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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 26th September 2011
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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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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.