Chiari / Syringomyelia MRI screening

 

Stone Lion Veterinary H0spital, Goddard Veterinary Group, 41 High Street, Wimbledon, SW19 5AU

 

What is MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) makes a picture of the water molecules in the body. It is excellent way of looking at the central nervous system which does not image well using traditional x-ray technology. The pictures are presented as a series of “slices”; analogous to a sliced loaf of bread. Click here for more information about MRI. CM/SM MRI screening (sometimes called mini MRI) is limited MRI study of the back of the brain and upper neck only.

 

What is Chiari/Syringomyelia (CM/SM) screening?

CM/SM MRI screening (sometimes called mini MRI) is limited MRI study of the back of the brain and upper neck provided at low cost by veterinary practices and intended as an economical screening test for dog breeders.

 

Can CM/SM screening be used as a low cost diagnostic test for SM in a dog with neck pain or other clinical signs?

The study is of the back of the brain and upper neck only and so the true extent of the syringomyelia (i.e. how much of the spinal cord involved) will not be ascertained. More importantly other diseases which could explain the clinical signs may be missed, e.g. a herniated intervertebral disc. In addition there is no consultation with Dr Rusbridge or another veterinary surgeon to discuss the procedure or the results. The breeder/owner is a sent a report that specifically relates to the presence or absence of syringomyelia

How do I arrange a CM / SM MRI screen at Stone Lion Veterinary Centre.
 

The scans may be booked by contacting the reception team on 020 8946 4228 (stonelionvets@goddardvetgroup.co.uk) or Neurology Nurse Sandy Griffith RVN on 020 8946 4228 (SGriffith@goddardvetgroup.co.uk)

 

Any dogs with a pre-existing medical condition making anaesthesia undesirable will not be MRI scanned. To avoid a wasted journey, it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that the dog has been deemed healthy by their own veterinary surgeon prior to booking the scan. You will be asked to sign a consent form pertaining to this.

What is the cost of a CM / SM MRI screen?

 

The cost is £200 plus VAT

For comparison the cost of a diagnostic MRI scan (including interpretation and anaesthesia) is £941.60 plus VAT.

What documentation etc is required

1) admission form 2) registration certificate 3) microchip/tattoo documentation

 

Please fill in the admission form and email / fax or post to SLVC to confirm the booking.

 

Please bring a copies of the kennel club registration certificate or (preferred) scan and email to SGriffith@goddardvetgroup.co.uk  and/or stonelionvets@goddardvetgroup.co.uk

The dog must have permanent identification i.e. microchip or tattoo. A microchip can be implanted at the time of the MRI scan (cost £15 plus VAT). A microchip can be implanted at the time of the MRI scan at a cost of £15 plus VAT

 

Is an anaesthetic necessary?

 

The head and neck must be absolutely motionless during the procedure and this can only be achieved with heavy sedation or light anaesthesia. At Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital we prefer a light anaesthesia as we can be more confident that the dog receives enough oxygen.

 

What anaesthetic do you use?

 

The typical anaesthetic for MRI at Stone Lion includes a preanaesthetic of Dexdomitor ® and butorphanol followed by intravenous propofol. This allow placement of an endotracheal tube into the dog’s throat and anaesthesia can then be maintained on isoflurane gas and oxygen. The advantage of using Dexdomitor ® is that it markedly reduces the amount other anaesthetics required and can be reversed during or after the procedure (using Antisedan ®) so that the dog wakes up quickly and with a clearer head. Dexdomitor ® also has the advantage that it reduces anxiety and affects memory i.e. reduces the stress to the dog. The choice of anaesthetic may be adjusted if the dog has other medical problems.

 

How long does the scan take?

 

The actual MRI scan takes 30 minutes however you should allow at least 2 hours per dog to allow your pet to fully recover from the procedure. Dogs are normally given a small meal and a drink before discharge.

 

Do you use gadolinium contrast agent for CM/SM MRI screening?

 

No, gadolinium contrast agent is not used for CM/SM MRI screening at SLVH.  

 

When do I hear the results?

 

You will be posted and /or emailed a report within 1 week of the procedure. To produce a report, proof of ownership and the dog’s pedigree name with registration must be provided and the dog must have permanent identification.

 

There will be no consultation with Clare Rusbridge or other veterinary surgeon to discuss the procedure or the results. If you desire this contact then you may book a consultation at the usual clinic times and cost.

 

 

Why Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital - does getting good quality images matter?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Low cost MRI screening for SM is performed in many cases on ESOVATE MRI machines. Images of excellent quality can be obtained but operators should beware of taking short cuts either for time or economic reasons. Subtle SM may be missed. The images above are taken from the same dog with a narrow syringomyelia (arrow). The image on the left is taken with a short acquisition times and the SM is not appreciable. The image on the right is a longer acquisition time. The consequence to the breeder of missing subtle disease may be devastating as his or her whole breeding program may be based on the assumption that the dog in question is unaffected. At Stone Lion we are proud of the service we provide.

 

I have had MRI scans taken elsewhere – can I have them reported by Clare Rusbridge?

 

Clare Rusbridge is a scrutineer for the KC BVA CMSM scheme and it would be a conflict of interest to offer an alternative service therefore an independent reporting service is no longer offered. For details on the KC BVA CMSM scheme click here

 

 

 

Are the MRI results submitted to the Animal Health Trust for the Estimated Breeding Value database?
Yes. For more information about this scheme click here