCS and 93 Griffon Bruxellois were evaluated. Offspring without syringomyelia were more common when the parents were also both clear of syringomyelia (CKCS 70 per cent, griffon Bruxellois 73 per cent). A mating of one syringomyelia- free parent with a syringomyelia- affected parent was risky for the offspring, with77percent of CKCS and 46 per cent of Griffon Bruxellois offspring being syringomyelia-affected. However, the most common breeding match was an affected dog with a dog of unknown syringomyelia status, and offspring with syringomyelia were more likely when both parents had syringomyelia (CKCS 92 per cent, Griffon Bruxellois 100 per cent).

There are several reasons why eradicating syringomyelia proves challenging. First, syringomyelia is highly prevalent and frequently asymptomatic (Parker and others 2011). Secondly, syringomyelia status can only be discovered with MRI scans, which may be cost-prohibitive. Finally, syringomyelia is generally considered a progressive disorder. The prevalence creeps up from 25 per cent at one year of age to a peak of 70 per cent in dogs over six years of age (Parker and others 2011). Twelve of 26 (43 per cent) previously grade A dogs (grade A dogs are those older than 2.5 years that are free from syringomyelia) were syringomyelia- affected on repeat scanning (Knowler and others 2011). The authors note that the correct age for scanning remains contentious and also represents a practical issue for breeders. It seems there is a higher risk for breeding a dog with syringomyelia from young unaffected dogs than from those aged over 2.5 years, so having one parent from this older cohort in the breeding match may be a reasonable way forward. It is encouraging to see that following the institution of the guidelines the incidence of young dogs with severe disease is reducing, one of the main aims of the initial guidelines. More severe syringomyelia occurs in dogs less than two years of age (Rusbridge and Knowler 2004). Indeed, syringomyelia- affected dogs less than two years old appear to have a more severe morphological phenotype (Driver and others 2010b).

This study highlights the scope for further study of the pathogenesis of the Chiari-like malformations and syringomyelia complex. This is particularly true for the Griffon Bruxellois, which can suffer syringomyelia without the classical imaging features of Chiari-like malformations (rusbridge and others 2009). Of great importance to studying the disease are individual dogs with two or more MRI scans in their lifetime.

Is breeding resulting in significant changes to craniocervical morphology or are there other, as yet undetermined, risk factors for the development of syringomyelia? For example, it appears that the foramen magnum increases in size over time (Hamilton and others 2011). If not structural, are there functional disturbances to CSF pulse pressure that can be determined with cine-MRI?

Knowler and others (2011) conclude that ideally dogs should be scanned at five years old and where possible one mate should be syringomyelia-free at this age. They note the focus for future research is to establish estimated breeding values (EBVs) to influence the breeding of dogs that have not been MRI scanned, particularly since there is not an easily ascertained clinical phenotype (Lewis and others 2011). The number of dogs scanned at five years of age will hopefully increase with the implementation of a British Veterinary Association-Kennel Club breeding scheme in 2012. This will in turn provide more accurate EBVs for their descendants that are of breeding age before scanning.

Although it is unlikely that syringomyelia can be eradicated, hopefully the extreme clinical phenotype can be limited. Knowler and others (2011) and the dog breeders involved in the study must be commended for their hard work in reporting these findings and improving the welfare and quality of life of these breeds. (research paper can be viewed on Clare's website)

References

CAPPELLO, R. & RUSBRIDGE, C. (2007) report from the Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia working group round table. Veterinary Surgery 36, 509-512

CERDA-GONZALEZ, S., OLBY, N. J., MCCULLOUGH, S., PEASE, A. P., BROADSTONE, R. & OSBORNE, J. A. (2009) Morphology of the caudal fossa in Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound 50, 37-46

DRIVER, C. J., RUSBRIDGE, C., CROSS, H. R., MCGONNELL, I. & VOLK, H. A. (2010a) relationship of brain parenchyma within the caudal cranial fossa and ventricle size to syrin- gomyelia in cavalier King Charles spaniels. Journal of Small Animal Practice 51, 382-386

DRIVER, C. J., RUSBRIDGE, C., MCGONNELL, I. M. & VOLK, H. A. (2010b) Morphometric assessment of cranial volumes in age-matched Cavalier King Charles spaniels with and without syringomyelia. Veterinary Record 167, 978-979

HAMILTON, S., DE RISIO, L., RUSBRIDGE, C.,DRIVER, C. J., DENNIS, R., MCGONNELL, I. M. & VOLK, H. A. (2011) Changes over time in caudal cranial fossa volumes and of cerebellar herniation in Cavalier King Charles spaniels with Chiari-like malformation. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 25, 728

KNOWLER, S. P., MCFADYEN, A. K. & RUSBRIDGE, C. (2011) effectiveness of breeding guidelines for reducing the prevalence of syringomyelia. Veterinary Record doi:10.1136/vr.100062

LEWIS, T., RUSBRIDGE, C., KNOWLER, P., BLOTT, S. & WOOLLIAMS, J. A. (2010) Heritability of syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Veterinary Journal 183, 345-347

PARKER, J. E., KNOWLER, S. P., RUSBRIDGE, C., NOORMAN, E. & JEFFERY, N. D. (2011) Prevalence of asymptomatic syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Veterinary Record doi:10.1136/vr.d1726

RUSBRIDGE, C. (1997) Persistent scratching in Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Veterinary Record 141, 179

RUSBRIDGE, C., CARRUTHERS, H., DUBÉ, M. P., HOLMES, M. & JEFFERY, N. D. (2007) Syringomyelia in cavalier King Charles spaniels: the relationship between syrinx dimensions and pain. Journal of Small Animal Practice 48, 432-436

RUSBRIDGE, C., GREITZ, D. & ISKANDAR, B. J. (2006) Syringomyelia: current concepts in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 20, 469-479

RUSBRIDGE, C. & KNOWLER, S. P. (2003) Hereditary aspects of occipital bone hypoplasia and syringomyelia (Chiari type i malformation) in Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Veterinary Record 153, 107-112

RUSBRIDGE, C. & KNOWLER, S. P. (2004) inheritance of occipital bone hypoplasia (Chiari type i malfor- mation) in Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 18, 673-678

RUSBRIDGE, C., KNOWLER, S. P., PIETERSE, L. & MCFADYEN, A. K. (2009) Chiari-like malformation in the griffon Bruxellois. Journal of Small Animal Practice 50, 386-393

WOOD, J. L. N., LAKHANI, K. H. & HENLEY, W. E. (2004) An epidemiological approach to prevention and control of three common heritable diseases in canine pedigree breeds in the United Kingdom. Veterinary Journal 168, 14-27

Nervy 's Junior Page

2011-12-09T13:59:00.014Z

As you probably noticed, the website has a new look, thanks to the hard work and expertise of Griffon breeder Henny van den Berg. Not only is the layout refreshed but there is also a new item. Nervy's Corner has been added to the site.

