Sm grading/breeding scheme
As an ethical breeder of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, I do the important health testing for Syringomyelia. I follow the SM breeding protocols from other countries that have been using MRI scanning and the grading / matching scheme for many years. Example; Netherlands and Denmark.
I do my first MRI at the age of 2.5 years prior to any dogs entering the breeding program. It is always a good idea though to scan or rescan your breeding dogs again once they are a bit older. I use Fourways Veterinarian Hospital to MRI scan my dogs and Dr. Ulrike Kafka does my SM gradings.
There are different gradings that we work with and match our dogs accordingly
1-3 years of age will be a C
C0 – No findings
C1 – CCD of less than <2mm
C2 – CCD over >2mm
3-5 years of age will be a B
B0 – No findings
B1 – CCD under <2mm
B2 – CCD over >2mm
5 and over will be an A
A0 – No findings
A1 – CCD under <2mm
A2 – CCD over >2mm
Depending on the dog, its age and the presence or absence of a CCD (Canal dilatation) only combinations that apply within the breeding scheme are used in the breeding program.
Sometimes we cannot throw the baby out with the bath water and still use a dog with a canal dilatation of over 2mm in the breeding program, but taking into consideration that this dog has passed its echocardiogram for MVD (mitral valve disease) is clear on all the other genetic health issues, has good MRI grading behind his/her lines (Parents and grandparents) a lovely temperament and structurally sound. This dog can be matched to an older dog with a very good MRI grading.
Breeding Scheme for Matching Gradings from the Netherlands
