CKCS Syringomyelia News

International SM Symposium, Oct 26 2007

2007-09-29T00:29:00.000+01:00

During this four day international symposium on human SM, a special meeting has been set up with syringomyelia experts to discuss SM in canines, most specifically, in cavaliers. Several of the leading researchers will be there to speak and participate in a panel discussion with questions from the public.

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in the future of this breed to attend and learn about this condition -- fees for the full day are only £45 (see below for registration information). If you are interested in submitting an email question, please do so immediately as questions will all need to be in by early October. You will find more information on submitting questions here. The full conference website is here.

If you are interested in attending, here is more information, from a press release from the Kennel Club:

Veterinary Satellite Meeting

For breeders, dog owners, veterinary surgeons & nurses
1700 – 2100hs Friday 26th October 2007

It is with great pleasure that we invite you to the historic town of
Rugby, to join a meeting of specialists in syringomyelia, at an
international Symposium arranged by the Ann Conroy Trust, in association
with the University of Birmingham, the Society of British Neurological
Surgeons, the Spine Society of Europe and the Kennel Club.

Syringomyelia is one of the most common spinal cord disorders of toy
breed dogs and has been reported in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,
King Charles Spaniel, Griffon Bruxellois, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese
Terrier, Chihuahua, Miniature Dachshund, Miniature &Toy Poodle, Bichon
Frise, Pug, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Boston
Terrier, Pekingese, Miniature Pinscher, and French Bulldog. The most
common clinical signs are pain, scratching at the neck and shoulders and
walking difficulty.

Presentations

*
Canine syringomyelia
Dr. Clare Rusbridge, Stone Lion Veterinary Centre

*
Human chiari malformation and syringomyelia
Mr. Graham Flint, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham

*
The search for the gene(s) predisposing to chiari I malformation with
syringomyelia
Dr. Guy Rouleau, Director, Center for the Study of Brain Diseases,
University of Montreal

*
Breeding for health in pedigree dogs: optimisation of breeding
strategies to reduce inherited disease
Dr Sarah Blott, Animal Health Trust – sponsored by Hills

*
Experiences in surgery for canine syringomyelia
Dr. Dominic Marino, Long Island Veterinary Specialists – sponsored by
Novartis

*
Syringomyelia Question Time – Ask the Experts
Chaired by Dr. Bruce Fogle and sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health

Venue: Rugby School, Rugby, Warwickshire

Registration fee:

Veterinary Satellite meeting only - £45 (exclusive of buffet supper) £59
(inclusive of buffet supper)

General meeting Syringomyelia 2007 Friday 26th Oct - £150 (inclusive
full lecture programme, veterinary satellite meeting, lunch, buffet
supper and refreshments)

For registration and more detailed information go to
www.syringomyelia2007.org or contact

Administration and Delegate Coordinator – Barbara Masters

Email: admin@syringomyelia2007.org

Tel +44(0)1788 537676 Fax +44 (0) 1788 569996

Submit your questions to the experts!

2007-09-28T23:30:00.000+01:00

The specialists panel at the upcoming international conference on syringomyelia in Rugby, England, October 26th, NEED YOUR QUESTIONS! Anyone can submit questions so don't be shy!

Both breeders and pet owners are very welcome to submit any question they would like addressed by this special session panel. I should be there to take notes, and others will also be there to take notes, and report back on the answers. This panel was especially set up to let all of us ask the things we are wondering about with this condition.

There are two sets of question coordinators -- two pet owners who will collate the pet owner questions, and two breeders who will coordinate the breeder questions.

Pet questions can go to Carol Fowler or Sandy Smith:

carol@fowler1000.fslife.co.uk
smithfam@cogeco.ca

Breeder questions can go to Sue Robinson: sue.robinson0@talk21.com or to Veronica Hull, chair of the Southern UK CKCS Club.

More information here: http://board.cavaliertalk.com/showthread.php?t=20181

Please don't lose this great opportunity to ask anything you'd like. This panel has some of the world's experts on SM in cavaliers and will be chaired by well know vet author Dr Bruce Fogle.

NB: You need to get questions in right away, as the coordinators need to submit them in advance for the panelists.

