Appeal for Health Information and DNA
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed suffers from two major inherited diseases: Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) and Chiari-like Malformation/Syringomyelia (CM/SM).
These two diseases are threatening the Cavalier breed. Research indicates that 50% of Cavaliers develop a heart murmur by the age of five years and many die prematurely. Almost all Cavaliers have the Chiari-like malformation (CM) and research suggests at least 30% also have Syringomyelia (SM). SM is a condition where pockets of fluid collect in the spinal cord and can cause chronic and sometimes severe pain as well as other neurological disabilities.
Major research projects are now under way to help the Cavalier breed and enable breeders to breed healthy dogs. For example, Syringomyelia DNA Research (Dr Clare Rusbridge), and Optimisation Research (Dr Sarah Blott). The success of this research depends on Cavalier breeders and owners sending health information about their dogs to the scientists involved.
Health information needed
About the testing
Request for DNA
Animal Health Trust: Health Breeding Program (Optimisation)
Syringomyelia DNA Research (search for the gene/s causing CM/SM)
The Syringomyelia Cavalier Collection Scheme
Health information needed
- Cardiologist checked heart test certificates (annually);
- MRI results for CM/SM;
- Eye test results for Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia (MRD).
- Pedigree or Kennel Club (KC) registration number of your dog (or five generation pedigree if your dog is not registered).
- DNA (in the form of cheek swabs).
Note that any of the above health information is helpful and that data from non UK dogs is also valuable.
If you are willing to help, you would be contributing to the future health of the Cavalier breed.
About the testing
Testing for MVD and MRD is straightforward and not hugely expensive, but for CM/SM it would need a 'mini' MRI scan at one of the veterinary centres which offers this service (see list of low cost MRI centres).
The test is around £200 (including VAT) and involves an MRI scan of the brain and upper cervical spinal cord. This will need to be done either under heavy sedation or a general anaesthetic so that the dog can be positioned correctly and kept immobile for the scan. It will show if your dog has the Chiari-like malformation and Syringomyelia.
The most useful information for researchers is for your dog to be at least two and a half years old when scanned because this condition can develop later in life. Scanned dogs over six years are particularly helpful.
All copies of screening certificates and pedigrees should be sent to:
Dr Sarah Blott
CKCS Health Breeding Programme
Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU
This can also be done electronically: sarah.blott@aht.org.uk
Request for DNA
Researchers also need DNA from your dog. DNA can be collected using cheek swab samples which can be done by you or your vet.
Animal Health Trust: Health Breeding Program (Optimisation)
In addition to the health information outlined above, DNA from your Cavalier can be used towards developing a Breeding Program for Cavaliers which optimizes health.
Dr Sarah Blott's study aims to calculate estimated breeding values (EBVs) for all Cavaliers, using the health data supplied by owners and breeders. With EBVs breeders will be able to use a computer program to match their dogs with suitable mates. This aims to select against SM and MVD in a way that does not reduce genetic diversity.
Free DNA swab kits can be obtained from Lisa Jeffery at the Animal Health Trust on 01638 750659 ext 1214 or by emailing lisa.jeffery@aht.org.uk
Syringomyelia DNA Research (search for the gene/s causing CM/SM)
Dr Clare Rusbridge, and the genome research team at the University of Montreal, Canada, aim to identify the causative genes or gene markers for CM/SM that will be used for the Health Breeding Program. The investigation is at an advanced stage and the researchers are particularly requesting DNA from dogs over five years old (preferably over seven years) that do not have Syringomyelia. Samples from close relatives of these dogs (also MRI'd) are needed as well.
Please send the DNA sample, copies of the MRI certificate/report and five generation pedigree to:
Dr Guy Rouleau/ Annie Levert
CHUM-Research Center
Notre Dame Hospital
J. A de Seve Pavillion, Room Y-3630
2099 Alexandre-de-Seve Street
Montreal
Quebec
Canada H2L 2W5
Buccal Swab Kit and DNA sample submission form for this scheme are available from:
Dr Clare Rusbridge / Penny Knowler
(Address below)
You will be sent a free swab kit for forwarding to Canada.
A copy of the MRI certificate/report and five generation pedigree should also be sent to:
Dr Clare Rusbridge / Penny Knowler
Syringomyelia DNA Research
Stone Lion Veterinary Centre
Wimbledon Village
London, SW19 5AU
Or, electronically to: penny.knowler@ntlworld.com
Click here to read an article about Carol's visit to the Chum Research Centre in Montreal.
The Syringomyelia Cavalier Collection Scheme
A plea to all owners with a cavalier that has Syringomyelia confirmed by an MRI scan.
However sad the thought makes us, all our dogs will die at some time.
There will be some owners who, having seen their pets suffer from Syringomyelia, would like to know that their loss could help unravel some of the mysteries of this painful condition.
Professor Nick Jeffery (Cambridge University) and Dr Clare Rusbridge (Stone Lion Veterinary Centre) require spinal cord tissue for vital SM research. It is possible to donate cell tissue, the basic material needed in the study of Cavalier health problems, when a Syringomyelia affected Cavalier dies. The death can be from any cause but, as the primary aim of this scheme is to provide spinal cord tissue for SM research, the Cavalier must have a positive diagnosis of SM.
Tissue is also required for those working on the Genetic Studies at the Genome Research Centre in Canada; Mitral Valve Disease in Edinburgh (Dr Brendan Corcoran); and studying chronic pancreatitis in dogs, and its contribution to diabetes mellitus at the Cambridge Vet School (pathologist Penny Watson). Tissue will be collected for use in these additional studies at the same time.
The Collection Scheme will pay for ten Cavalier bodies to be donated by paying the expenses for:
- Collection & delivery to Cambridge will be arranged when the Cavalier dies
- or a grant to help the owner transport their pet to the nearest veterinary centre with a pathology department
- The post mortem
- The fee for individual cremation
- Return of the ashes
- Cost of sending the donated tissue to the Universities
All Cavalier owners are different, some will find themselves uncomfortable at the thought of donating their pet's body for post mortem, preferring to bury them in a favourite spot in the garden.
There are other owners, however, who would feel positive about giving their dog for post mortem examination, as long as they know they will have their pet's ashes back and they can decide on their last resting place.
The death of a much loved cavalier is a very emotional occasion and decisions made on the spur of the moment may later be regretted. Participation in this scheme is something that should be thought through carefully before the loss of the pet occurs.
For more details contact Margaret Carter
Tel: 01707 262035
Email: mareve-ckcs@ntlworld.com
Thank you so much for your help and apologies for the complexity, but Cavaliers are worth it, aren't they?
If you need any further information or clarification, please contact Carol Fowler.
Tel: 01453 843944
Email: carol@fowler1000.fslife.co.uk
April 2009