• If you're a past member of the board, but can't recall your password any more, you don't need to set up a new account (unless you wish to). As long as you recall your old login name, you can log in with that user name then select 'forgot password' and the board will email you at your registration email, to let you reset your password.

UK's Bristol Univ. plans study of cavaliers' head shapes for CM/SM characteristics.

RodRussell

Well-known member
Thomas Mitchell, a researcher at the University of Bristol, in Bristol, UK, seeks to answer the common question, "Can you tell if a dog has CM or SM by looking at it?" He heads "The Conformational Indicators Study" and is investigating the extent to which conformational characteristics -- the external appearance of dogs, such as head shape -- indicate the presence of Chiari-like malformation (CM) and/or syringomyelia (SM). The study seeks to determine if aspects of the conformation are risk factors for CM/SM. This may identify an additional method of indicating disease by measuring the head and body of the dogs, and thereby enable cavalier breeders (and Griffon Bruxellois breeders) to identify which prospective breeding stock to scan and perhaps allow breeders to decide on future matings based upon the overall conformation of the dog and not only on the results of MRI scans.

Breeders of cavaliers with current MRI certificates are being sought to aid this study. All information obtained in the study will be kept confidential, and privacy will be maintained throughout the study. First, the participating breeders are asked to submit their dogs' MRI certificates to a confidential email address, fax number, or postal box. A trained researcher would visit the breeders' premises (or dog show or other breed event) and take a series of non-invasive measurements. A unique ID number will be assigned to each dog, so that the researcher will not know in advance the MRI status of the dog. The ID number also will provide owner confidentiality.

If you are a cavalier breeder and are willing to participate or have questions, contact Thomas Mitchell at [email protected] or join the group's Facebook page -- https://www.facebook.com/groups/CMSMresearch/ See also Dr. Clare Rusbridge's blog article for more information -- http://clarerusbridge-news.blogspot.com/2012/10/tom-mitchell-is-researcher-at.html
 
Last edited:
I've contacted Tom Mitchell and he's coming to measure Oliver and Aled. He would like to combine this with visiting other Cavaliers nearby, rather than make a long journey just to see us. So if there is anybody who has MRId Cavaliers (with good or bad results) in the Midlands, please consider contacting Tom about a visit (email [email protected]). The measuring won't hurt your dog and could help CM/SM research - Oliver's on his third research project with this one!

Kate, Oliver and Aled
 
Back
Top