New Rusbridge bulletin: head shape project

2007-05-01T16:22:00.000+01:00

Clare Rusbridge and Penny Knowler have just released this news update:

SYRINGOMYELIA NEWS April/May 2007

A research update
By Clare Rusbridge and Penny Knowler
Stone Lion Veterinary Centre, 41 High Street, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5AU
neuro.vet@btinternet.com (CR) Confidential Fax: 020 87860525
penny.knowler@ntlworld.com (SPK)

The knowledge, experience and support of breeders and pet owners continue to play an essential part into the research for Chiari-like malformation and Syringomyelia.

Preliminary results of pilot study looking at the possible correlation between head shape and CM/SM in different toy breeds.

In response to some observations made by breeders on head shape, a simple pilot study was devised. Dogs were selected on the basis of head length/breadth ratio, degree of doming and presence or absence of a ski-slope shape to the back of the head. CM/SM status was confirmed by MRI. Early results of this pilot study found no correlation, however the investigation is still ongoing. This study has been a tremendously valuable exercise in other ways. On the basis of head shape, some dogs had been presumed to be affected and owners had originally elected against MRI screening. However some of these dogs were actually found to be free of the condition. This suggests that it is not yet possible to predict CM/SM by a visual assessment of head shape. It also provided the
opportunity to obtain blood DNA samples for the Genome study in Montreal*. In particular, we would like to thank Lee Pieterse for co-ordinating the project in Australia. She and her husband Frank also contributed $4000 towards the research. Sandy Smith in Canada, generously donated $8000 from the ‘For the Love of Ollie’ Fund. An additional sum of $4000 came from the ‘Syringomyelia DNA Research’ Fund. Total $16,000.

‘For the Love of Ollie’ Fund and Syringomyelia DNA Research Fund is continuing to support the identification of
i) SM clear lines of dogs in breeds where CM/SM is emerging
ii) SM clear and affected dogs for DNA studies including association studies to help identify the gene in the more severely affected CKCS breed.

We welcome both information and financial support to continue this work. Donations can be made in a variety of ways www.fortheloveofollie.com/ and http://sm.cavaliertalk.com/ Donations ‘Syringomyelia DNA Research’

*The genome research aims to:
i) Identify the gene/s involved in CM/SM and how they bring about the condition.
ii) Develop better treatment strategies for affected dogs in all breeds.
iii) Develop a genetic test to identify carriers for breeding purposes to reduce or eliminate the CM/SM condition in different breeds.

Neurologists minutes from London meeting

2007-02-06T16:43:00.001Z

The researchers and neurologists who attended the London SM Conference in November sponsored by the UK CKCS Club (see earlier posts) have issued a statement that summarises their closed session round table discussion and includes two documents that were agreed upon for general use and recommendation at the discussion: revised breeding guidelines for cavalier breeders and a revised pain scoring system for assessing cavaliers with SM.

The key aspect of the breeding guidelines that has altered is the removal of the former catagories A* and B for grading cavaliers. Reasons for doing this are noted in the minutes.

The minutes and the documents are all available as downloadable documents at the CKCS SM Infosite in the "Research" section, subsection "London 11/06" then "Minutes".

NCSU full reports now available; new PSOM study to begin

2006-10-27T06:58:00.000+01:00

The ACKCSC has made available online the two reports that resulted from the North Carolina State University study on SM and CSF flow:

http://www.ackcsccharitabletrust.org/ncsu-flowreport.htm
http://www.ackcsccharitabletrust.org/ncsureport.htm

The Trust is also about to launch a study on PSOM (primary secretory otitis media, or 'glue ear' in cavaliers) at Ohio State University. Research is to be conducted by Lynette Cole DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVD & Andrew Hillier BVSc, MACVSc, Dipl. ACVD, of the Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dermatology Service. The Trust will be making a PSOM fact sheet available on its web site in future. People may contact OSU to find out if their cavalier could be considered for participation: call OSU at (614) 292-3551.

