Chiari Malformation/ Syringomyelia Scheme

About the scheme

The scheme uses MRI images of the brain and cranial (upper) cervical spinal cord of dogs for changes indicative of chiari malformation (CM) and syringomyelia SM. The scans are graded by two expert Scrutineers appointed by a BVA panel. The results should then be used to make informed breeding decisions.

Syringomyelia has been recognised as a serious problem in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS), Griffon Bruxellois and occasionally in other toy breeds. It has been shown to be a genetically-transmitted condition (Lewis et al., 2012) and in many dogs, progresses through the first few years of life (Parker et al., 2011).

The Scheme is open to all dogs and breeds including crossbreeds and non-Kennel Club registered dogs.

For more detailed information on the condition, please read our Chiari Malformation/Syringomyelia in dogs' leaflet. 

What do the results mean?

Once the MRI scan has been graded by BVA appointed Scrutineers, a CHS certificate will be issued and sent to the submitting vet.

The certificate will show a grade for chiari-like malformation and a separate grade for syringomyelia. The lower the grade the better. The best grade is 0 and the worst is 2. The age of the dog at the time of scanning is also shown in the grading.

The grade is qualified with a letter indicating the age group at the time of scanning as follows: a = more than 5 years
b = 3 to 5 years or age
c = 1 to 3 years of age

There are currently no Estimated Breeding Values available for the CM/SM, however there are breeding recommendations.

The results of UK Kennel Club registered dogs will be published on the Kennel Club Mate Select website.

How to make a submission

1. Contact your veterinary surgeon and request that your dog be scanned for assessment under the Chiari Malformation/Syringomyelia Scheme.
2. When taking your dog for the MRI scan you must have relevant registration documentation with you.
3. The veterinary surgeon who carried out the MRI scan will then submit the images and relevant information to CHS.
4. Scrutineers appointed by BVA will grade the images.
5. The results will be returned to the veterinary surgeon and passed on to yourself.
6. If your dog is registered with the UK Kennel Club, the results will also be published on the Kennel Club website.

A single submission to the CM/SM Scheme is £100 (please notes this does not include the veterinary and MRI scan costs). A full breakdown of costs can be found on our submissions fees page.

What does the grade mean?

Once our expert veterinary surgeons have graded the MRI scan, the owner of the dog will receive a certificate showing a grade for chiari-like malformation and a separate grade for syringomyelia. The lower the grade the better - the best grade is 0 and the worst is 2. For more information on this please read our breeding recommendations.

If you are going to purchase a puppy that could be at risk of chiari malformation/syringomyelia (CM/SM), it is very important that you see the parents’ results for the CM/SM screening before you commit to buying a puppy. Using The Puppy Contract and/or buying from a Kennel Club Assured Breeder will help you ask all the questions and identify responsible breeders and healthy puppies.

How to screen your dog for chiari malformation/syringomyelia

1. Contact your vet and request that your dog be scanned for assessment under the CM/SM Scheme.
2. The vet who carried out the MRI scan will then submit the images and relevant information to CHS.
3. Expert veterinary surgeons appointed by BVA will grade the images.
4. The results will be returned to the veterinary surgeon and passed on to yourself.
5. If your dog is registered with the UK Kennel Club, the results will also be published on the Kennel Club website.

The scheme costs £100 per dog. Please note the veterinary and MRI scan costs are not included in this fee. A full breakdown of costs can be found on our submissions fees page.