BVMS PhD DipECVN MRCVS RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
News and Events
Archived CM/SM Newsletters
Latest on research on CM/SM – read more.
Cavalier Friends contributes funds to study investigating skull and brain volume in syringomyelia affected and unaffected Cavaliers
Cavalier Friends, organized by Sue Robinson and friends, recently raised £1,575 through a garden plant sale. The Cavalier Friends fund provides bursaries for research into CM/SM by young graduates. The first project awarded has been to Colin Driver MRCVS, Royal Veterinary College into his study on Comparison between skull and brain volume in syringomyelia affected and unaffected Cavaliers.
Audrey’s tale – a children’s book on the very first year in the life of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel written by Joan F Miles with Illustrations by Stephen L Miles.
A percentage of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Ste Justine Hospital Foundation which is leading the genetic research into the gene(s) causing CM/SM in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Click here for more details.
Investigation in compulsive disorders e.g. fly catching, shadow chasing, tail chasing, and star gazing.
Neurologist Clare Rusbridge and Behaviourists Jon Bowen and Sarah Heath are investigating a metabolic basis for these little understood diseases. Email Clare Rusbridge at CRusbridge@goddardvetgroup.co.uk for more details.
Intervertebral Disc disease in Lucas Terriers
The Lucas Terrier club has become concerned about a number of the breed developing intervertebral disc disease (for more information on intervertebral disc disease click here. After consulting Dr Clare Rusbridge it was proposed that they would recommend an (unproven) protocol used by Danish and Finnish Dachshund clubs (for more information click here). In this scheme radiographs are obtained of the dog’s spinal – specifically regions C1-C7 and T11-L7. If the dog has no or one calcified intervertebral discs it is considered to be ‘fit for breeding’, while if it has 4 or more, the recommendation is that it should not be used for breeding. There is currently no information or recommendations for calcification of 2-3 intervertebral discs. The Scandinavian Dachshund studies recommend that the optimum age to x-ray the dogs is 12-18 months old. For more information contact The Lucas Terrier club
Recently we completed a DNA collection towards the next genome scan and also evaluated Oragene® Animal saliva sampling swabs (we called them ‘Mouth Mops’). Produced by DNA Genotek these are a gold standard system of DNA collection that proved easy, quick and painless and yielded a high quantity of good quality DNA.
DNA Genotek approached us to test the prototypes. Feedback from the study participants was used in the development of the final product. With the help of breeders, vets and pet owner we collected nearly 60 samples and 20 different people were involved from the UK, Australia, Eire, Canada and USA!
We would like to say a big THANK YOU for everyone who took the time and trouble to complete the exercise, and provide the necessary additional paperwork so that the DNA could be used in the genome research at CHUM Research Centre, http://www.chumtl.qc.ca/crchum.en.html Montreal University. Breeders contributed samples from their own kennels and even arranged for DNA from related dogs to be collected by pet owners. This dedication to help the research into the genetic cause of Chiari-like Malformation and Syringomyelia will not only help the dogs in pain but humans as well. http://www.conquerchiari.org/index.htm
Thank you too for completing the questionnaire which the company found most helpful. Feedback for this method of collecting DNA from saliva suggests it is much quicker and easier than the conventional swabs. The DNA samples were stable at room temperature for months which is a significant bonus when airmailing from around the world. We shall be certainly using this product in the future.
Read This PDF for more infomation.
The trial results can be at:
http://www.dnagenotek.com/pdf_files/PDBR022AnimalBrochure.pdf
Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital, Goddard Veterinary Group, 41 High Street Wimbledon Common London SW19 5AU
Email: CRusbridge@goddardvetgroup.co.uk
Telephone: 020 8946 4228, Fax: 020 8944 0871
Copyright Clare Rusbridge ©
Thursday 30th July
Packfords Hotel, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 0BS
Arrive: 7pm Buffet: 7.30pm Start: 8.15pm
Epilepsy can be one of the most challenging disorders for ageneral practitioner. In an hour long veterinary presentation Dr Clare Rusbridge offers tips and guidance gleaned from her 16 years experience in dealing with this disease. The lecture is part of the Goddard's Veterinary Group CPD commitment and is being opened up to a limited number of veterinary surgeons from other practice. To book a complementary place please download the form and fax to Julia Cox, Training Dept. Goddard Veterinary Group on 020 8530 1283