The purpose of the Nervy's Page is for children and junior pet lovers to become acquainted with what is necessary for their pets to be healthy and to stay healthy. It will be moderated of course and only material that conforms to the ethos of the site will be allowed. There is an opportunity to make comments so that this responsibility is shared.

Nervy's Corner is intended to be a fun meeting place for our juniors were they can share their stories and photo's and everything about their life with their pets - of all kinds. The activities are intended for a range of ages and abilities and we hope that everyone can find something they enjoy and can contribute too. Please send suitable material to nervys.adm@gmail.com

Rupert's Fund for Cavalier Research

2011-11-30T16:22:00.012Z

Thanks to the inspiring efforts of cavalier lovers - pet owners and breeders Rupert's Fund has reached a total of
£16,192.21($25,157.29) since it was set up two years ago. This includes individual donations, raffles, sweepstakes, etc, and recently over £1,000 donation from the charity Cavalier Matters. Tania Ledger and her team of volunteers manned a stall at 'Discover Dogs' again this year and another £1,000 was donated to Cavalier Collection.

The Rupert's Fund money is spent on the cost of MRIs for cavaliers over 5 years of age - not just in the UK but worldwide where it supports specific research initiatives such as the genome research. So far a total of 55 dogs have been scanned.

In memoradium of Bet Hargreaves who died recently.

2011-11-14T23:42:00.004Z

Bet was passionate about Cavalier health from the pet owner point of view. She played an important role in supporting research both in MVD and SM by collecting information and pedigrees for over 40 years. A gritty, tenacious Scot, we wish to acknowledge her contribution to help the cavalier breed.

CMSM screening at SLVH -update

2011-11-02T15:21:00.005Z

Stone Lion Veterinary Hopsital has been operating a low cost MRI CMSM service for a number of years. This is on a non-profit basis, however the rising cost of electrity and consumables means that some adjustment is now necessary. The price of a CMSM screening MRI scan will now be £200 plus VAT. We are now able to offer increased flexibility and availabilty to breeders wishing to use this service. CMSM screeening is now offered on a weekly basis (previously once monthly) and the price will be applicable for single as well as mulitple dogs ie the cost of a MRI for a single dog has decreased from £250 plus VAT. Bulk scan days (10 or more dogs) will only be arranged if the breeders form and arrange their own group of dogs and pay a 50% non-returnable deposit in advance.

For more details see website here and to arrange a MRI scan contact Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital on 020 8946 4228.

BSD Breed Club Health Seminar - Open to all breeds

2011-10-20T08:13:00.003+01:00

Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth CV8 2LD

Saturday 19^th November 2011

PROGRAMME

9.30am Registration and refreshments

10.00am Introductions

10.05am Seizures and Epilepsy

Clare Rusbridge BVMS PhD DipECVN MRCVS RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology

11.00am Comfort Break

11.10am Ophthamology – latest developments

Sally Turner MA VetMB DVOphthal MRCVS RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology

12.15 – 12.45pm Q&A Session

1.00 – 1.50pm Lunch - hot and cold buffet

1.50pm Genetic Research and Tracking Mutations

Cathryn Mellersh PhD, Canine Genetics Research Group Leader, Animal Health Trust.

2.50pm Tea and Coffee

3.15pm Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Screening

Ruth Dennis MA VetMB DVRDipECVDI MRCVSSpecialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, Head of Diagnostic Imaging Uni,t Animal Health Trust

4.15pm Q&A Session

4.45pm Close

Contact details would be email: mary.grove@btconnect.com or mobile 07973 682 895.

Effectiveness of breeding guidelines for reducing the prevalence of syringomyelia

2011-10-14T11:29:00.004+01:00

S. P. Knowler, A. K. McFadyen, C. Rusbridge

Veterinary Record 2011;vetrec-2011-100062

Summary

Several toy breed dogs are predisposed to syringomyelia (SM), a spinal cord disorder, characterised by fluid-filled cavitation. SM is a complex trait with a moderately high heritability. Selective breeding against SM is confounded by its complex inheritance, its late onset nature and high prevalence in some breeds. This study investigated the early outcome of existing SM breeding guidelines. Six hundred and forty-three dogs, 550 Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS) and 93 Griffon Bruxellois (GB), were identified as having either one (454 dogs) or both parents (189 dogs) with MRI-determined SM status. Offspring without SM were more common when the parents were both clear of SM (SM-free; CKCS 70 per cent, GB 73 per cent). Conversely, offspring with SM were more likely when both parents had SM (SM-affected; CKCS 92 per cent, GB 100 per cent). A mating of one SM-free parent with an SM-affected parent was risky for SM affectedness with 77 per cent of CKCS and 46 per cent of GB offspring being SM-affected. It is recommended that all breeding dogs from breeds susceptible to SM be MRI screened; that the SM status at five years old is established; and all results submitted to a central database that can be used by dog breeders to better enable mate selection based on estimated breeding values.

see

http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/early/2011/10/13/vr.100062.full

For example

This family tree typifies the complex relationship between SM-affected asymptomatic dogs and SM-free dogs and demonstrates how hard it is for breeders to make sensible breeding decisions even when they are knowledgeable about their dogs’ background.

The figure illustrates a three generation CKCS family tree based on the SM grades used in the 2006 International Breeding guidelines (http://www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk - see under SM screening) *A denotes a dog that has been screened over the age of 5 years and is clear of SM. Square = male, circle= female.

The family group is centred on a grade A male (red) without a central canal dilatation (CCD) who was 3.8 years when he had the MRI. He has an *A grade dam and a sire of unknown status. He was mated to two unrelated grade D females. Three of the offspring from one parental cross had early onset SM (E grade) however the two offspring from the other parental cross were both A grade. It is perhaps significant that for the E grade litter both maternal grandparents were D whereas the maternal grandmother of the A grade litter was *A. Not all breeders may be afford to MRI more than a few dogs and may not be provided with the MRI status any relatives of a potential mate. The EBVs for SM can be combined with those for MVD and other genetic diseases thereby providing more accurate risk information at birth and eliminating environmental influences they provide the best way to help the cavalier breed.

