Syringomyelia is an accumulation of fluid in the spinal cord spaces, occurring most often in Cavalier King Charles spaniels and other breeds. Syringomyelia most frequently occurs secondary to Chiari-like malformation because of the obstruction to the flow of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) at the base of the skull. Syringomyelia can produce a variety of symptoms including phantom scratching and licking, weakness in the limbs, difficulty with coordination, and trouble walking. Learn about Syringomyelia and how you can help your dog recover from this condition!
What causes syringomyelia in dogs?
Syringomyelia occurs in association with numerous diseases that disrupt the normal flow of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The Chiari-like malformation is by far the most common cause of syringomyelia in dogs. A Chiari-like malformation causes the cerebellum to herniate at the base of the skull. This herniation can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the spinal cord which causes Syringomyelia.
What is the prevalence of syringomyelia in dogs?
Syringomyelia is prevalent in brachycephalic breeds, with the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel among the most affected. Syringomyelia is also prevalent in the Brussels griffon, Chihuahua, and Yorkshire terrier. In Cavalier King Charles spaniels, clinical signs can appear as early as 3 months of age, and prevalence increases with age.
What are the symptoms of syringomyelia in dogs?
Symptoms of syringomyelia can vary depending on the severity of the disease. In some cases, syringomyelia may produce no symptoms at all. However, in more severe cases, syringomyelia can cause a variety of symptoms including back pain, weakness in the limbs, difficulty with coordination, and trouble walking. It is important to note that these symptoms can vary from dog to dog, and not all dogs will exhibit all of the possible symptoms. One of the most important things for dog owners to be aware of is that syringomyelia can often go undetected for long periods. Many dogs do not start showing any symptoms until they are quite severely affected. Symptoms of syringomyelia can vary depending on the severity of syringomyelia. The most common symptoms of syringomyelia in dogs include:
- Phantom scratching - The absence of any contact with the skin is a characteristic trait of phantom scratching, and it may be produced by touching the neck occasionally
- Spontaneously cry out, or cry when lifted from underneath the front limbs
- Excessively lick their feet and rub their face
- Sleep with their head in an elevated position
The symptoms are often amplified during times of excitement, stress, changing weather conditions, or when wearing a neck collar.
How is syringomyelia diagnosed in dogs?
Syringomyelia is typically diagnosed in dogs through a combination of clinical signs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CSF analysis. MRI is the most accurate imaging modality for the diagnosis of syringomyelia, and it can be used to determine the extent of the disease as well as identify any associated abnormalities. CSF analysis is used to measure the protein content and cell count of the CSF, which can help to confirm the diagnosis of syringomyelia. Syringomyelia is also often confused with other diseases that cause similar symptoms, therefore it is crucial to rule out other possibilities before diagnosing Syringomyelia. Other diseases that are commonly mistaken for syringomyelia include allergies (especially as scratching and licking are common symptoms of syringomyelia in dogs), disk disease, and wobbler syndrome.
What are the treatment options for syringomyelia in dogs?
Medical therapy, which includes the administration of analgesics and drugs that potentially decrease CSF production, is used to manage neuropathic pain and phantom scratching. Additionally, lifestyle changes can be adopted such as removing neck collars or feeding with an elevated bowl.
Gabapentin: The most frequently used medicines for neuropathic pain are gabapentin and pregabalin.
Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids have many benefits in treating syringomyelia, yet because of their side effects they are often used only for pulse dosing during flare-ups or for cases that are not responding to other treatments.
Surgical intervention should be considered in dogs who are unresponsive to medical treatment; have adverse side effects from prescribed medications; or experience neurologic signs that worsen despite medical management. The surgical success rate is around 80-94% in the short term.
What is the prognosis for dogs with syringomyelia?
The prognosis for dogs with syringomyelia can vary depending on the severity of the disease. In most cases, however, the prognosis is good as long as the dog is treated properly. Syringomyelia can often go undetected for long periods, so dog owners need to be aware of the symptoms and get their dog checked out if they are concerned. Dogs who are properly treated typically respond well and have a good quality of life. However, if left untreated, syringomyelia can cause significant neurologic damage and lead to poor quality of life for the dog. It is, therefore, crucial for dog owners to seek veterinary care if they think their dog may have syringomyelia.
Frequently asked questions
Is omeprazole used to treat syringomyelia in dogs?
The proposed use of omeprazole is to reduce cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) production. However, a recent research study revealed that oral omeprazole did not reduce CSF production over the course of 14 days.
Is there a genetic link to syringomyelia in dogs?
Yes, there is and affected dogs with clinical signs should not be used for breeding.
What is the age of onset of syringomyelia?
Clinical signs of syringomyelia can occur as early as 3 months of age and prevalence increases with age.
Do dogs with syringomyelia have seizures?
No, seizures are not a clinical symptom of dogs with syringomyelia.
Syringomyelia is a condition that affects the spinal cord and often causes neuropathic pain, phantom scratching, and other symptoms. Dogs with syringomyelia can be treated with medical therapy, lifestyle changes, and surgery, depending on the severity of the disease. The prognosis for dogs with syringomyelia is typically good as long as they are treated properly. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.