Comments on: Syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – A Genetic Study

By: Arabella

Arabella — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:36:06 +0000

Once King Charles were my favourite breed. But I am now resolved to never ever buy one from any source whatsoever.
I cannot support an industry that is willing to breed from dogs carrying diseases.
If a cattle breeder had cows with Mad Cow disease would he try to rush through a few matings before anyone woke up to how sick his cattle were. No. No farmer would be so irresponsible.

Dog Breeders of the world. Please reform and get your act together or Parliament will legislate to make you do the right thing.

I do not want to see deformed and diseased animals – even if they meet the standards imposed on the breeds.
The standards are utterly deplorable when the animal is faced with an unhealthy life just to conform to the ‘standards’

And unethical breeders who breed from animals already suffering should be barred from ever owning any dog ever again.

Mandatory desexing for any diseased animal while it is not in pain and not suffering.
And I have been through the pain of having to have a wonderful animal put down. I know how heartbreaking it is.
But if the animal is suffering and ill and in pain and is at risk for more of the same then do the only humane thing – and if that will not get breeders to use some compassion and empathy when faced with a diseased animal – then instead bring in mandatory injections by the vet to put the animal down when it is clear that the dog is in pain and will only get worse.

Don’t pass on the genes of diseased mis-shaped unhappy animals to another generation.

By: Jackie

Jackie — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:25:16 +0000

My dog developed signs of syringomyelia (in particular seizures and neck pain) 2 months ago, at the age of 6 years and 9 months. The diagnosis was confirmed by an MRI scan, and appropriate medication prescribed. Last week our beloved pet died, after close to 3 weeks of constant seizure activity, inability to sleep and very poor quality of life. We were horrified that in such a short period of time our dog, who up until then had been a healthy pet, just lay down and died in a confused and weakened state at such a young age. Much as I love this affectionate and loyal breed, I will never have another, as I couldn’t bear to watch another animal suffer in this way,

By: Dianne Waite

Dianne Waite — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:31:52 +0000

My Cavalier Lucy showed signs of Syringomyelia the day after I watched the programme.

I think my website says it all

By: Gemma

Gemma — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:29:12 +0000

I also saw Carol Fowler on TV and I was stunned at the way pedigree King Charles breeders refused to acknowledge that breeding dogs with this condtion was wrong. Also in dogs shows, dogs with this condition were still allowed to compete.

By: jemma

jemma — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:47:40 +0000

hiya i saw carole fowler on the tv and i thought this is so sad i was going to get a king charles but the genetic disorder made me think twice.

By: Flora Cameron

Flora Cameron — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:05:40 +0000

I think what Carol Fowler is doing is fantastic. I had a Cavalier for almost 15 years, luckily with no problems. If he was a sample of the breed that should be living with no health problems, then we have a moral obligation to this beautiful breed of doing something to help stop this cosmetic and greedy practice.