Danish Cavalier Club Health and Education Seminar

2011-10-10T23:16:00.000+01:00

CavalierClub of Denmark

Health Seminarheld at the hotel "Park Inn Radisson Copenhagen Airport"Engvej 171,2300 Copenhagen S, which lies very close to Kastrup Airport(CPH) in the metropolitan area.

Saturday 29th October2011 pm. 9:00 to 18:00

Invitationto an exciting and educational Health Seminar open to all interested members ofthe Cavalier Club, veterarians, veterinary students and members of otherspeciality Clubs

Programme:

DrClare Rusbridge (in English) - Latest knowledge and research in Syringomyelia
Professor Lisbeth Højer Olsenwill– Endocardiose 10 years Studies– what are the results?
Veterinarian Helle Friis Proschowsky from theDanish Kennel Club - two new diseases that now tested for in Denmark: Curly Coat Syndrome / Dry Eye(CCS) and Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS) now with testing mandatory from 2012

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVS) for CM/SM in Cavaliers – do we really need them? Who is responsible for the health of the Cavalier Breed?

2011-10-09T14:28:00.003+01:00

It has been five years since the introduction of the International Breeding guidelines for Syringomyelia in 2006. These provided an interim measure for breeders based on existing evidence with a common sense approach until there was better understanding for this complex condition. A Mate Select Scheme that generates estimated breeding values is considered superior. Some breeders consider themselves capable of making their own decisions based on their wealth of breeding experience and knowledge of their own dogs’ MRIs. However CMSM is a complex trait which means that knowing the health status of close relatives is unlikely to be sufficient for predicting the disease free status of the offspring. Information about generations of dogs needs to be taken into account.

Dr Tom Lewis from the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust has listed the advantages of EBVs below (full details see ‘Genetic Evaluation of Hip Score in UK Labrador Retrievers’ Thomas W. Lewis, Sarah C. Blott, John A. Woolliams ) (Lewis et al, PLoS ONE 5(10): e12797, p7)

The reasons EBVs are better than phenotypic selection:

1) EBVs represent the genetic risk only (excludes non-genetic environmental effects). This is the only part consistently transmitted over generations. Since they are 'genetics only' they are a more accurate estimate of genetic risk than phenotype and elicit a greater response at the same selection intensity.

2) EBVs will further increase in accuracy over time by utilising all available information and being updated as additional info becomes available (e.g. on full sibs, progeny etc).

3) EBVs will provide predictors for those animals without a phenotypic record (ie MRI scan or heart testing).

4) EBVs are available from the moment of birth (although all littermates will have the same EBV at this stage)

5) The EBV will have been corrected for other fixed effects such as sex and age which may bias a phenotype as a predictor of genetic merit.

Cavalier Matters Charity out and about!!

2011-10-04T13:44:00.008+01:00

Tania Ledger is not just relying on sales from her online shop, she and the hardworking team of volunteers have taken a stall at both Paws in the Park and Bermondsey Street Festival this year.

A magnificant £1,300 has been split between the Cavalier Collection Scheme and Rupert's Fund, not only helping research into CMSM, MVD and other diseases in cavalier spaniels but helping to identify the best dogs for breeding. A win-win situation for dogs, breeders and the breed. Thanks to all contributers!!

GREEN LIGHT FOR SYRINGOMYELIA HEALTH SCHEME FOR DOGS

2011-09-22T13:40:00.001+01:00

British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Canine Health Schemes news release

The British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Canine Health Schemes (CHS) management committee has given the go-ahead for a new Scheme to screen dogs, particularly potential breeding stock, for chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (CM/SM) to start in January 2012.

Chiari-like malformation (CM) is characterised by a mismatch in size between the brain (too big) and the skull (too small). This constricts the opening from the skull into the vertebral canal and alters the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). As a result a fluid-filled cavity develops within the spinal cord called a syrinx, with the condition being called Syringomyelia (SM). Both conditions can cause a significant amount of pain.

These debilitating inherited conditions affect certain breeds, most prominently the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, but also the Griffon Bruxellois. CM/SM is also suspected to be inherited in a number of other small (toy) breeds including King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Affenpinschers and Maltese.

To take part in the Scheme owners will need to have their dog MRI scanned at a veterinary practice. The scans will then be reviewed by two scrutineers from a BVA-appointed panel of expert neurologists and radiologists and graded for severity for both CM and SM.

The results will be sent back to owners via the veterinary practice that performed the MRI scan. Results of Kennel Club registered dogs will be sent to the KC for publication on the KC Health Test Results Finder online and to the Animal Health Trust for inclusion in the Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) calculations.

Following consultation with breed club representatives and to achieve maximum take up of the Scheme it has been agreed that publication of results by the Kennel Club will commence once the first batch of results is available, which we expect by the end of the first quarter of 2012. In the interim, the online Health Test Results Finder will indicate that the dog has been screened and that results are available from the owner. User-friendly guidance on how to understand the results will be made available once the Scheme is launched.

The aim of the Scheme is to reduce, and hopefully eliminate, the incidence of inherited CM and SM in dogs.

Commenting, Harvey Locke, President of the British Veterinary Association, said:

“Syringomyelia is a terrible disease that causes severe pain. We are therefore delighted to announce the new Canine Health Scheme for CM/SM.

“It has taken over two years to develop the Scheme and we are confident that it will have a positive impact on the health and welfare of the afflicted breeds. The heritability of syringomyelia is sufficiently high that genetic selection against the disease should be very successful.

“We are very grateful to the team of scientists who have worked hard to make the Scheme possible and look forward to the launch in January.”

Prof Steve Dean, Chairman of the Kennel Club, added:

"We are very keen to encourage the greatest possible take up of the test by breeders of affected breeds. This is a key development in the work to tackle these debilitating conditions and we hope many breeders will use the Scheme."

The full details of how the Scheme will work will be finalised between now and the end of the year and procedure notes will be circulated to ensure that scans taken from now on will fully comply with the Scheme.

