Syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: What You Need to Know

Cavalier King Charles spaniels are a beloved breed admired for their affectionate nature, but they are unfortunately prone to certain health challenges. One of the most serious and distressing neurological diseases affecting this breed is Syringomyelia (SM), a condition requiring awareness and careful management by owners and breeders alike.

What is Syringomyelia?

Syringomyelia is a painful neurological disorder characterised by the development of fluid-filled cavities, called syrinxes, within the spinal cord near the brain. This occurs when there is an obstruction in the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which normally cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord.

In Cavaliers, this is largely caused by a malformation known as Canine Chiari Malformation (CM), where the skull's back portion is too small to properly house the brain, leading to overcrowding. As a result, the cerebellum is pushed through an opening at the base of the skull (the foramen magnum), disrupting CSF flow and causing pressure that leads to the formation of syrinxes inside the spinal cord.

Causes of Syringomyelia in Cavaliers

The primary cause of syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is the breed's distinctive skull shape, which does not provide enough space for the brain, especially the cerebellum. This skull-to-brain size mismatch creates the Chiari-like malformation that disrupts CSF circulation.

Though small breeds can be affected, Cavaliers are disproportionately impacted, with estimates suggesting up to 70% of the breed may develop SM by six years of age. However, not all affected dogs show clinical signs.

Recognising the Symptoms of Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia symptoms usually appear between six months and three years old but can develop later. Common signs include:

• Scratching at or near the neck and shoulders, often called “air scratching” because the dog appears to scratch the air without contact.
• Neck and head pain, sometimes expressed as sensitivity to touch, crying out, or reluctance to move the head and neck.
• Weakness or wobbliness in the hind legs, including ataxia.
• An abnormal, twisted posture of the neck or spine (scoliosis), especially in younger dogs.
• Flipping around to bite the hindquarters, which can sometimes be confused with anal gland issues.
• Other neurological signs such as facial nerve paralysis, deafness, and seizures in severe cases.

How is Syringomyelia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis requires referral to a veterinary specialist for an MRI scan. Magnetic Resonance Imaging provides a detailed picture of soft tissues, brain structures, and spinal cord fluid pockets, allowing clear visualisation of syrinxes. This is the only definitive way to diagnose syringomyelia accurately.

Treatment Options for Syringomyelia

Medical Management

Medical treatment focuses on symptom relief and pain management:

• Analgesics such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – for mild to moderate pain relief.
• Stronger painkillers like opioids may be prescribed for more severe pain.
• Drugs that reduce cerebrospinal fluid production, such as omeprazole or acetazolamide, can help decrease pressure but may have side effects including lethargy and abdominal discomfort.
• Low-dose corticosteroids may be used cautiously for their anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects, though long-term use requires veterinary oversight due to side effects.

Surgical Management

Surgery is an option for dogs with intense, worsening neurological symptoms. The procedure involves decompression of the skull area to improve fluid flow and relieve pressure. However, it carries significant risks including bleeding and neurological damage and is only offered by specialist veterinary teams in the UK. Success is not guaranteed, and recurrence of syringomyelia can occur. Owners must weigh these considerations carefully with their vet.

Living with and Managing Syringomyelia

Because syringomyelia is a progressive condition, ongoing veterinary care and pain management are essential to maintaining quality of life. Early diagnosis and working with a specialist can help plan appropriate treatment and monitoring.

Breeders play a crucial role by participating in health screening programmes to reduce the incidence of SM in future generations, although no single genetic test exists due to its complex inheritance.

Summary

Syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is a serious, inherited neurological disease caused by skull malformation leading to fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord. It often leads to chronic pain and neurological symptoms such as neck scratching and weakness. The only definitive diagnosis is through MRI scanning, with treatment options ranging from medical management to surgery based on severity.

Owners should stay vigilant for early signs and consult their vet promptly. Breeders and prospective owners are encouraged to prioritise health screening and responsible breeding to support this elegant breed's wellbeing into the future.

If you are interested to find a Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy, choosing from reputable breeders with health testing is vital to reduce the risk of inherited conditions.