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Go-Ahead for New Dog Health Scheme
The Syringomyelia Health Scheme for dogs has been given a green light.

The BVA and Kennel Club Canine Health Schemes (CHS) management committee has given a new scheme to screen dogs for chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (CM/SM) the green light.

The scheme, which would be particularly useful for potential breeding stock, will start in January 2012.

CM is characterised by the brain being too big for the skull, leading to the condition SM, both of which can cause a significant amount of pain. Certain breeds, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, are particularly affected.

To take part in the scheme, owners will need to have their dog MRI scanned at a veterinary practice. The scans will then be reviewed by two scrutineers from a BVA-appointed panel of expert neurologists and radiologists and graded for severity for both CM and SM. The practice will then send the owners the results, while the Kennel Club and Animal Health Trust will also be sent the results from KC registered dogs.

The aim of the scheme is to reduce and hopefully eliminate the incidence of inherited CM and SM in dogs. The full details of how it will work will be finalised between now and the end of the year.

The Chairman of the Kennel Club, Professor Steve Dean, urged the adoption of the scheme, saying: "We are very keen to encourage the greatest possible take up of the test by breeders of affected breeds. This is a key development in the work to tackle these debilitating conditions and we hope many breeders will use the scheme."

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.