Notes to editors

1. The BVA/KC Canine Health Schemes serve to provide dog breeders with the option of testing for certain inherited diseases, to enable them to breed only from dogs which have fewer or no signs of inherited disease and thus help to reduce the incidence of these diseases. Currently there are three Schemes – Hip Scheme (hip dysplasia), Elbow Scheme (elbow dysplasia), and Eye Scheme (hereditary eye disease). For more information visit www.bva.co.uk/chs

2. For more information please contact the BVA Media Office on 020 7908 6340 or media@bva.co.uk

Sally Burnell
Head of Media and PR
British Veterinary Association
020 7908 6341
Out of hours: 07503 190 247
sallyb@bva.co.uk

7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ
Switchboard: 020 7636 6541
Fax: 020 7908 6349
Media Office: 020 7908 6340 or media@bva.co.uk
www.bva.co.uk

Support for vets and breeders in Italy

2011-09-14T14:41:00.000+01:00

CMSM Information Sheet and Treatment Algorithm now in Italian

Clare is indebted to Dr Anna Tauro for her excellent translation

Histopathological Investigation of Syringomyelia in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

2011-09-06T14:50:00.002+01:00

Journal of Comparative Pathology (2011), doi:10.1016/j.jcpa.2011.07.002

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021997511001137

H. Z. Hu*, C. Rusbridge†, F. Constantino-Casas* and N. Jeffery*

*Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge University, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES and †Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital, 41 High Street, London SW19 5AU, UK

The aims of the study were to describe microscopic changes in the spinal cord of CKCSs with syringomyelia and in particular to compare symptomatic (in pain) and asymptomatic (non painful) dogs.

Method

The histopathology (microscopic changes) of spinal cords from 19 CKCS dogs which had been donated by their owners after death or euthanasia. These were examined for abnormalities by an observer blinded to the identity of the dogs.

Results included

· Anomalies of the central canal were found in all specimens.

o Many dogs had grossly visible fluid-filled cavities within the spinal cord.

o The lining of the central canal was disrupted – particularly in dogs that showed signs of pain

· There was death of nerve cells (so called Wallerian degeneration)

· There was new blood vessel development and scarring around blood vessels

· Compared with two different samples of the normal dog population, dogs with syrinxes had significantly less grey matter, although this decrease was associated with generalized loss of spinal cord area.

Conclusions and significance of findings

Dogs in pain had more damage to the grey matter (nerve cells). This confirmed what had been suggested before in a MRI study comparing painful and non painful dogs.

There was a marked difference in the appearance or the spinal cord in painful dogs with SM versus non painful dogs with SM. The painful dogs had more scarring (Glial and fibrous proliferation )

The pathology suggested that the primary development of syringomyelia is associated with central canal dilatation and damage which is accompanied by blood vessel changes. This is an important finding because there is so much debate on how syringomyelia develops in all species.

Acknowledgement

Authors would like to thank Mrs Margaret Carter for her role in the coordination of the tissue collection. Without her valuable support, experience and sensitivity this important research would not have been possible. We would also like to thank all the owners of the donated dogs.

http://www.cavaliertalk.com/forums/entry.php?217-The-Cavalier-Collection-Scheme......how-volunteered-pets-are-helping-the-breed.

Abstract ; Journal of Comparative. Pathology. 2011, Vol 10

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021997511001137

Syringomyelia (SM) in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCSs) is identified commonly on magnetic resonance images and is sometimes associated with clinical signs of pain and cervical hyperaesthesia. However, the mechanism by which SM develops in this breed has not been fully elucidated and the associated effects on spinal cord structure have not been reported previously. The aims of this study were to describe changes found in the spinal cord of CKCSs, to compare findings between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs and to determine whether syrinx formation was associated with tissue destruction. Anomalies of the central canal were found in all specimens and many dogs had grossly visible fluid-filled cavities within the spinal cord. Prominent microscopical findings were spongy degenerative changes associated with neuronal necrosis and Wallerian degeneration. The ependyma was discontinuous in many specimens, notably in symptomatic individuals, and there was evidence of angiogenesis and fibrous tissue proliferation around blood vessels adjacent to syrinx cavities. Compared with two different samples of the normal dog population, dogs with syrinxes had significantly less grey matter, although this decrease was associated with generalized loss of spinal cord area. Therefore, SM is associated with degenerative changes in the spinal cord and may develop through primary disruption of ependymal integrity followed by vascular hypertrophy and proliferation. Glial and fibrous proliferation appears to be associated with expression of clinical signs.

Story of Lady Chin Uma Thurman

2011-08-30T11:48:00.009+01:00

Sweet female chihuahua with syringomyelia
It was 27th of June 2009 and my first healthy litter supposed to born that day. Birthing started 11 pm day after and first puppy was born at 4 am. It looked healthy male puppy. I knew that there was coming another puppy still but nothing happened until 6:30 am.

I was very worried and we decided to drive to veterinary hospital with a good friend of mine. On the way we saw tiny head coming out of my female and in veterinary hospital of university we were asked to come to the waiting room. It took long time and it seemed that my female didn't have any more strength to push and we asked animal assistant to help with birthing. He had to pull the puppy out and finally we had two new born puppies at 7:30 am.

Female puppy -Uma was a lot smaller than male puppy Pepe. And it was clear from the beginnig that I had to take care that female puppy had change also to soak milk from the mother because male puppy had so much more strength than she did.

Two weeks after I had to take her animal hospital once again because she didn't have had milk enough and she was very week. But she recovered with good care.

Both puppies started to develop well and I decided to keep female puppy in my family. At very young age Uma was succeeding very well in show rings. She was so beautiful and excellent breed type that I took her shows very often. Happily I gathered lots of rosettes and cups.

When I realized that her knees, heart and eyes were clear I started to plan to use her breeding in becoming years.

In October 2010 Uma won Junior Baltic Winner title and until that show everything had went so well. But then something happened. One night when Uma was 16 months old me and my spouse we woke up during middle of the night in terrible screaming. It was Uma -crying and screaming at the same time and she couldn't move at all. She had peed under herself and all of her body and limbs were stiff. I was terrified what was happening. This seizure took about 1,5 minute and the first thing she could move was her tail. She was swinging her tail even she couldn't move other parts of her body.

It was clear that we had to took her to MRI screening to find out what caused this seizure. It was scary because there is always risk in anesthesia. In spite of my fear anesthesia went fine and after MRI the neurologist asked me to her room.

She told me that Uma's diagnose was few anomalies in her brain and syringomyelia in cervical spine area C2-5. Largest diameter was 6 mm. I didn't know what this is disease and I had heard the name of it only once when Finnish Chihuahua Club organised lecture about this illness. But even then I thought it was some uncommon condition which couldn't concern my chihuahuas. Uma's neurologist prescribed corticosteroids and some medicine for epilepsy. But at the end I decided not start the medication because of strong side effects of corticosteroids.

Later that year I scanned Uma's dam Siruliinun Wilhelmiina and she was diagnosed also with syringomyelia in cervical spine area C2-3. Her syrinx was 2,3mm.

Uma didn't have any seizures after the first one but I noticed she was scratching herself a lot but she seemed to be still very happy dog. Sometimes in the morning she didn't want to jump out of our bed and she seemed to have some troubles walking down stairs out from our apartment. I thought that her unwillingness to move was sign of pain. But then this behavior went away without any medication and she could move in stairs again.

