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Worried
about your Cavalier ?
Sadly, if
your Cavalier has been diagnosed
as having "Holly's Problem" then you can visit and if you wish to join
the Information & Support Group on the Internet. Once
there you will be able to get advice on how to deal with the
problem and you can help by telling the researcher workers all
about your dog's medical history. You may also provide a blood
sample from your dog to Clare Rusbridge, MRCVS who has now set
up a simple procedure for collecting blood samples to be analysed
with a view to identifying the gene(s) responsible for the affliction.
This is a major step forward but requires co-operation from owners,
breeders and vets. However, please be assured that all samples
and information about your dog will be dealt with in the utmost
confidence. You should also visit the Information & Support
Group on the Internet (see Page 1)
Unsure whether your
dog is displaying the symptoms described above? Only a qualified vet who
has seen another case or has studied the relevant research can
give a positive diagnosis and then normally only after an MRI
scan. If your vet has not heard of the syndrome you could refer
him to this web page from which he can make the appropriate contacts.
Considering buying or re-homing
a Cavalier? If you
are buying from a breeder ask whether he or she is aware of the
"Arnold-Chiari" or syringomyelia syndrome in the breed.
A negative response should put you on your guard as the CKCS
Club has circularised its members about the problem. If you receive
a positive response be sure to get an assurance that the breeder
knows of no reported cases in stock coming out of that kennel.
You should consider insisting on
seeing the
pedigree first, studying it very carefully,
and taking advice. If you go ahead, be sure to take out adequate
Pet Health Insurance.
Hopefully your dog is not affected but you can still help by doing all you can to heighten
awareness of this syndrome amongst
owners, breeders, judges and vets since early diagnosis and prompt treatment
will minimise permanent damage and the consequent long term suffering.
It will also save vet fees.
Pedigree Chums ?
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