The public demand for certain toy dogs to have rounded head shapes and short muzzles have caused them to suffer from Chiari malformation and Syringomyelia disorder.
Chiari malformation is when the bones in the skull fuse too soon and causes fluid pockets in the spinal cord. The fluid pockets which are called Syringomyelia can cause permanent damage to the spinal cord and pain for the dogs. The most common breed that is affected by this is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua and the Affenpinscher.
A new study using an MRI mapping technique has allowed scientists to study how this happens and hopefully will help them develop ways to correct this painful condition.
It goes without saying that breeders can help by carefully breeding dogs who do not suffer from this condition and not breed for a style or look but rather for the dog’s health and opportunity for a pain free life.
Read more at: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170125145842.htm
A Blog by Susan Bulanda 
Thanks for the article Susan! I adopted a Cavalier King Charles with Chiari after she was diagnosed at our MRI facility during a pre-breeding screening. It is my understanding that in England a pre-breeding MRI is necessary for the Cavalier breeders’ organization to certify that a dog is clear before it is bred. Wish the US would follow suit.
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I too wish the US would require tests for every breed that has issues and a temperament test as well. It makes me sad how some people do not really care about the dogs.
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