Further Information and Links
For the Love of Ollie
Sandy Smith, a Cavalier owner, health campaigner and dear friend, has written a beautiful book, 'For the Love of Ollie' about her SM dogs. It includes stories from other owners as well and a simple explanation of Syringomyelia and its treatment.
All proceeds from the sale of this book are donated to Syringomyelia research and the fund has reached a staggering $19,000.00 so far. Projects include a major contribution to Brussels Griffon research and funding for MRIs of Cavaliers for the gene research in Montreal, Canada.
Audrey's Tale
A delightful children's book telling the story of the very first year in the life of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Ste Justine Hospital Foundation which is leading the genetic research into the genes causing Chiari-like Malformation/Syringomyelia in CKCS.
The Cavalier Recreation Project
Lucy Jenkins is the inspiration and founder of this ambitious project which aims to re-found the Cavalier breed with a healthier and wider gene pool. Lucy explains that her approach is similar to that used in the 1920s when the modern Cavalier breed was founded, but using the current knowledge and understanding of population genetics, health testing, and good breeding practices. Healthy dogs with good temperament will be the priority. Initially Lucy will breed her Cocker Spaniel foundation bitch to a Papillon and she invites interested and health conscious breeders to join her.
I wish Lucy the very best of luck with this project and will be following it with great interest.
Dr Clare Rusbridge
Dr Rusbridge is a world expert on canine Syringomyelia both in veterinary treatment at the Stone Lion Veterinary Centre, Wimbledon, London, UK, and in research into the disease. She has published numerous scientific papers and her book, 'Chiari-like malformation and Syringomyelia in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel' is a must read for vets.
I have the utmost respect and admiration for Dr Rusbridge's dedication and determination to help the Cavalier breed, the Brussels Griffon breed and all the dogs who come within her care. View Dr Rusbridge's website for detailed information about CM/SM and other canine and feline neurological diseases.
UFAW advice on genetic welfare problems
The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) plans to set up a website to provide advice on the genetic welfare problems of companion animals.
Dr James Kirkwood (Chief Executive and Scientific Director) is the inspiration behind this UFAW initiative, which aims to provide advice on breed-related welfare problems in companion animals. The idea is that someone who is thinking of buying as a pet a particular kind of dog or cat breed, or any other type of companion animal, would be able to consult this website. In so doing, they would be able to see what inherited welfare problems may occur and what checks they would need to make with breeders in order to avoid buying affected or carrier animals.
Our Dog Alfie
Philippa Robinson is the creator of this website which is a tribute to her German Wirehaired Pointer, Alfie, who was put to sleep at the age of four years, suffering from Refractory (or Pharmacoresistent) Epilepsy, an inherited problem in the GWP breed. Philippa and Alfie's story illustrates so poignantly the joy of having a much longed for and loved pet, and the devastating heartbreak of witnessing their suffering and early death.
Cavalier breeders
I would like to pay tribute to the Cavalier breeders around the world who health screen their dogs, are open about the results, follow breeding recommendations, and do all they can to assist research. They lead by example in putting the health and welfare of their dogs and the breed as a whole above all else. And it is in their hands that the future of the Cavalier breed lies.
Ingrid Marson, Acorn PR
I am extremely grateful to Ingrid Marson, a Cavalier owner, who has constructed this website for me free of charge. Ingrid has given hours of her time and patiently accepted the many changes and revisions, and without her I would never have undertaken such an ambitious project.
LUA Dalmatians
Dalmatians suffer from the painful disease Hyperuricosuria or High Uric Acid in the urine. All registered Dals have the gene for HUA. Uric acid precipitates out in the bladder as crystals that become urate baldder stones, referred to as Urate Stone Disease. The deposits often cause obstruction of the urinary pathway making it difficult or sometimes impossible for a dog to pee, leading to death if untreated. It is now possible to breed Dalmatians with low (normal) uric acide (LUA) thanks to the Dalmatian Backcross Project conducted by Dr Robert Schaible in the 1970s. Unbelievably there are still many Dalmatian breeders and registries (including the American Kennel Club) who do not recognise these dogs and their progeny as 'purebred', preferring to breed 'pure' but potentially painfully diseased dogs.
For more information visit these sites:Normal Uric Acid Dalmatians
The Great LUA Debate
Cavalier Matters
Tania Ledger has created a beautiful website as a tribute to her two Cavaliers Molly and Dougall who are both affected with CMSM.
Its purpose is to raise awareness of Cavalier health issues and provide information and support in an easy to understand format.
This is a beautifully illustrated website devoted to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, providing clear and simple health information for Cavalier owners.
Two further objectives of this website are to raise funds for research and rescue, and to campaign against puppy farmers and poor breeding practices.
View the site here