Nov 11th SM conference update

2006-10-25T02:51:00.000+01:00

The program for the November 11th one-day London gathering of researchers and neurologists on SM is now finalised and can be viewed here:

http://www.thecavalierclub.co.uk/health/syringo/confprog.html

General information, as noted previously, is here:

http://www.thecavalierclub.co.uk/health/syringo/smconf.html

Please note that the registration time has been moved forward to 8:30 am. If you are interested in attending you will need to secure a ticket in advance; contact details at the second link above or can be found in the previous weblog post.

International SM conference in UK in November

2006-10-01T16:56:00.000+01:00

A number of internationally known neurologists and vet specialists with a focus on syringomyelia will present papers on their area of expertise in Hatfield, Hertfordshire (just north of London) on November 11th in a conference sponsored by pharma company Boehringer Ingelheim and the UK CKCS Club Research Fund.

The morning session, during which the papers are to be presented, is open to the public with an interest in this area, by ticket only. An afternoon closed session will enable the specialists to discuss and exchange ideas and perhaps draw some general conclusions or agree on some areas of focus for research and interpretation of results.

Location:

The Royal Veterinary College
Hawkshead Lane
North Mymms
Hatfield
Hertfordshire
AL9 7TA

Saturday, 11th November 2006.
10am- 4.30pm

Registration: 9.30am. Conference commences: 10.00am
Ticket price £25.00 to include morning coffee/tea, lunch and information pack

For information on tickets and the conference, contact:

Margaret Carter (Tel: 01707-262035) or email mareve-ckcs@ntlworld.com

More information can also be found here: http://www.thecavalierclub.co.uk/health/syringo/smconf.html

Possible UK seminar with SM experts in October 2007

2006-07-24T21:44:00.000+01:00

The Ann Conway Trust (a syringomyelia support and research charity) is organising a 3 day international conference on syringomyelia and Chiari in Rugby, England on October 23-25, 2007. They have expressed a strong interest in including veterinary/dog aspects of SM - and if there is enough interest a satellite dog breeder/owner meeting could be arranged (this would probably have its own (cheaper) fee so that owners / breeders could attend this segment, and not the entire conference). The aim would be to have seminar(s) / question and answer session. Dr Clare Rusbridge, UK-based vet neurologist, writes: "I think that this will prove to be a unique and exciting conference drawing together neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, veterinary surgeons and paraprofessionals to discuss a disease where we all still have much to learn."

As she is liaising with the Trust, she has asked anyone who might be interested in attending such a meeting to email her as soon as possible so that the Trust can in turn, organise this aspect of the event.

Dr Rusbridge's email address is neuro.vet@btinternet.com

Two SM articles in Dogs Today magazine

2006-07-12T21:04:00.000+01:00

The current (August) issue of the UK's Dogs Today magazine has an article by the well known vet Dr Bruce Fogle on syringomyelia in the breed (he wrote the Dorling Kindersley Dog Encyclopedia amongst other things and his son was the BBC presenter at Crufts this year).

There's also an interview with Sandy Smith about the book she wrote on her experience of SM and her lovely cavalier Ollie -- this book, For the Love of Ollie, is in its second printing and has raised $4,000 Canadian dollars for SM research. More info here on the book and how to obtain it:

www.fortheloveofollie.com

This copy of Dogs Today can be ordered over the web and sent anywhere in the world:

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk

JSAP publication from Dr Clare Rusbridge and Penny Knowler

2006-05-21T18:07:00.000+01:00

Dr Clare Rusbridge and Penny Knowler have an article forthcoming in the research journal, the Journal of Small Animal Practice, which discusses cases in which cavaliers have had two conditions simultaneously -- occipital dysplasia and occipital hypoplasia -- which apparently can cause later onset of clinical signs of SM.

This, they argue, may have implications for breeding practice based only on clinical signs (eg outward symptoms) of SM, as what may seem to be a mild or clear case may actually be a dog with severe SM, but a very late onset (eg after breeding age) of symptoms.

For anyone interested, the article may be purchased online (in advance of print publication; permission granted from publisher to post the link below).

