Canine Chiari Group

The Canine Chiari Group led by Clare Rusbridge at the University of Surrey is a collaborative research initiative focused on improving the understanding, prevention, and management of Chiari-like malformation, syringomyelia, and associated conditions in dogs. The group utilises advanced technologies like 3D imaging, artificial intelligence (AI), and computational modelling to develop innovative diagnostic and treatment solutions. Key projects include: 

i-Syrinx

  • The i-Syrinx Project, a collaboration between the University of Surrey's Veterinary Medicine and Mechanical Engineering Sciences Schools, aims to develop advanced computational models of the cranio-spinal cavity to simulate cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and predict surgical outcomes for craniosynostosis-associated conditions like hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, enabling virtual surgery to optimise treatment strategies and improve long-term outcomes. 
  • Who’s who  
    • Clare Rusbridge 

Chiari check project

  • Chiari Check is a free, AI-driven diagnostic tool developed by the University of Surrey to assess the likelihood of Chiari-like malformation-associated pain (CM-P) and syringomyelia (SM) in dogs, providing an accessible triage method for early identification and better management of these conditions. 
  • Funders Hannah Hasty Memorial Fund, The Short Gang, Syringomyelia DNA Research  
  • Who’s who  
    • Clare Rusbridge  

Chiari Pain miRNA

  • The Chiari Pain-miRNA Project (PI Dr Suzie Armstrong) aims to identify microRNA biomarkers in body fluids to enable non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of Chiari-like malformation-associated pain and potentially syringomyelia, improving understanding and management of these conditions. 
  • Funders – Dogs Trust