Chiari malformation is a quite common condition found in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Brussels Griffons and a variety of other (typically small breed) dogs.
As of April 2016, Southeast Veterinary Neurology will be offering reduced cost screening of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Brussels Griffons, and other high-risk breeds.
What Does the Screening Package Include?
- Physical/neurological examination by a board-certified neurologist with extensive expertise in this condition
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) using a high-field 1.5 Tesla state of the art MRI
- IV catheter, anesthesia and anesthetic monitoring (to facilitate the MRI scan)
- Disc containing a copy of the MRI images
- A detailed report reviewing the results, interpretation/recommendations and breeding guidelines based on the British Veterinary Association Guidelines.
The total cost of the package is $900 per patient.
How Does the Appointment Process Work?
A limited number of these reduced-fee Chiari MRI Screening Appointments will be available on Monday mornings at our Miami location. MRI appointments are performed on an outpatient basis where your pet does not require an overnight stay unless deemed medically necessary. Your pet should be fasted overnight (no food after 10 PM, water is okay).
Generally, drop off appointments are scheduled in the morning and discharges to occur in the late afternoon. You will meet with the Neurologist prior to any testing being performed. A nurse will discharge your pet that same afternoon. Within 1-2 business days, you will receive a detailed summary outlining the results and recommendations based on your pet’s MRI. You must bring a copy of complete blood work (complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, electrolytes) and 3-view chest X-rays with you to your appointment. These can be performed by your primary care veterinarian any time within the 2 weeks prior to your appointment.
If you prefer, these tests can be performed the same day of your pet’s MRI for an additional cost. The MRI does require anesthesia and the placement of an IV catheter (which means that a small area of fur will be shaved on one of your pet’s front legs). This MRI screening protocol is only utilized to diagnose asymptomatic CM and SM. All other conditions require a regular consultation at which time recommendations and an estimate of care will be provided.
Who is eligible to participate in this screening?
High-risk breeds without a previous diagnosis of CM/SM, that lack clinical signs of CM/SM and are at least 1 year of age.
Call us to schedule an appointment. Be sure to let the Client Service Representative know that you are calling about the Chiari MRI Screening Package
Still have questions?
Feel free to call one of our locations. Also, our friends at CavalierHealth.org have tons of useful information about Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia
Posted in Veterinary Neurology