Abstract:

Coexistence of occipital dysplasia and occipital hypoplasia/syringomyelia in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Abstract:

Concurrent occurrence of occipital dysplasia and occipital hypoplasia
in two dogs is described in this report. Occipital hypoplasia results in
reduced volume of the caudal fossa, leading to overcrowding of the
neural structures and, in severe cases, development of syringomyelia.
In occipital dysplasia, there is a failure of complete ossification of the
supraoccipital bone. When the two conditions occur concurrently, it is
possible that syringomyelia may develop more slowly, resulting in
presentation with clinical signs in middle to old age. This has
implications for screening tests for early detection of syringomyelia,
with a view to using the dog for breeding purposes, as dogs with
an apparently mild phenotype for occipital hypoplasia/syringomyelia
may actually have a more severe genotype.

The article may be purchased here:

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2006.00048.x

New Swedish study on skull shape/SM correlation

2006-05-15T17:23:00.000+01:00

This recent study (February 2006) postulates a definite association between the skull malformation that can lead to syringomyelia, and the steep, short back of skull that is now popular in cavaliers, also noting that SM is more prevalent in cavaliers than any other breed. You can download a pdf of the study but it is in Swedish so we need a translator!! This abstract is in English.

The relevant conclusion:

"This study showed that there is a difference in the shape of the caudal fossa between dogs with a normal head shape and small bred dogs with a steep back of the head. This indicates that occipital bone hypoplasia is related to a head shape where the back of the head is steep and that the malformation is common in these breeds."

Researchers have already been aware that the malformation does not always cause syrinxes (syringomyelia) nor symptoms even in badly affected cavaliers. If the correlation of skull shape holds up, it could indicate that breeders could begin to directly address the increasing incidence of symptomatic SM in the breed by working to alter the steep backward slope of the skull. More work yet to be done, but this is a very interesting addition to current research. The study was published in February but because it is in Swedish few were aware of it until now. If you download the paper there are a range of images in it as well that might interest those familiar with SM and ongoing research.

Perhaps clubs or breeders might consider a programme of assembling x-rays (much cheaper than MRIs!) of their dogs especially if an MRI has also been done, to start analyzing skull shapes? Note that it is *shape* (steep back of skull) and not *size* that is the relevant point in this study.

Link:

http://ex-epsilon.slu.se/archive/00000866/

Bakre skallgropens form hos hund
:
en studie av occipital hypoplasi hos hund

Spångberg, Camilla (2006) Bakre skallgropens form hos hund. Dept. of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, SLU. Examensarbete (Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Fakulteten för veterinärmedicin och husdjursvetenskap, Veterinärprogrammet) vol. 2006:51.

Abstract

Chiari type I malformation is a condition in humans characterized by a small posterior cranial fossa, downward herniation of the cerebellar tonsils, foramen magnum overcrowding and disturbances of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. Syringohydromyelia is often seen in patients with Chiari type I malformation. Syringohydromyelia is characterized by fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord. This causes damage to the nervous tissue in the spinal cord. In recent years, a condition similar to Chiari type I malformation has been recognized in dogs. It has mostly been seen in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS). The condition seen in dogs is usually called occipital bone hypoplasia.

The aim of the study was to examine whether there is a difference in the shape of the caudal fossa between CKCS, small bred dogs with a similar head shape and dogs with a normal head shape and if occipital bone hypoplasia is related to a head shape with a steep back of the head. Other aims of the study were to examine the crowding of nervous tissue in the foramen magnum in each breed group, the extent of syringohydromyelia and to what extent the malformation had caused neurological signs.

Sculls from dogs on autopsy were divided in halves and the position of the cerebellum compared to the level of the foramen magnum was studied. The degree of crowding of nervous tissue in the foramen magnum was determined. Based on this the shape of the caudal fossa was classified as normal, possible occipital bone hypoplasia or occipital bone hypoplasia. The cervical spinal cord was extracted and examined for syringohydromyelia. To determine whether the malformation had caused any neurological signs, the medical records of the patients with occipital bone hypoplasia or possible occipital bone hypoplasia were studied. In cases where the medical records not include such information, the owners of the dogs were contacted and asked if they had noted any neurological signs in their dog.