Almost year after in August 2011 she stopped walking in stairs again. And few days after I noticed that she was dragging her left back leg on pavement during our walks. On lawn you couldn't notice a difference but on sidewalks I could hear this dragging noise coming out of her left back leg. Her condition got worse rapidly -the next day she didn't want to move at all. That day I gave her corticosteroids and I saw results all ready after few hours.

The next day we got appointment to the animal hospital of university and Uma was examined. I asked our neurologist to prescribe some medicine which wouldn't have that strong side effects so we agreed to start omepratsole medication for Uma besides few day corticosteroid course. After three day corticosteroid course Uma was a lot better but still she had some coordinating problems in her back leg. At the moment when I'm writing this we keep following how omepratsole will help Uma's condition and I will keep you updated, too.

My dam Siruliinun Wilhelmiina is still asymptomatic and I never thought she could have offspring with syringomyelia. That is why I do recommend MRI scanning for all breeders world wide -that is only way to determine if the dog has syringomyelia. It is condition among all the other diseases which we should take seriously. I belive strongly that there is still a lot what we can do to prevent this condition and help offspring of our dogs to have a healthy and happy life.

Symptoms of syringomyelia can be very different contingent on individual dog. At least if your toy dog is scratching a lot, she has unwillingness to move in stairs or some balancing problems with limbs -it would be better to take your dog to neurologist.

If your dog has had MRI, I recommend taking part in the genome research to identify the mutations causing syringomyelia (SM) at CHU Sainte Justine Research Center, University Of Montreal headed up by Dr Zoha Kibar and Dr Clare Rusbridge at the Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital, UK. Prior to submitting DNA samples please contact research assistant Penny Knowler at penny.knowler@ntlworld.com for the saliva kit and instructions. Taking part to this research doesn’t mean that you have to live in UK, because DNA samples can be sent by post.

Me and Uma -we both hope all the best for owners and dogs living with syringomyelia.

Else Hukkanen
Lady Chin Chihuahuas
Helsinki, Finland

ACIVM Forum Denver Colorado, June 15-18 2011

2011-07-30T17:00:00.006+01:00

ABSTRACT N-12: RELATIONSHIP OF CEREBELLAR VOLUME TO SYRINGOMYELIA IN THE CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL. TA Shaw1, I McGonnell1, CJ Driver1, C Rusbridge2, HA Volk1. 1The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK. 2.Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital, Goddard Veterinary Group, London, UK.
The study aim was to assess the role of cerebellar volume in caudal cranial fossa overcrowding and syringomyelia using three dimensional models. Volumes of cerebellar parenchyma were analyzed as percentages of caudal cranial fossa volume (cerebellar caudal cranial fossa percentage) and total brain parenchyma volume (cerebellar brain percentage).
Forty-five small breed dogs (SB), 58 CKCS and 31 Labradors (LD) were compared. As SM is thought to be a late onset disease process, two subgroups were formed for comparison: 21 CKCS younger than 2 years with SM (group 1) and 13 CKCS older than 5 years without SM (group 2).
CKCS had a larger cerebellar caudal cranial fossa percentage than the other groups (CKCS 52.19% vs. SB 47.81% and LD 41.32%. The cerebellar brain percentage was also larger in CKCS compared to the other groups (CKCS 8.90% vs. SB 7.37% and LD 7.23%. Group 1 had a significantly larger cerebellar caudal cranial fossa percentage than group 2 and a significantly larger cerebellar brain percentage.
Findings show that the CKCS has a relatively larger cerebellum than small breed dogs and Labradors and there is an association between increased cerebellar volume and SM in CKCS.

ABSTRACT N-13: CHANGES OVER TIME IN CAUDAL CRANIAL FOSSA VO- LUMES AND OF CEREBELLAR HERNIATION IN CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIELS WITH CHIARI-LIKE MALFOR- MATION. S. Hamilton1, L. De Risio2, C. Rusbridge3, CJ Driver1, R. Dennis2, I McGonnell1, HA Volk1. 1The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK. 2The Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK, 3.Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital, Goddard Veterinary Group, London, UK.
A retrospective study established measurements of cerebral volumes, foramen magnum height and cerebellar herniation length to assess if there is a significant difference between subsequent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain of the same dog. Twelve CKCS were included with a median scan interval of 9.5 months (3–83 months). Volumes of the caudal cranial fossa parenchyma were analyzed as percentages of caudal cranial fossa volume and caudal cranial fossa volume was analyzed as a percentage of total cranial cavity volume. The volume of the ventricular system was recorded as a percentage of total parenchymal volume. Appropriate statistical test was used to compare means/medians.
The size of the foramen magnum increased significantly between the first and second scan, as did the length of cerebellar herniation and the caudal cranial fossa percentage. There was no significant difference noted between the two time points in any of the other volumetric measurements.
This work could suggest that overcrowding of the caudal cranial fossa in conjunction with the movements of cerebrospinal fluid and cerebellar tissue secondary to pulse pressures created during the cardiac cycle causes pressures on the occipital bone. This leads to a resorption of the bone and therefore an increase in caudal cranial fossa and foramen magnum size allowing cerebellar herniation length to increase.

Prevalence of asymptomatic syringomyelia in CKCS

2011-06-21T16:50:00.019+01:00

Veterinary Record June 21st 2011
J. E. Parker, S. P. Knowler, C. Rusbridge, E. Noorman, N. D. Jeffery

Link to abstract here

In this paper the prevalence of syringomyelia was investigated in a sample population of 555 Cavalier King Charles spaniels from the UK (Cambridge University and SLVH) and the Netherlands (Best and Meppal) from 2004 to 2010. All dogs, which were declared by their owners to be showing no clinical signs of syringomyelia, underwent MRI to determine the presence or absence of the condition.
Age was found to be the most significant factor, with 25% of dogs aged 1year SM affected increasing to 70% in dogs aged 6 years. Since dogs with clinical signs were excluded from the study, the the prevelance is likely to be higher in reality, especially when compared to other inherited diseases such as hip dysplasia in German shepherd dogs (23% Coopman and others 2008)

Letter sent to support the breeders in the Netherlands who face a ban on breeding the cavalier can be found here.

Artful Funding for all toy breeds with CMSM

2011-06-18T19:55:00.022+01:00

The Griffon Bruxellois Club of NSW Inc., Australia contains some active breeders who strongly believe the best way forward from CM/SM for 'all affected breeds' will be in the locating of the genes. They are therefore working to produce funds to assist in this goal and currently running a 'silent auction' - of two absolutely stunning artworks to add to a recent donation of $500 which included the auction of Ian Willsmer's Griffon print from the UK.

