Syringomyelia Explained

Overview

When we researched CKC Spaniels, we were made aware this breed has a number of serious hereditary health issues like Heart and Eye disease. We occasionally saw the term 'SM'. It did not register. We only focused on ensuring the puppies were Heart and Eye clear.

The following is a very brief and simplified overview of Syringomyelia and Chiari-like Malformation. It will provide links and contacts of where to obtain proper help and advice to ensure your dog does not suffer needlessly.

There can be varying degrees of this disease. For some dogs it can be traumatic and painful. For others it can be managed with the right medication and care.

Further on in this book, there are illustrations of how both Molly (SM) and Dougall (CM) are both coping and living happy and contented lives.

Simplified Explanation

CM is a condition characterised by a mismatch in size between the brain (too big) and the skull (too small).This condition is so painful it has been described as trying to shove a brain the size of a 10 foot into a size 6 shoe. At the base of the skull there is a hole which allows the brainstem to exit the skull and become the spinal cord. A scan will reveal the brain being squeezed like toothpaste down the spinal cord of the dog. Many dogs with CM go on to develop Syringomyelia (SM).

SM Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is stored in a sack within the brain. CSF Fluid is important for protecting the nervous system. When the heart beats, the brain expands, pushing the fluid through the hole in the back of the skull down the spine. If the hole is obstructed this causes the CSF to be forced down the spine under pressure (like putting your thumb over a hose pipe). These pressures on the spinal cord lead to fluid accumulation which creates fluid filled cavities (syrinx), destroying the spinal cord.

Early treatment and diagnosis can help prevent the disease progressing. There is no cure! A huge percentage of these beautiful Cavaliers are affected.

Symptoms of Syringomyelia (SM)

Only half of SM dogs scratch, many will not even show pain in any obvious way even though they are constantly enduring terrible symptoms:

Sensitive to touch, especially neck and ear area
Walking and moving slowly (due to pain)
Hesitating before jumping on furniture or climbing stairs
Limb weakness (Molly's was front left leg)
Scratching - esp. ears, head, face, neck, shoulders
Air scratching
Sudden yelping for no apparent reason
Biting hind quarters

Molly was initially misdiagnosed with joint problems and sent to a joint specialist, some of the other possible incorrect diagnoses include:-

Allergies
Ear problems
Spinal problems

What To Do

The sooner your SM dog receives the correct treatment the better. Fast action can prevent further pain and damage. Be prepared, not all vets are aware or have very much experience with SM. Be prepared to do research yourself, obviously it would be useful if you have the support and guidance of your vet. Do not allow any professional to disregard your concerns, you are the best judge, you know your dog.

Some dogs do not display symptons, they might become quiet and slow. If your dog is displaying more extreme symptoms:

Keep notes of actions, worst time of day, how long etc.
Take video footage if possible
Ask vet for referral to neurologist who has SM experience

An MRI scan is the only accurate way of diagnosis. If you are not insured there are Low Cost MRI Schemes available.

Tips For Living With An SM / CM Dog

These are some ideas gathered from the Cavalier Talk forum to help you make your SM dog more comfortable.

Raise feeding and water dishes, an SM dog may find lowering his head painful or uncomfortable.

SM dogs like to have their heads elevated when resting. If you use a crate, put some liners in with raised edges (like baby bumpers).

If your SM dog is sensitive around the ears, to make grooming more comfortable and less painful, keep ears trimmed.

Use a harness for walks, not a collar. You may need to try different types of harnesses depending on the location of the syrinx. Sometimes it is found a collar is more comfortable, it really depends on the location of the pain.

It has been found during a pain session, if the dog is rolled on its back very gently this can alleviate pain, it might shift the position of the Syrinx (fluid cyst) and change the flow of the CSF flow. You can also try applying to the neck and shoulders something cold like a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel. Some dogs like a cool place to lie down.

Next Page: Unique Hereditary Diseases / Health Issues