This study showed that there is a difference in the shape of the caudal fossa between dogs with a normal head shape and small bred dogs with a steep back of the head. This indicates that occipital bone hypoplasia is related to a head shape where the back of the head is steep and that the malformation is common in these breeds. The study also showed that occipital bone hypoplasia not inevitably causes syringohydromyelia. Only one of the dogs with occipital bone hypoplasia or possible bone hypoplasia had had neurological signs that with certainty were related to the malformation. This result gives further support to previous studies that have stated that occipital bone hypoplasia occurs asymptomatic.

MVD to be included in CKCS genome scan project

2006-04-30T15:58:00.000+01:00

MVD is now officially part of the international CKCS SM genome scan
project.

Gaining a better understanding of the genetic component of mitral
valve disease, and hopefully, the identification of the responsible
genes and creation of a genetic test, is now to be included in the
existing CKCS genome project underway in Canada. This is a very
significant new element of the research and comes after the initial
phase of the scan and analysis of genetic samples has indicated this
should be possible to do. This looks to be very exciting work,
providing a better understanding of both conditions and we all hope,
a way forward to tackle these conditions in the breed.

More information here, in the new newsletter from Dr Clare Rusbridge,
released today. I've posted it as a webpage:

http://sm.cavaliertalk.com/smnews2006.htm

From the molecular geneticist who has worked on the DNA samples:

"The first step which is genetic mapping is currently underway. Due
to the complex inbreeding in the CKCS, a preliminary genetic analysis
was necessary to evaluate the informativeness of the genetic markers
and hence the feasibility of a whole genome scan in such breed.
Consequently, 10 dogs were selected for genotyping with 122 markers
distributed among the 38 autosomes and X chromosome. The markers were
found to be sufficiently polymorphic and informative. Next, 200 dogs
were selected for a whole genome scan, primarily for Chiari
malformation. However with additional phenotypic information on
mitral valve disease, it is possible to use the same data to map the
gene(s) defective in this disease. The whole genome scan was
conducted at the Mammalian genotyping Center at the Marshfield Clinic
in Wisconsin, USA. The genotyping data will now be analyzed using
both linkage-based and association studies. In the latter, we will be
taking advantage of the founder effect demonstrated for both these
disorders in the CKCS breed.

This strategy involves: 1) genetic mapping of the underlying gene(s),
2) identification of these defective gene(s) using the positional
candidate gene approach and characterization of the mutation(s) and
3) initial functional characterization of the protein(s) encoded by
the gene(s). This will help better understand the underlying
pathogenic mechanisms for better diagnosis, prognosis and clinical
management of these devastating conditions. These studies will also
help unravel some of the complexity involved in this malformation in
humans and in the embryonic development of the affected structures."

UK Cavalier Club: New SM research initiative

2006-04-10T16:49:00.000+01:00

Crossposted with permission:

UK Cavalier Club members had their 2006 AGM yesterday & our Chairman
also announced some new SM initiatives:-

The Club will be funding a research project by Dr Clare Rusbridge &
Dr Nick Jeffery that is designed to establish whether the position
of the dog's head in the MRI receiving coil could affect the
apparent severity of the malformations associated with syringomyelia
in the cavalier King Charles spaniel.
24 dogs & bitches belonging to Cavalier Club owners will be MRI
screened, at no cost to the owner. Details will be sent to all UK
members and they will all have the chance to apply for inclusion in
the scheme.

The MRI list on the Club's website will be opened up to include all
MRI scanned cavaliers. The owners will still need to volunteer the
names & send a copy of the scan report. Results can be blanked out
if wished, as no grades or results will be published.

To help raise awareness of the problem, the Kennel Club Genetic's
Coordinator has sent an article on SM, by Clare Rusbridge & Penny
Knowler, to 5,000 UK vets, by way of an email magazine. Leaflets
will be handed out from the KC stall at the BSAVA congress being
held this month.

The Club is intending to arrange an International gathering of
Neurologists and Cavalier owners. It is hoped it will be held at the
Royal Veterinary College, near London, at the end of this year, or
early next year, but plans are not yet finalised.

The possibility of funding a research position at the RVC is also
under consideration.

Yesterday was a good day for me. After all this time it is wonderful
to know that national clubs are accepting there is a problem & are
actively backing the efforts to find a solution.

