AKC received international funding for spinal disease

Raleigh, N.C. - 4/14/08 - The American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation (CHF) study of Syringomyelia in Brussels Griffon received funding support from three international clubs, based in Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Causing severe pain and weakness, Syringomyelia (SM) is the development of fluid in the spinal cord and is most common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. But SM diagnoses have recently impacted Brussels Griffon in North America, Europe and Australia.

University of Georgia researchers are now working to study disease prevalence in the breed and identify clinical signs, predispositions and new treatment methods. The Griffon Bruxellois Club of Victoria in Australia, The Griffon Bruxellois Breeders Association, based in the UK, and a Brussels Griffon fancier club in New Zealand all donated funding to the AKC grant titled "Syringomyelia in Brussels Griffon: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings, Clinicopathology and Prevalence."

"Our thanks to these international clubs for their financial commitment to the CHF and for their confidence in the research we support," says Cindy Vogels, CHF president. "No matter the geographical distance between us, together we're working toward the shared goals of helping all our dogs live longer and stronger."