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Study sheds light on Chiari malformation
Fitzpatrick Referrals said the study findings are important because they suggest that CM alone is a cause of pain in many dogs.
CM alone ‘can cause significant pain in dogs’

A new study suggests Chiari malformation (CM) can cause significant pain in dogs, as well as changes to activity levels, temperament and sleep.

Professor Clare Rusbridge, of Fitzpatrick Referrals, was inspired to carry out the research to address a lack of clarity over the clinical signs of CM, as opposed to syringomyelia (SM).

CM is an abnormality of the skull which impacts the brain, altering the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This results in pain and a collection of fluid pockets in the spinal cord (commonly known as SM). Over time, these pockets can cause irreversible damage to a dog’s spinal cord.

It is not clear whether the signs of pain in affected dogs is down to CM or SM, or both.

Prof Rusbridge studied medical records from the past five years, from all Cavalier King Charles spaniels that were presented to her at Fitzpatrick Referrals and diagnosed with CM-associated clinical signs.

Common signs in all dogs were vocalisation, spinal pain (neck, middle or lower back), reduced activity, reduced ability to climb stairs or jump, aversion to being touched or groomed, altered emotional state and sleep disturbances.

A tendency to rub or scratch at the head or ears was common, but more likely to be seen in dogs with small or no SM, suggesting this could be a sign of head discomfort associated with CM. Head and ear rubbing was not associated with the presence of material within the middle ear, a condition that is also common in the breed.

The only signs that were specific to SM were phantom scratching, scoliosis and weakness. These were only present when the SM was at least 4mm wide.

Fitzpatrick Referrals said the study findings are important because they suggest that CM alone is a cause of pain in many dogs. The aim is to use the findings to develop a questionnaire to determine the risk of CM and monitor the response to clinical signs. 

Image © Fitzpatrick Referrals
 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.