Margaret Carter
Mareve Cavaliers
Hatfield, Herts, UK

Special SM MRI clinic, Washington State in July

2006-04-10T16:34:00.000+01:00

This is the second time Dr Harrington has offered a special clinic for MRIing cavaliers (or other breeds) at a reduced cost. Please note this is for late summer of this year and is targetted at cavaliers at least two years of age, potentially intended for breeding. This was originally listed as an August event; please note the correct date is now July 29th.

Saturday, JULY 29, 2006
TACOMA, WA
from 8:00 AM
Drs. Michael Harrington and Kori Johnson

Clinic includes:

Clinical neurological exam by Dr. Harrington
Mini pre-anaesthetic blood panel
Radiological review of MRI scan
Copy of MRI scan to disk

Fee $1000. USD. May be paid by check, cash or credit card

Allow 2-4 hours for exam, MRI and anaesthetic recovery.
Appointments are every two hours from 8 am.
For breeding stock screening purposes, Cavalier should be at least
two years old.

Contact Patty Church at 425-252-6787 or Sarah34856@msn.com

New SM Support Discussion Group

2006-03-05T16:19:00.000Z

A new support group email list has been created for the SM Infosite and as a sister list to the CKCS-SM group (which has general SM discussion). CKCS-SM-support is intended for owners of affected cavaliers who are seeking an open and unrestricted discussion environment to ask questions, share information, and join a community of other affected dog owners.

To view or join the new list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CKCS-SM-support/

Anyone is welcome, but as the list is supportive in nature, its focus is more specifically directed at the owner of affected dogs than at a general audience interested in learning more about SM. For the latter, CKCS-SM is probably more suitable: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CKCS-SM

Rusbridge seminar offered on Dec 11, UK

2005-12-01T16:22:00.000Z

A reminder that Dr Clare Rusbridge's syringomyelia seminar takes place on December 11 in the UK. This promises to a very informative event as she will be looking at some of the results coming back from the various global studies and offering the latest thinking on SM. DVDs of her summer talk and the Q&A session should be available at the event. She will be taking questions after the presentation, a good chance for breeders and pet owners to get answers to their questions on the breeding protocol, treatment options, prognosis after surgeries, etc.

SYRINGOMYELIA SEMINAR

Sunday 11th December 2005
1.30pm

Margaret Young Meeting Room
( next door to the Restaurant)
Wood Green Animal Shelter
King's Bush Farm,
London Road
Godmanchester, Cambs. PE29 2NH

Speaker:
Dr Clare Rusbridge

Tickets 6 pounds
Coffee, Tea and Biscuits included

Please contact Mrs Margaret Carter
Tel. 01707 262035
Email: mareve-ckcs@ntlworld.com

New section on PSOM added to SM Infosite

2005-11-23T00:47:00.000Z

A new section covering PSOM -- primary secretory otitis media, or middle ear disease -- is now included on the SM Infosite. So little information is available on PSOM, and because of the frequency with which it appears on cavalier MRIs, and the similarity between some SM and PSOM symptoms, I felt further information on PSOM belonged on the SM site.

The main section for PSOM is here: http://sm.cavaliertalk.com/psom.htm.

Betsey Lynch has kindly given permission to include an article she wrote on a diagnosis of SM and PSOM in one of her cavaliers, taken from the current CKCS Bulletin; you can read it here: http://sm.cavaliertalk.com/psomlynch.htm.

Symptoms sheet download available

2005-10-21T21:03:00.000+01:00

I realised today that the symptoms sheet download wasn't working as I hadn't changed the name of the link after I updated the document and changed the name. I've fixed that; apologies to those who tried to download and found an error message instead! The document will now download as before from the Symptoms page on the SM Infosite; this is the correct link to the download:

http://sm.cavaliertalk.com/SM%20Symptoms310705.doc

Christmas cards to benefit SM research

2005-10-09T16:30:00.000+01:00

The UK CKCS club is offering cavalier Christmas cards with proceeds going to the health fund, which helps fund SM research. For more information on ordering, see: http://www.thecavalierclub.co.uk/fund/xmascards.html. Good value at 5 for 3 pounds!

