DONATIONS SO FAR £2779.44  

Syringomyelia is a neurological conditions diagnosed in some breeds of dog. The Griffon Bruxellois with other toy  breeds are  playing a key role in the canine DNA research to locate the genes that are free of this condition.

Friends of Lola Fund is for everyone, pet owners, breeders and lovers of all dogs who want to help find a solution to this debilitating condition. You can support the Friends of Lola Fund through a donation. Even the smallest amount of a few pounds will when added together make for big achievements. You can make a difference through supporting the genome research.

Donations from £50 can be ring fenced for individual breeds. Just email Penny Knowler at penny.knowler@ntlworld.com to indicate which breed of dog you would like your ring fenced donation to support.

The Friends of Lola Fund will use donations to fund MRI scans to determine the SM and CM status of a dog. The valuable DNA samples will be sent to the genome research team in Canada to help in identifying the genes which are responsible for dogs who are clear of SM and CM. The only way of determining the SM and CM status of a dog is through an MRI scan. If you think your dog may be suitable to help in the genome research for SMCM clear dogs please email Penny Knowler at penny.knowler@ntlworld.com for further information. Due to the progressive nature of SM, dogs over the age of 5 are of particular importance to this vital genome research. Dog breeds of particular importance for this vital genome research include the Affenpinscher, Chihuahua, Griffon Bruxellois, King Charles Spaniel, Pug and the Yorkshire Terrier.   Friends of Lola Fund is administered in the UK by the UK members of the international  team, Dr Clare Rusbridge and Penny Knowler.

For pet owners and breeders the financial implication for MRI scanning a dog, particularly an older dog is the cost. That's where Friends of Lola Fund will step in to cover the cost of a MRI scan and the cost of DNA samples to be sent to the Canadian team. The Canadian genome research, is near to finding the causative genes for SM. Finding clear dogs helps researchers fine-tune this ground-breaking research. Finding the clear genes may help in the development of a single DNA test to determine SM status in all puppy's. The Canadian genome research team are based at the University of Montreal, Canada and supported by breed clubs, breed associations, breeders and particularly pet owners and dog lovers around the world.