Uniting Griffon Breeders
In An International Fight Against
CM & SM In Our Breed

November 1,  2007

Posted with permission of the document authors

 

 

Information Presented By:

Lee Pieterse, Australia
Ruth Pereira, Meg Prior, USA
Steven Seymour, UK

 

There is a “newly” diagnosable hereditary disease in the Griffon (Brussels Griffon/ Griffon Bruxellois) breed that is of growing concern and requires attention from breeders worldwide.  The condition is alarming as 70% of dogs “affected” are symptom free (therefore these affected dogs are being bred and spreading the problem).  Dogs that do exhibit symptoms, can cover a range of signs from extreme pain to easily unnoticeable behaviors, to no visible symptoms at all.  The diseases are called Chiari Malformation (CM) and Syringomyelia (SM).  CM is a malformation of the dogs head structure.  SM is a condition whereby fluid filled cavities develop within the spinal cord.  Some refer to SM as “neck scratcher’s disease” because scratching in the air near the neck is a common symptom.  For example, neck scratching tendencies may become more pronounced at a dog show or when a dog is in a stressful situation or on a leash.  Often dogs that are affected are mistakenly tested for allergies or an injury to the neck, back or leg.  The predominant CM/SM symptoms are: pain, neck scratching, random screams, increased aggressive behavior mainly toward other dogs and seizures.  

There are 2 major worldwide research institutes specializing in the study of CM/SM for our breed.   Dr. Simon Platt, based at the University of Georgia in the USA has been awarded a research grant by the Canine Health Foundation for the study of CM/SM in Griffons in conjunction with the study efforts of veterinary neurology specialist Dr. Clare Rusbridge, (London) for evaluation, grading of MRI tests and treatment options.  It is the job of the world renowned geneticist Dr. Guy A. Rouleau, at the University of Montreal, for locating the genetic marker(s) using the collected breeder information.

These “diseases” are a call to action for breeders.  Currently, it is necessary to have Griffon breeders test and submit results of their “affected” and of equal importance their “unaffected” breeding dogs.  To participate in the study, the information needed from breeders includes: a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test, blood sample, completion of a “Dog History” and a 5-generation pedigree.  This information is necessary to track the genetic path in our breed and will not be shared outside of the geneticist’s facilities.  Griffon breeders have a window of opportunity, if we act now, to reduce the spread of CM/SM in our breed.

The discovery of this type of health risk makes it important to unite and to share with each other the symptoms, signs and conditions that each of us as breeders have seen, experienced or have heard about but were unexplainable at the time or went undiagnosed. One may see shoulder scratching, neck pain, curving of the spine (scoliosis), soreness of a front or rear leg, limping or weakness of a limb.  The most concerning issue, once again, is that the great majority of affected dogs show no symptoms at all leading breeders to believe that their stock is unaffected by this disease.

Being silent and passive at this point will have awful ramifications for our breed. Therefore, with this discovery it would be irresponsible to let this problem continue undisclosed to all Griffon breeders.  It is now known that CM/SM is diagnosed in our breed world wide and that an estimated 30% or more of the breed is affected even though many appear non symptomatic.

Currently it is the ethical and moral responsibility of the breeders to increase their awareness in order to save our breed.   Breeders and individual dog owners can participate in the research process.  We don’t want the progression of CM/SM to become as wide spread in Griffons as it is in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed.  Without world wide input and participation from breeders, the Griffons are headed the same direction. (Cavaliers are currently estimated at 70 – 80% affected with CM/SM)

There is good news however, fundraising and research is now being spearheaded by the Canine Health Foundation for the study of CM/SM in Griffons at the University of Georgia.  For questions or to learn more on how to participate in the research of this disease contact:

AUSTRALIA:   Lee Pieterse – pieterse@iinet.net.au
UNITED KINDOM:   Steven Seymour – beagriff@hotmail.com
                                 USA:   Ruth Periera – donandru@optonline.net , and
                                         Meg Prior – meg@megpriorconsulting.com

 

LIST OF RESEARCHER CREDENTIALS:

Dr. Simon Platt, BVM&S, MRCVS, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology), Diplomate ECVN
RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology with the University of Georgia

Dr. Clare Rusbridge, BVMS PhD DipECVN MRCVS – European and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology

Dr. Guy A. Rouleau, M.D., PhD. FRCP, Director Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center and the Center for the Study of Brain Diseases, University of Montreal

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