On 27th June Lee Pieterse the Club Chairwoman writes:

Our auction is finished -

To everyone who bid:

Thank you very much for supporting the fundraising efforts of the GBC of NSW Inc.

Thank you to Pilar Hannan who arranged for these beautiful works to be created, and donated them to our Club.

It was rather exciting through the afternoon, and in the last moments, only minutes before the end, we received a bid in UK pounds....and had to rush to get it onto the site, and convert it to Aussie dollars....

then 1 minute before 6pm in came the winning bid for the Griffon.

The Affen was stable all day ~

We want to thank Clare, and all her supporters for all the work over the years, that is being done for the ongoing betterment of health for the dogs and also the people.

the total we will be sending is $1300 (Aust dollars) = 855.84 UK pounds

The money will go to

Friends of Lola http://www.friends-of-lola.com/ This initiative is to help fund dogs for mri for research for the benefit of all, dogs and people, in the gene hunt for Cm/SM.
The website has information about other toy breeds with CM/SM active in supporting the research including the collection of DNA.

Thank you ! This is exactly what is needed to find those gene/s!!

Next bulk scanning day at SLVH

2011-06-13T16:21:00.001+01:00

In order to take advantage of the discounts for scanning 3- 10 dogs,owners have asked if SLVH list the days so they might bring just one dog. The day is nearly always the last Thursday of the month. The next are

July 21st

Click here for details
MRI Submission form here

Lafora Disease Update

2011-06-11T11:55:00.011+01:00

Want to know more about this form of epilepsy in dogs?

Read about Sam the Dachshund in Dogs Today article by owner Jean Collinson. It also gives an update on recent research findings and treatment.

The Wirehaired Dachshund Club and the Dachshund Breed Council have launched a full DNA screening programme for Lafora Disease in Miniature Wire-haired Dachshunds.

For more info, click here:

Credit to the Breed

2011-06-08T14:08:00.007+01:00

Dee Phillips and her friends, Diana Mackintosh, Tracey Masters, Brenda McMichael, Judi Stiles, and their Clever Cavaliers are based in West Sussex. Mary Day and Paula Weston are also part of the team but not in the photo.

The delightful dogs demonstrate just how intelligent and agile cavaliers can be and they have raised an amazing £868 for Rupert’s Fund in the last year. What a credit for the breed if you excuse the pun!

Cavalier Matters at the London Pet Show

2011-05-28T19:56:00.007+01:00

The London Pet Show was held at Olympia on the 7^th and 8^th May. Cavalier Matters is a registered charity headed up by Tania Ledger seen in the middle of the picture together with helpers Margaret Carter and Carol Fowler. The stunning stand was taken in the Discover Dogs section which was presented by the Kennel Club and located on the edge of the agility and show ring which was an ideal position to be noticed! The Pet show was for Dogs and Cats plus other little furries but apparently the Dog Section was the busiest.

There was a range of new merchandise which can now be seen on the online shop. www.thecavaliergiftshop.org

Thanks to an enormous effort Cavalier Matters is a major contributor to Rupert's Fund and Cavalier Collection Scheme (which was set up and co-ordinated by Margaret Carter) and they have now donated £5,960 to research and rescue.!

Tania set up the charity with her husband Graham after two of their three Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs Molly and Dougall were diagnosed with Syringomyelia.

"I was shocked when I learnt that many irresponsible breeders continue to breed from dogs that have been diagnosed with Syringomyelia or do not follow the breeding guidelines for Syringomyelia. These breeders are condemning puppies to a life of pain and potentially contributing to the extinction of the breed," said Tania.

A fellow trustee is Carol Fowler who has been campaigning for dog welfare for many years- " Initially Cavalier Matters is all about the breed we are both passionate to help to save - the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We have started small but hope to build Cavalier Matters into something much bigger, extending its scope to helping other dog breeds which are in trouble, and campaigning for the reform of dog breeding in the UK through our political contacts and by working with other welfare organisations."

None of the three Cavalier Matters trustees will be drawing any income or expenses from the charity, so all proceeds will be put towards the charity's goals.

Next bulk scanning day at SLVH

2011-05-16T16:36:00.002+01:00

In order to take advantage of the discounts for scanning 3- 10 dogs,owners have asked if SLVH list the days so they might bring just one dog. The day is nearly always the last Thursday of the month. The next are

May 26th
June 23rd

Click here for details
MRI Submission form here

Major funding for Chiari and Syringomyelia Research

2011-05-10T16:34:00.009+01:00

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Identification of the gene(s) predisposing to Chiari Malformation I using the Griffon Bruxellois dog model

Dr Zoha Kibar : CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Canada,

Dr Clare Rusbridge : Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital, Wimbledon, UK: )

$93.380 average for 3 years

Chiari malformation I (CMI) represents a common abnormality of the lower region of the brain located at the junction with the spinal cord, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 1280. The lower portions of the brain called the cerebellar tonsils protrude into the vertebral canal causing a variety of clinical signs including headache, vision problems and dizziness. CMI is often associated with syringomyelia where a fluid-filled cavity (syrinx) develops within the spinal cord. Most cases of CMI are congenital, meaning they are present at birth. The etiology of CMI is complex and thought to involve both genetic factors. CMI in humans is similar to a condition in the dog called Chiari-like malformation (CM) that is particularly common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) and Griffon Bruxellois (GB) breeds. The dog model is the only known naturally-occurring animal model for CMI in humans and represents a powerful tool for understanding its complex genetic etiology. Our study aims at identification of the CM gene(s) in the dog which will provide an entry point for identifying equivalent genes involved in CMI in humans. We have conducted a scan of the whole dog genome using affected dogs from the GB and identified six potential CM candidate regions in the dog genome. We will investigate these candidate regions for true association to CM by additional genetic studies in a larger cohort. The confirmed candidate interval(s) will be further defined and will be sequenced to identify the defective CM gene(s)in the dog. We will next identify the human equivalent(s) of the dog CM gene(s) and screen them for the presence of pathogenic mutations in a human cohort of CMI patients. Identification of a predisposing gene that contributes to the etiology of CMI may lead to the development of simple and accurate diagnostic tests for better clinical management of CMI patients and their relatives.

