What is Syringomyelia (SM)?
The breeds that are most often affected include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Griffon Bruxellois, but other breeds have been reported as well. Some of these breeds are the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, Havanese, Affenpinscher, Pomeranian, Papillon, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese Terrier. This is a serious disorder that needs to be addressed by a veterinary professional right away.
Syringomyelia (SM) in dogs is a relatively common condition that mostly affects Griffon Bruxellois and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, leading experts to believe it is an inherited disorder. The nature of this disease is that the dog’s skull is too small for his brain, which blocks the opening at the base of the skull and prevents the flow of spinal fluid. Because of this backup of fluid, pockets of fluid called syrinxes are created in the spinal cord which causes extreme pain in the shoulders, neck, head, and chest. They are usually very sensitive to touch in these areas and some dogs show weakness of extremities and possible paralysis.
Symptoms of Syringomyelia (SM) in Dogs
The signs of syringomyelia depend on the stage of the disease and age of your dog. In fact, some dogs with mild SM may never have symptoms and the only way you will know about the condition is if your dog has to get an MRI for a different reason. However, the most commonly reported symptoms include:
- Extreme sensitivity to touch in the neck, chest, shoulders, head, and back
- Holding head high and at a certain angle to prevent pain
- Sleeping with head held up
- Whining and yelping for no obvious reasons
- Phantom scratching (scratching about an inch or two from the head)
- Weakness of the extremities
- Inability to play or walk
- Depression
- Irritability
- Paralysis
- Seizures
Types
There are several grades of SM, which include:
- Grade 0 - Normal (with no syrinx or pre-syrinx and is not dilated)
- Grade 1 - Central canal dilation (CCD) under two millimeters
- Grade 2 - Syringomyelia (has CCD of more than 2 millimeters and a pre-syrinx or syrinx)
In addition, each grade includes a letter corresponding with the dog’s age because SM is a progressive condition. The letters include:
- A - more than five years old
- B - three to five years old
- C - one to three years old
This system is important for an individual's diagnosis but also for the breeding population. Breeding Cavaliers, for example, should be screened even if they do not have symptoms. This is important to protect future generations from this awful condition.
Causes of Syringomyelia (SM) in Dogs
The cause of SM is thought to be hereditary although this disease is not completely understood yet. It seems to affect certain breeds most often, which include:
- Pomeranians
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- Shih Tzus
- Boston Terriers
- French Bulldogs
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Maltese Terriers
- Chihuahuas
- Miniature Dachshunds
- Miniature Poodles
- Bichon Frisés
- Pugs
- Pekingese
- Miniature Pinschers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Griffon Bruxellois
- Havaneses
- Affenpinschers
Diagnosis of Syringomyelia (SM) in Dogs
The most effective way to diagnose SM is an MRI scan of the spinal column and brain. Your dog will need to be put under general anesthesia during the procedure and will be given oxygen and fluids. The results should indicate pockets filled with spinal fluid throughout the spinal column if your dog has SM. First, your veterinarian will need to do a thorough physical examination including palpation and auscultation, vital signs, and a complete body condition score.
Also, you need to provide the veterinarian with your dog’s medical history and the most recent symptoms you have noticed. Afterward, the veterinarian will perform some blood tests such as a serum biochemical analysis and complete blood count (CBC). Urine and stool samples will be collected for microscopic analysis as well. Then, your veterinarian will do the imaging including x-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs.
Treatment of Syringomyelia (SM) in Dogs
Treating SM depends on the stage of the disease and age of your dog. The most important objective is to relieve the pain that your dog is experiencing. This may include surgery or medication as well as physical therapy in some cases.
Surgery
Cervical or cranial decompression is done to remove part of the bone that is blocking the spinal column. This procedure is successful about 80% of the time. However, in some cases (25% to 50%), the syrinx causes it to become blocked again and the symptoms will return. This can be due to the scarring or the regrowth of the syrinx.
Medication
There are a few drugs that can help with pain, swelling, and reduction of spinal fluid production: Pain medications include opioids and NSAIDs, steroids to reduce swelling, and diuretics or omeprazole to reduce the production of spinal fluid.
Physical Therapy
There are several types of therapy that can help your dog, which include aqua therapy and massage therapy. Your veterinarian can teach you how to do these yourself or you can take your dog to special physical therapy classes.
Lifestyle changes
Use a body harness rather than neck collar and avoid touching your dog in areas where it hurts them.
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Recovery of Syringomyelia (SM) in Dogs
If your dog was treated with surgery, you will need to be very observant for a few weeks while he heals. Provide plenty of fresh water because hydration is essential. You should also keep your dog as calm as possible, placing your dog on cage rest when needed. Call your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions.
