The Kennel Club, in partnership with the British Veterinary Association (BVA), is pleased to announce the launch of the BVA/Kennel Club Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Syringomyelia Project. This ambitious five-year project aims to collect vital data on syringomyelia, a serious neurological condition, to inform breeding strategies and improve the long-term health of Cavaliers.
The project has been made possible through generous funding from The Kennel Club Charitable Trust (KCCT), Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue & Welfare, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, demonstrating the community’s commitment to the health of this much-loved breed.
Syringomyelia is caused by fluid-filled cavities developing in the spinal cord, often due to abnormalities in the skull and neck area. Affected dogs may experience symptoms such as neck pain, sensitivity, reluctance to jump, and phantom scratching. In severe cases, the condition can lead to weakness and mobility issues.
British Veterinary Association President, Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux, said: “Syringomyelia can be a distressing condition, and improving our understanding of its prevalence and inheritance is essential for improving health outcomes for dogs affected by it. This project will provide valuable insights, ultimately leading to better breeding guidance for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.”
The project aims to screen 500 Cavaliers over five years through MRI scans, with the intention for the data to be used to develop Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs). EBVs are a valuable tool for breeders as they consider multiple genetic factors, helping to inform breeders on how to reduce the prevalence of complex inherited conditions.
Michael Levy, Chairman of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, commented: “The Cavalier Club continues to support initiatives that promote the health and wellbeing of our breed. To have a breed-specific project that will give an opportunity to understand the prevalence of syringomyelia, along with breeding guidelines, will aid for healthier outcomes for the breed. We thank The Kennel Club and the British Veterinary Association for introducing this project. The Club’s financial contribution shows the importance and commitment we give to a healthier future for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.”
Participation in the project is by invitation – dogs are selected based on their age and genetic contribution to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel population. To encourage participation, owners of selected dogs will benefit from a significant subsidy towards MRI screening, thanks to the support of the KCCT, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue & Welfare, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club. Instead of the typical cost of an MRI, which ranges from £1,100 to £4,500, owners will pay £200 to participate in the project.
Charlotte McNamara, Head of Health and Breeder Development at The Kennel Club, added: “This project is a major step forward in our efforts to reduce the prevalence of syringomyelia in Cavaliers. By gathering robust data, with the potential of developing EBVs, we can support breeders in making informed decisions to protect future generations of this breed. We are incredibly grateful to The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue & Welfare for their support and commitment.”
Selected dog owners will receive an invitation from The Kennel Club, with the first invitations sent in March 2025. They can book MRI appointments at participating centres, and the expert panel will review the results. DNA samples will also be collected during MRI appointments to support genetic research into syringomyelia.
Full details on the project, including eligibility and participating centres, is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/SMproject or by contacting health@thekennelclub.org.uk.
The Kennel Club takes insights from its health data and feeds them into its Breed Health and Conservation plans, so that it can work with breeders to give information and guidance about how to ensure the future health of pedigree breeds. These plans, which enable The Kennel Club to track progress and make meaningful changes to breed health, have been developed as a result of reviewing more than 4,000 research papers, making the project the most comprehensive review of pedigree health data anywhere in the world. More information about what the organisation does for dog health is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/health.