Philippe Lemay, BSc

Philippe is a Biochemistry graduate from Sherbooke University who is now studying for his Masters in Biochemistry at Montreal University.He is the latest member of the team and a research student in Dr. Zoha Kibar’s Laboratory at the CHU Sainte Justine Research Center. He is responsible for the genotyping, sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of the genomic data for the Brussel Griffon project and has recently won an award for his work in the department and for the best oral presentation at the CENUM congress (Centre of Excellence in Neurology in the University of Montreal)

International Club for CKCS Training Seminar 2011

2011-04-13T17:31:00.010+01:00

.. . . . . . . . . .
. . . ...... ......

Science / classical and alternative veterinary medicine
on Saturday, 21/05/2011 at 9:30 clock
Hotel Stimbergpark, Oer-Erkenschwick
Germany

You can expect a variety of information. There are lectures and panel discussions on the following topics provided then:

Introduction to Genetics
Current research Chiari syndrome and syringomyelia (Germany and UK)
Possibilities and limits of natural medicine
Anxiety / stress signals and body of the dog

It offers a unique, varied and class lecture, the internationally known speakers.

Dr. Helga Eichelberg, geneticist
Dr. Martin Schmidt, Vet / Neurologists Dr. Clare Rusbridge, vet / neurologist
Julia Schmitgen, Tierheilpraktikerin
Marion Elstrodt, dog trainer

BSAVA Congress

2011-04-11T11:12:00.018+01:00

BSAVA Congress breaks all records - 06 April 2011
The BSAVA Congress has been hailed “the best year yet” by delegates and exhibitors alike after breaking all records and bringing together the whole veterinary profession to celebrate its 250th anniversary. It was certainly special for Clare because she was presented with the BSAVA JA Wight (aka James Herriot) Memorial Award for Animal Welfare .Details here
The inscription reads...for her work with CKCS society with respect to Syringomyelia.
Clare has been supported by so many cavalier lovers over the 14 years she has been investigating CMSM, but particularly Margaret Carter initially as the Health Rep of the Cavalier Club UK and now through the Cavalier Collection Scheme. Also Sandy Smith with her book 'For the Love of Ollie' and all at the Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital.

Cavaliers helping to find the genetic cause of Syringomyelia

2011-04-07T10:40:00.017+01:00

Misha is 14 years of age and lives in the USA. His MRI confirms he does not have Syringomyelia.

Thanks to his owner he is helping the research into this genetic condition.

If you have a cavalier, over the age of six years, has been MRI'd and does not have SM and you want to help the cavalier breed, please contact penny.knowler@hotmail.co.uk for details

New CM SM screening facility in Belgium

2011-04-02T19:03:00.004+01:00

Dr. I. Gielen, Prof. Dr. H. van Bree

CT-MR Unit

Department of Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Ghent University
Salisburylaan 133
9820 Merelbeke
Belgium
www.orsami.com
Telephone: ++32 9 264 76 50

Contact: Ingrid.Gielen@UGent.be

who will be happy to answer any queries in English, German, Dutch or French.

SM In Cavaliers - update

2011-03-29T06:56:00.006+01:00

Click picture for more details

Thanks to the amazing hard work and efforts from cavalier lovers worldwide the amount raised so far is £11,616 ($18,566) This has funded 31 MRI s for dogs over 6 years. We also received £2,000 from the Cavalier Club which has funded 6 dogs so far

Priority is given to
1. male dogs over 6 years particularly if they have already had a SM clear scan
2. stud dogs over 5 years of age
3. bitches over 6 years that have had a SM clear scan over 3 years of age
4. asymptomatic bitches over 8 years of unknown MRI status but with SM clear close relatives.

Help find the genetic cause of this painful disease which is critical to the welfare of the breed.

Help find older cavaliers with little or no SM to determine whether SM can be ‘late onset’ and /or is a progressive condition ( appears to develop slowly over time and may not be apparent when affected dogs are younger)

Help find how it is inherited and give breeders tools to breed away from the problem by providing information of clear lines.

Application form can be downloaded HERE

Griffon Bruxellois Club 1897 Donation for CMSM genome research

2011-02-14T22:32:00.008Z

A donation to the CMSM DNA genome research was agreed at the last GBC committee meeting in January. The donation is £3000 per year for the next three years.

We are absolutely delighted to receive this major contribution to the genetic research underway at the CHU Sainte Justine Research Centre, University of Montreal Canada. Although the money is ring fenced for griffons, the project is absolutely crucial to the genome study. The donation will be used in a way that is focused on what is needed most for the research but also helps the breed identify the best lines for breeding by offering free MRIs. In the initial phase be available to dogs over the age of 5, bitches over the age of 6 who have a known SM clear near relative and dogs and bitches from the age of 3-4 of untested lines.

Further information and details will be available in the next issue of the GBC bulletin in April.

Griffon Bruxellois Club's new website

Message from Cavalier Club Health Representative

2011-01-23T22:32:00.002Z

From Maggie Ford - for those members who are now confused as to what the proposed BVA/MRI scheme is about:

This is what is on the table with the BVA MRI scheme:

A formalised scheme embedding permanent identification on/in the dog into the scan so there is no confusion about the identity of the dog, a formal declaration by the owner, and a release form for data for research (and the EBV) and publication of results.
Some scanning centres did not do this verification of identity, and results were not automatically available to research and the EBV. Nothing was published.

A standardised protocol to MRI scan to ensure that the latest findings and research into SM are taken into account on the very best way to perform the MRI scan, ensuring the very best opportunity to determine if a small syrinx is present.
Syrinxes have been missed before. This will enable many more centres throughout the country to participate in the MRI scanning (not the interpretation which will be by a panel).

A formalised standardised interpretation of EXACTLY what is being interpreted, from 2 or even 3 experts from members of a BVA panel, and a formalised grading issued on a certificate. Extra information on CM.
Different interpretation of the same scan will no longer happen, 2 knowledgeable experts’ opinions, not just 1, a 3rd if they disagree. Uniformity of results. A grading, which didn’t happen with all previous scanning centres. More information on certificate.

Information on results published and automatically sent to EBV and available for research.
Individual can verify if dog is scanned when puppy purchased or looking for stud, and the age at which it was performed. Accessibility of information, openess and transparency.

An appeal process.

The meeting of representatives from all Cavalier Clubs on 3 February 2011 is to discuss the publication of results with the Kennel Club.

For those members who are confused by the EBV value and how it will work:

EBV Value

The EBV programme is a powerful tool being developed by the AHT for use by the KC to eventually help ALL breeds eliminate complex genetic disease where genetic tests are not available for the condition.

The EBV has a very complex statistical way of working out the EBV value for a dog/bitch, which will keep being modified as results of relatives, and their own test results are received.

