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
Chihuahua
Minette
5 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain
I have a five year old chihuahua. She recently started screaming when we touched her or tried to pick her up. This morning I picked her up to put her out for her morning potty and she screamed. When I put her down she would not use one of her front legs. Since this started she spends all her time in her bed. Her appetite is gone and we had to resort to a raw food diet to get her to eat. Our vet examined her, ran a series of blood tests and exrayed her spine. He found some deterioration in her lower spine but didnt think it would cause the type of pain she is in. I'm now thinking this is probably SM. We also have a full sister to her from a different litter. Since she was a puppy she has screamed when we pick her up too close to her front legs. I'm wondering if might have the same disorder but a milder case. Does this sound like both my girls have SM?
May 14, 2018
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A typical symptom of syringomyelia is pain when being lifted, especially if no other cause has been determined by x-ray; however it can be hard to make a diagnosis without having an MRI scan performed; there are various other symptoms like phantom neck itching (no actual contact) or face rubbing which may also be characteristic of the condition. Chihuahuas are also prone to other conditions like hydrocephalus among others which may cause unnecessary pain. It may be worth having a consultation with a Neurologist to help narrow in on a diagnosis. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 15, 2018
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Brussels griffon
Gizmoe
11 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Back Pain
I have an 11 year old Brussels Griffon. I have taken him to the vet several times and he has been prescribed muscle relaxers, Gabapentin, Rimadyl, etc.
Nights are the worst for him. He constantly jumps up and shakes off all through the night. I can't seem to get his dosage correct and am confused as to give him what and when. Does this sound like Syringomyelia? How can I make him comfortable?
April 26, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
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Without seeing Gizmoe or knowing what medications he has taken, and when, it is not possible for me to comment on how to help him, unfortunately. If he is not improving on the medications you mentioned, or you are having problems with the dosages, it would be best to follow up with your veterinarian to discuss that, or possibly get a second opinion to see if another veterinarian may have other ideas as to what is going on with him, or whether he needs further testing. I hope that he is okay.
April 27, 2018
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Pekingese
Mocha
2 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
See Above
My 2 yr old Pekingese has recently had two bouts of what seems like phantom scratching - though his shape makes it difficult to actually reach his head or ear with the back foot so maybe he actually had an itch! Both times it started after he had been running and playing with his toys. He sort of plopped down after. I palpated all around his spine, legs, neck and head and massaged to see if there was any pain or tender area. There was not. He has also been reluctant to take a walk though it’s been hot so there aren’t many opportunities so it’s not a common routine that we do. He was a champion showdog who wasn’t crazy about showing so his very experienced very reputable breeder allowed me to adopt him. His lineage has no history of the disease but, to be honest, the breeder said she’d never heard of a Pekingese with it. Am I being paranoid or should I be worried?
April 25, 2018
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The incidence of syringomyelia in Pekingese dogs depends on which textbook you reference, some mention Pekingese some don’t but I’ve not seen it diagnosed in a Pekingese. There are two conditions: syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation which may cause phantom itching; but I would keep an eye on Mocha and visit your Veterinarian for an examination if you have any other concerns. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/resources/info-on-cmsm-downloadable.pdf
April 26, 2018
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Chihuahua
Greta
9 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Stiffening Seizure Then Passes Out
On Easter Monday 2018 My baby girl Greta who is 9 years old chihuahua and i were sitting on the couch...she was napping beside me as i drank my morning coffee then i heard her make like a gagging sound!!! I looked over at herand she was stiffening up!....then passed out! I was freeking out!!!
She had a seizure of sorts but i wasn't certain so i got my phone out and an i was ready to record it!
Sure enough she had 2 more in the span of 1 1/2 hours... so off we went to the vets... they were happy i had a video... they went on to send me to a specialist...i got the $750.00 blood work done so that i could proceed to get her an MRI $3100.00
It came back positive fo SM:(
They put her on Prednisone, Gabapentin and Omeprazole.
She seized when we were in bed the other night and fell onto the floor!!
My heart just about broke!
I said thats it!!
She's getting the operation!
She's scheduled for next week...To get a vetabrea removed and i was happy to see on your site that recovery is about 80% but my concern is will her head be dropping after or will she hold her head like before?
April 20, 2018
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Without examining Greta or reviewing the case files and MRI I cannot really give you a good indication of prognosis; your Specialist will be able to give you an accurate prognosis based on their findings and surgery plan. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 21, 2018
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