K9HeadSpace – Canine Head Space Project

The Canine Head Space Project, launched in September 2021, aims to revolutionise the welfare of brachycephalic dog breeds, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS), by developing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assess and predict inherited cranial pathologies. This groundbreaking research currently focuses on Chiari-like malformation pain (CM-P), syringomyelia (SM), and will be adapted for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Funded by Dogs Trust (2021-2025) and driven by a collaborative team at the University of Surrey the project aspires to provide tools for breeders, veterinary professionals, and dog owners to enhance canine health outcomes.

Key Outcomes and Innovations

Development of 3D Imaging Systems:
- Creation of a portable 5-camera setup for field use, capable of capturing head models in under 1 second.
- Refinement of calibration accuracy to approximately 1mm, improving AI reliability.
AI-Powered Diagnosis:
- AI models achieved sensitivity and specificity exceeding 70% for CM-P detection and over 85% accuracy using MRI.
- Integration of spherical harmonics for analysing correlations between internal and external skull morphology.
Software Innovations:
- Launch of “Chiari Check,” a web-based tool for clinical and behavioural data collection.
- Pilot app for smartphone-based 3D head shape analysis under Phase 2.
Collaboration:
- Multi-institutional partnerships with Cambridge BOAS group and active engagement with Cavalier communities.

Timeline of Significant Events and Achievements

2021

Building a low-cost, sensitive diagnostic system for CKCS head morphology.

2022

Demonstrated the 3D imaging system at the Companion Cavalier Group AGM, successfully scanning 21 CKCS and engaging with the public and breeders.

Introduced spherical harmonics for external surface analysis to predict cranial pathologies.

Collected imaging data on 24 CKCS at Bliss Cavalier Rescue, contributing to CM-P and BOAS research efforts.

2023

Achieved sensitivity exceeding 70% for CM-P detection using AI-based 3D surface scans.

Concluded Phase 1, with preliminary results from smartphone video capture systems for 3D modelling.

2024

Phase 2 initiated, focusing on a smartphone app for disease risk prediction based on 3D head shape analysis.

Advanced integration of AI with diagnostic imaging (DICOM) for predicting CM-P, and SM.

Completed a refined pipeline for 3D model generation using neural radiance field (NeRF) technology.

Published key papers on AI-driven diagnostic advancements.

Publications and Presentations

Published Papers:

A data driven approach for soft tissue biomarker identification linked to Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia Cumber J, Scales-Theobald E, Rusbridge C, Wells K Front. Vet. Sci., 22 January 2025 Sec. Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery Volume 11 - 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1492259
A Novel Multiple Camera RGB-D Calibration Approach Using Simulated Annealing, M. Taghipour-Gorjikolaie, M. Volino, C. Rusbridge and K. Wells, " in IEEE Access, vol. 12, pp. 98723-98733, 2024, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3424412.

Presentations and Talks:

Companion Cavalier Group AGM (May 8, 2022): Clare Rusbridge presented the project, followed by live 3D imaging of 21 CKCS.
Using AI To Map Mid-Sagittal Neuromorphological Changes In Chiari-Like Malformation Associated Pain And Syringomyelia In The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Jake Cumber, Clare Rusbridge,  Kevin Wells. 34rd   Annual Symposium of the European Society of Veterinary Neurology, Palma, Mallorca, Sept 2022. This presentation won the best Neuroradiology Scientific abstract  
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel healthcare monitoring part I: Optical 3D modelling of external head presentation Mehran Taghipour Gorjikolaie From: BSAVA Congress Proceedings 2023 DOI: 10.22233/9781913859152.50.47 (March 2023, Manchester):
British Veterinary Association Live (May 2023, NEC Birmingham): Clare Rusbridge Presented on "Harnessing the Potential of AI in Veterinary Medicine."
APDAWG Unsung Heroes Event (December 2023, Houses of Parliament): Clare Rusbridge discussed the project and its impact on canine welfare.
Royal Society of Medicine (October 10, 2024): Clare Rusbridge presented “AI in Human and Veterinary Healthcare: Comparative Applications and Ethical Implications,” focusing on integrating advanced imaging and AI for diagnosing Canine Chiari malformation.