Syringomyelia discussion lists

2005-10-03T18:51:00.000+01:00

There are now three different email lists on the topic of syringomyelia, focused primarily on cavaliers. These are:

** The CKCS-SM discussion list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CKCS-SM/

How the list describes itself: "Syringomyelia is a diagnosis which unfortunately is heard with increasing frequency by breeders and owners of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Where did it come from? Where do we go from here? An open mind and respect for differing views and experiences is appreciated."

Comments: This is an open, general discussion list, open to anyone interested in the topic,including people with affected dogs, cavalier owners generally, breeders, researchers etc. All topics are welcome for discussion. It is an unmoderated list (eg posts don't have to be screened before being posted) though there are two moderators managing the list.

** The Arnold Chiari Dogs email list: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/ArnoldChiari_dogs/

How the list describes itself: "This is a support group for those who have a dog affected by the illness Syringomyelia (also known as syringohydromyelia or arnold Chiari Syndrome.)It is also for those who would like to learn about the illness and how it affects our dogs. Many breeds, including the Cavalier king charles spaniel are affected by this illness. Symptoms, treatments, (Medication/surgery), pain management techniques, and all related emotional issues may be discussed."

Comments: An open list, this is primarily a support group and the moderators prefer to keep that focus. There are other lists for discussing breeding issues and broader research-related issues for example. This is a moderated list; all posts are screened before being posted.

** SM Breeder Support List: http://cavalierbreeders.com/lists.html

How the list describes itself: "This is a list for those breeders interested in SM (Syringomyelia) and/or those who have produced SM in their breeding programs and need somewhere to turn for support and sharing of information. This list is not for pet owners."

Comments: A closed, breeder-only list where individuals need to be approved before they are subscribed. Archives are accessible to list members only.
____________________________

The CKCS SM Infosite also has an SM discussion board here: http://www.cavaliertalk.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=32. This is open to everybody though registration is required in order to post to the board.

Rusbridge SM info sheet updated; plus NEW treatment diagram

2005-09-15T17:47:00.000+01:00

An updated version of the "Syringomyelia Made Simple" general information document is now available on the SM Infosite, at http://sm.cavaliertalk.com/infosheet.htm, released by Dr Clare Rusbridge on September 8 2005 (the previous version was released in May 2005). She has also created a new treatment diagram with recommendations for treating SM, which is appended to the information document webpage above. Both documents can be downloaded as pdf files from the InfoSite (with Dr Rusbridge's permission) and then can be printed out or viewed on a home computer. The diagram should be especially helpful for people with SM-affected cavaliers or vets or neurologists treating dogs with this condition as it lays out the medical and surgical options in an easy-to-understand format, and indicates at which point either should be considered.

Newsflash!! CKCS breed will get full genome scan

2005-09-09T19:43:00.000+01:00

UK-based researchers Clare Rusbridge and Penny Knowler and their Canadian collaborators Guy Rouleau and Berge Minassian have been successful in their submission to the Mammalian Genotyping Service at the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin (USA) for a full CKCS genome scan. The research is initially into syringomyelia but hopefully will be extended to looking for candidate genes for MVD as well.

The research, undertaken by a joint veterinary and human medical group, will benefit both 'man and his best friend'. Syringomyelia in CKCS is an excellent model for research into the condition in humans, and geneticists are interested in validating findings from the CKCS research in people. Finding the gene and learning how it works would help the understanding of the disorder for better diagnosis, clinical management and ultimately, prevention. For biologists, these studies will provide new insights into the poorly understood process of normal development of craniocerebral structures of the central nervous system. The researchers say that many people worldwide will benefit from this research -- and are pleased that so many 'ordinary' people worldwide are contributing to make it possible.

The genome scan will identify markers which can then be used to identify the gene/s responsible for the disorder causing syringomyelia. The same team have already been successful in identifying the canine gene for Lafora's disease. The research is expected to take several years but the first stage will hopefully produce a DNA test which will enable informed breeding decisions.

The researchers say that due to the generosity of clubs, research projects and individuals, they have collected enough DNA samples to start the genome scan. Therefore they no longer require DNA from CKCS dogs with syringomyelia. However, the researchers are still anxious for DNA from dogs of breeds other than cavaliers that have syringomyelia.