Syringomyelia (SM) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
ckcs
Bella
3 Years
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Low Potassium
Siesures
Siesures Low Heart Rate
My girl Bella has had 2 seisures when playing or having exercise she lays on floor no crying but panting & both times rushes her to vets but her heart rate is below normal reading at 50/60bpm each time is this a normal symptom of SM has heart tests & they have come back fine
Sept. 5, 2018
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King Charles Spaniel
Cherry
6 Years
14 found this helpful
14 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Started Face Rubbing On Furniture
Face rubbing ,lickin front leg a lot.Does not appear to be in pain as she regularly play fights with my other dog . could this possibly be the start of syringomyelia
Aug. 14, 2018
14 Recommendations
By the age of six years, the majority of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will be affected by syringomyelia; Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the poster dog for the condition. However face rubbing and licking of the paws are not the characteristic symptoms we normally see with syringomyelia (we shouldn’t automatically assume syringomyelia due to the breed); but you should visit your Veterinarian for an examination to look for other symptoms and to see whether it is syringomyelia or another cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 14, 2018
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Maltese Shih Tzu
T
3 Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Screaming Running Around Burying
Scratching At Midsection
This sounds like the episodes my malshi has. Most often, late at night he will scratch at his midsection till the attack progresses to severe where he screams and runs around burying himself. Pressing himself to the ground. They also occur randomly. He wants to go to the bathroom when they are coming on seems to be an attempt at relieving some pressure. When it is over he relaxes breathing deeply for at least 30 minutes. I have tried many medications, he is currently on Amantadine, dexamethesone, and phenobarbital. He sees a neurologist. We do not have a definite diagnosis. The medications do not seem to work. He is only 3 years old. How do I keep him alive? What else can I do? Is it true diet can stop this?
Aug. 3, 2018
7 Recommendations
Firstly it is important to discuss with your Veterinarian or the Neurologist about syringomyelia and to have them explain which symptoms fit with the diagnosis or don’t; I cannot say whether or not T has syringomyelia (or a similar condition) without examining him first. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 3, 2018
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gabriel
3 Months
14 found this helpful
14 found this helpful
My dog scratches alot with the leash on but mot much with it off could this still be a sign because i read that this breed has a very high chance of getting sm?
July 7, 2018
14 Recommendations
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the poster dog for syringomyelia, the majority of dog in the breed are affected by age of six years. Typically we see phantom scratching of the neck among other symptoms, the collar may aggravate this so it may be good to switch to a harness in this instance. You should also visit your Veterinarian for a discussion about syringomyelia. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-syringomyelia
July 8, 2018
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King Charles Spaniel
Echo
2 Years
12 found this helpful
12 found this helpful
I am so scared. I have a King Charles named Echo. Just a week ago she was walking fine and then she started loosing control of her front left leg.. now it's nearly useless. She has been take to the Vet, to the Surgeon and to the Numerologist. An MRI has been done there are some signs of a fluid build up. The gabapentin doesn't seem to be having any effect. It worked for the first day and since then has done nothing to help. She is now on 200mgs x3 a day. Can anyone comment on the success of the surgery or offer an insight in other forms of medications. Once the pain medication is changed how soon should expect to see a result.
July 1, 2018
12 Recommendations
Syringomyelia is a condition which affects over half of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels by the age of six years. Medical management is normally attempted first in these cases may may include pain relief, omeprazole and diuretics (furosemide) aimed at reducing fluid accumulation; surgical management has a high success rate of reducing fluid pressure, but quality of life may still be impacted. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=11349&catId=34773&id=5328340&ind=370&objTypeID=17
www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-syringomyelia
July 2, 2018
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Brussels griffon
Lulu
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Depression
Tremors
Neck Stiffness
Screaming Attack
Lulu started having intermittent attacks at night at the age of 6 months. I have been able to control her symptoms this far with omeprazole. She is 10 pounds and the vet prescribed 2 mg daily which was not an effective dose. So I started increasing it. When I tripled the dose to 6 mg a day no more attacks no more symptoms. 3 mg in the morning 3 mg at night. I have also used cold laser therapy treatments every 4 weeks These treatments focus along each side of her spine from the base of her head through her shoulder blade area. Assisi loop have also been recommended but I have not invested in this yet. I feel for all those out there that who are experiencing the affects of SM. I would love to know what others do combat this disease.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Daisy
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Phantom Scratching Behind Left Ear;
I am a caregiver to a 9 year old Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Daisy. She's with me from Monday through Friday. she is on Gabapentin for 2 years now for Syringomyelia although she never had an MRI; she had all the symptoms. I noticed a new symptom this morning when her owners came to pick her up for the weekend. When the man picked her up she was trembling. I had never seen this behavior before and wondered if this could be a worsening of the CM/SM? Also, for the past year or so occasionally when someone picks her up she would yelp in pain, but not always. I try to be careful if I have to pick her up. Also, she's been 'phantom scratching' the left side of her head. I'm wondering if the trembling I witnessed this morning was indicative of a worsening of the CM/SM. Thank you.
