Syringomyelia in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Syringomyelia in Dogs is a severe and chronic neurological condition. It affects dogs’ spinal cord. In this neurological condition, fluid-filled cavities or cyst known as syrinxes develops within the dog’s central canal of the spinal cord. When these syrinxes grows , they cause a significant damage to the spinal cord’s tissue. At the initial stage your dog might get mild pain and it worsens when the condition develops and may unexpectedly leads your dog to partial paralysis. Syringomyelia (SM) in Dogs is specific to toy breeds, and can potentially affect any dog.

Severity Classification of Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia is categorized based on the extent of the disease. At “Grade 0 “, no syrinx or dilation of the central canal is present, it indicates a normal condition. At “Grade 1“,Dilation of the central canal does not exceed two millimeters but at “Grade 2” syringomyelia is present with central canal dilation greater than two millimeters, along with the presence of a pre-syrinx or syrinx.

Each grade is further divided by age categories to reflect the progressive nature of the condition based on age. Dogs over five years of age firsthand get the initial stage symptoms. It grows and shows mild difficulties for dogs between three and five years of age and dogs between one and three years of age experience the “Grade 3” condition. Expansion of this condition in your dog is a process. Hence, you have to be alert on your dog.

Symptoms of Syringomyelia in Dogs

Syringomyelia can manifest in various ways, depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Pain: Dogs may exhibit acute or chronic pain, which can be reflected in behaviors such as whining, yelping, or reluctance to move their neck or head.
• Phantom Scratching: Excessive scratching at the neck and shoulder areas without physical contact, indicative of discomfort or itching that isn’t present.
• Weakness or Lameness: Noticeable weakness or lameness in the limbs of your dog.
• Behavioral Changes: Altered behavior, such as increased irritability or anxiety , you will be able to see in your dog.
• Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to touch or sudden movements.
• Muscle Wasting: Gradual loss of muscle mass.
• Loss of Balance: Difficulty maintaining balance or coordination.
• Scoliosis: Curvature of the spine visible in advanced stages.
• Seizures: Episodes of seizures in some cases.
• Paralysis: Partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity.

To diagnose SM in your dog accurately, veterinarians typically perform a thorough medical history review and physical examination. The most definitive diagnostic tool is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which provides detailed images of the brain and spinal cord to identify fluid-filled cavities characteristic of syringomyelia in your dog. The vet may give your dog , general anesthesia required during an MRI to make your dog remain still.

In addition to MRI, other diagnostic tests like X-rays or myelograms may be recommended to exclude conditions with similar symptoms. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment of syringomyelia in dogs.

Causes of Syringomyelia in Dogs

The primary cause of syringomyelia in dogs is Chiari-like malformation (CM), a condition where the back part of the skull is too small for the cerebellum. This malformation obstructs cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow around the brain and spinal cord, leading to syrinx formation. While the precise origin of CM is not fully understood, it is believed to have a genetic component.

Certain breeds are more susceptible to developing SM due to their higher likelihood of CM, including:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Fox Terrier
• Pomeranian
• Pekingese
• Miniature Dachshund
• Maltese
• Cavapoo
• Cockalier
• Beaglier
• Cavachon
• Brussels Griffon
• Lhasa Apso
• Samoyed
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Chihuahua
• Pug

Environmental factors, tumors, and injuries may exacerbate SM but are not primary causes.

Treatment Options for Syringomyelia in Dogs

Currently, there is no cure for syringomyelia, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving the dog’s quality of life. Treatment options include:

• Medication:Giving Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain relievers, and medications to reduce CSF production can alleviate symptoms. Gabapentin is often used to manage neuropathic pain, and corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling around syrinxes in your dog.
• Surgery: In cases where a Chiari-like malformation is contributing to SM, surgery may be considered to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. The procedure typically involves removing part of the bone at the back of the skull to create more space for the brain, potentially restoring normal CSF flow and reducing symptoms. Surgery has its own risks and is not suitable for all dogs.
• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: Therapies such as hydrotherapy can help maintain muscle strength and flexibility, manage pain, and enhance the dog’s overall quality of life.
• Regular Monitoring: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor disease progression and adjust treatment plans. Advanced imaging techniques like MRI are often used to evaluate treatment efficacy over time.
• Supportive Care: Creating a comfortable environment, using a harness instead of a collar, and maintaining a consistent routine can help manage SM symptoms.

If your dog shows signs of syringomyelia or belongs to a predisposed breed, proactive veterinary care is crucial. With proper management, many dogs with SM can lead happy and comfortable lives.