The researchers acknowledge that the entire project could not have been undertaken without the support of the UK DNA Archive for Companion Animals which provided DNA extraction and storage from samples taken in the UK.

Rusbridge SM Video now available

2005-09-01T14:32:00.000+01:00

A professional DVD was made of neurologist Clare Rusbridge's presentation on syringomyelia in cavaliers in June 2005 to the Canadian cavalier club.

This is an introduction to what SM is, why it is affecting cavaliers, and the latest treatments, thinking and research on SM by this leading vet neurologist from Wimbledon (Clare is the foremost name involved in research on this terrible condition).

The Canadian version is ready now (it has been approved and use of slides OK'd by Clare Rusbridge and Penny Knowler) and I understand the longer, $35 (Canadian $ -- which is about US$30) version has a very complete Q&A and a good representation of all the slides as well as a video clip of an affected dog, and this version comes highly recommended by those who have seen it. It should be easy to order for US folks as well. Here is the information on the Canadian version (more info: http://www.candog.com/cavaliers/; scroll down to the SM seminar overview):

To order your copy of the DVD presentation: Contact Pat Barrington by email at: harley2@sympatico.ca or by phone: (905-382-0092)
Cost: $25.00 (Canadian $) for the Edited Version (Dr. Rusbridge presentation only) or $35.00 (Canadian $) for the Unedited Version that also includes introductions of key persons referenced within this review as well as the Question and Answer session. The DVD recording of this presentation was done as a fund raiser, with proceeds to go back into research of Syringomyelia and Arnold Chiari malformation. So please: we ask that you not copy this DVD for others. Instead, advise persons how to order their own copies.

NB: I will be making one of these versions available to Europeans to order directly from this site but as yet the final details for doing this aren't yet worked out with the other parties. Watch this space and I'll update as soon as we are ready to go. The US version of the video is still delayed and I don't believe the Q&A will be as extensive; the Canadian presentation is also more complete as it addressed some issues raised by breeders at an earlier US talk. Anyone interested in this DVD is advised to order the extended Canadian version as there's no arrival estimate for the US DVD at this time.

Details on UK SM seminars now available

2005-08-24T15:12:00.000+01:00

Complete contact and cost details for the UK SM seminars:

SYRINGOMYELIA SEMINAR

Saturday 19th November 2005
1.30 pm

Middlewich Community Centre,
Civic Way, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 9BX
Speaker: Mr Geoff Skerritt

Tickets £5.00
Coffee, Tea and Biscuits included

Please contact Mrs Christine Armitt
Tel. 01565 872594
Email: chrisbrascavs@tiscali.co.uk

SYRINGOMYELIA SEMINAR

Sunday 11th December 2005
1.30pm

Margaret Young Meeting Room
( next door to the Restaurant)
Wood Green Animal Shelter
King's Bush Farm,
London Road
Godmanchester, Cambs. PE29 2NH

Speaker:
Dr Clare Rusbridge

Tickets £6.00
Coffee, Tea and Biscuits included

Please contact Mrs Margaret Carter
Tel. 01707 262035
Email: mareve-ckcs@ntlworld.com

Harnesses preferred for all cavaliers

2005-08-23T16:53:00.000+01:00

Several people who have questioned neurologists doing research on or treating SM in cavaliers have noted that many are recommending ALL cavaliers be walked and trained in harnesses. The thinking is that all the scanning projects are returning high numbers of SM-affected, but asymptomatic dogs. The pressure of a collar, and/or of old-style "leash pops" or neck jerks in training, may at best be causing unnecessary pain and possibly, could worsen the condition by aggravating the sensitive neck area, where the brain often protrudes into the spine, and syrinxes first form in SM-affected dogs.

It is strongly recommended that at no time should choke chains or prong collars be used. Positive, motivation based training is more suitable than correction-based training involving any sort of leash jerks and stress on the neck area.

However, some SM-affected dogs with existing syrinxes may be more comfortable in collars than harnesses, dependent on where they are sensitive. Some dogs unfortunately cannot tolerate either collars or harnesses.