All dogs already have an EBV value whether or not any SM or heart results for that particular dog have been received, in that case it is based purely on the information of the relatives. EBV accuracy improves with more results and with age of test result.

An EBV value is a combination of the SM and heart tests for that individual, and the results of all of its relatives – those on his pedigree, his siblings and his offspring. It will not be possible to work out the test results from the EBV value of any dog.

As a tool to use to plan litters, you will be able to use the EBV information of your bitch combined with those of the suggested dog to predict the EBV risk for the litter.

Some dogs with a SM grading of D (a syrinx) may turn out to have a higher EBV value than a dog graded A, or be more suitable as a match for your bitch. Also a SM D graded dog may have a line of very good hearts behind him, so it is essential to keep those genes in the gene pool. Breeding guidelines allow the use of SM affected dogs.

It is vital that genetic diversity is maintained throughout the breed.

Mate Select will help you to determine the coefficient of inbreeding.

New Developments in CMSM Research

2011-01-23T12:47:00.004Z

BVA/KC CMSM Screening Scheme Seminar

The Cavalier Club 7^thOctober,Leicestershire

New Developments in CMSM Research
Lecture Notes by Clare Rusbridge here

The Cavalier Club organised a seminar on 7^thOctober on the new KC/BVA CMSM Scheme at The Fieldhead Hotel, Markfield, Leicestershire

Information about the meeting can be found on the Cavalier Club website or Margaret Carter's Blog on Cavalier Talk. There is also a full page article in this week's Dog World written by Marina Scott who attended the meeting. (29th October)

A leaflet given out at Cruft's this year can be found here

Morphometric assessment of cranial volumes in age-matched Cavalier King Charles spaniels with and without syringomyelia

2010-12-30T12:22:00.023Z

C. J. Driver, C. Rusbridge, I. M. McGonnell, H.A. Volk

Veterinary Record 2010 167: 978-979 (short communication)

This study compared young Cavaliers under 2 years with SM (‘E’ breeding grade) with older dogs over 5 years without SM (A* breeding grade)

When Cavalier dogs of all ages were investigated for CM there is no difference between the volume of the skull (caudal fossa) of those that had Syringomyelia (SM) and those that did not have SM. However, when age was taken into consideration, the volume of the skull was significantly smaller in young cavaliers with early onset SM (under 2y) compared to cavaliers clear of SM over 5 years of age. Also the size (volume) of brain within the skull was significantly greater in SM cases and even greater in young dogs with early SM cases.

Penny Knowler notes that the interim Breeding Guidelines advise that dogs with SM less than 2.5 years are not used for breeding. If breeders wait until 2.5 years of age to MRI screen their dog they are given a ‘D’ grade if it has SM and it should only be bred to an ‘A’ grade dog. Many cavaliers are used as stud before they are 2 years old. The late onset of SM poses a real problem for breeders. There is currently no grade distinction made between a young dog of 2.5 years and an older dog screened at 5 years of age with a minimal syrinx. This aspect will be addressed by the proposed BVA/KC MRI screening which will include a grading for both CM and SM to be used in conjunction with Estimated Breeding Values.

Pedigree analysis suggests that the abnormalities producing CM/SM are inherited

Black square/circle = SM affected male/female

White square/circle= unaffected male/female over 5 years

small circle = unknown status

Clare Rusbridge News

Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital Referral Services CPD Evening

Conversion of 2006 CM/SM breeding guidelines to the BVA/KC scheme

BVA/KC Chiari-like Malformation / Syringomyelia (CM/SM) Scheme - Summary

Can breeding strategies modify or eliminate the syringomyelia phenotype?

Nervy 's Junior Page

Rupert's Fund for Cavalier Research

In memoradium of Bet Hargreaves who died recently.

CMSM screening at SLVH -update

BSD Breed Club Health Seminar - Open to all breeds

Effectiveness of breeding guidelines for reducing the prevalence of syringomyelia

Danish Cavalier Club Health and Education Seminar

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVS) for CM/SM in Cavaliers – do we really need them? Who is responsible for the health of the Cavalier Breed?

Cavalier Matters Charity out and about!!

GREEN LIGHT FOR SYRINGOMYELIA HEALTH SCHEME FOR DOGS

Support for vets and breeders in Italy

Histopathological Investigation of Syringomyelia in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Story of Lady Chin Uma Thurman

ACIVM Forum Denver Colorado, June 15-18 2011

Prevalence of asymptomatic syringomyelia in CKCS

Artful Funding for all toy breeds with CMSM

Next bulk scanning day at SLVH

Lafora Disease Update

Credit to the Breed

Cavalier Matters at the London Pet Show

Next bulk scanning day at SLVH

Major funding for Chiari and Syringomyelia Research

International Club for CKCS Training Seminar 2011

Science / classical and alternative veterinary medicine on Saturday, 21/05/2011 at 9:30 clock Hotel Stimbergpark, Oer-ErkenschwickGermany

Science / classical and alternative veterinary medicine

Dr. Helga Eichelberg, geneticist Dr. Martin Schmidt, Vet / Neurologists Dr. Clare Rusbridge, vet / neurologist Julia Schmitgen, Tierheilpraktikerin Marion Elstrodt, dog trainer

Dr. Helga Eichelberg, geneticist Dr. Martin Schmidt, Vet / Neurologists Dr. Clare Rusbridge, vet / neurologist Julia Schmitgen, Tierheilpraktikerin Marion Elstrodt, dog trainer

BSAVA Congress

Cavaliers helping to find the genetic cause of Syringomyelia

New CM SM screening facility in Belgium

SM In Cavaliers - update

Griffon Bruxellois Club 1897 Donation for CMSM genome research

Message from Cavalier Club Health Representative

New Developments in CMSM Research

BVA/KC CMSM Screening Scheme Seminar

Morphometric assessment of cranial volumes in age-matched Cavalier King Charles spaniels with and without syringomyelia

Science / classical and alternative veterinary medicine
on Saturday, 21/05/2011 at 9:30 clock
Hotel Stimbergpark, Oer-Erkenschwick
Germany

Dr. Helga Eichelberg, geneticist
Dr. Martin Schmidt, Vet / Neurologists Dr. Clare Rusbridge, vet / neurologist
Julia Schmitgen, Tierheilpraktikerin
Marion Elstrodt, dog trainer

Dr. Helga Eichelberg, geneticist
Dr. Martin Schmidt, Vet / Neurologists Dr. Clare Rusbridge, vet / neurologist
Julia Schmitgen, Tierheilpraktikerin
Marion Elstrodt, dog trainer