Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 3rd April 2025
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Project to research syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles spaniels
Syringomyelia can lead to weakness and mobility issues.
The five-year project will gather data on the neurological condition.

The Kennel Club is to begin a new five-year project, collecting data on syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles spaniels.

The study, launched in partnership with the British Veterinary Association (BVA), will investigate syringomyelia, inform breeding strategies and ultimately work to improve the long-term health of the breed.

Syringomyelia is a serious neurological condition, which is caused by fluid-filled cavities developing in the spinal cord. It is often caused by abnormalities in dogs’ skull and neck area.

Dogs afflicted with the condition experience symptoms including neck pain, sensitivity, reluctance to jump and phantom scratching. In severe cases, syringomyelia can lead to weakness and mobility issues.

The project will seek to screen 500 Cavalier King Charles spaniels over the next five years, gathering data through MRI scans.

The data will be used to develop Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) to inform breeding practices of the dogs. These EBVs would help breeders to consider multiple genetic factors, which could in turn reduce the number of complex inherited conditions.

Cavalier King Charles spaniels will be invited to take part in the project based on their age and genetic contribution to the breed.

As an incentive, owners of participating dogs will receive a subsidy towards MRI screening. Instead of the typical cost of an MRI scan, owners will pay £200 to take part in the project.

Selected participants will be contacted by The Kennel Club, with many invitations already sent out. They will be invited to book their MRI appointments at participating centres, with the expert panel set to review the results.

As part of the appointments, veterinary surgeons will also be collecting DNA samples to support genetic research into syringomyelia.

Charlotte McNamara, head of health and breeder development at The Kennel Club, added: “This project is a major step forward in our efforts to reduce the prevalence of syringomyelia in Cavaliers. By gathering robust data, with the potential of developing EBVs, we can support breeders in making informed decisions to protect future generations of this breed.

“We are incredibly grateful to The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue & Welfare for their support and commitment.”

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."