Hi Forum Buddies

Just wanted to ask if anyone else out there has or had a pet who has been diagnosed with syringomyelia? What treatment route did you take and what was the outcome for your pet?

One of my CKC's is suspected of having this very painful progressive disease. In short it is where fluid gets trapped around their spinal colume in cavities and causing severe pain and progressive nerve damage. Ultimatley pets can start to fit and become paralysed.

My dog is having a scan next week to confirm diagnosis and establish how far the disease has progressed and if an operation would be necessary. Until then he is on the anti-inflamatory Rimadyl.

What are other owners experience of this dreadful condition?

I have read that up to 50% of cavaliers suffer from this delibertating condition and evidence suggests it is on the increase!!

Thank you in anticipation

S x

Gosh, I really hope it's good new for you when the results come back. I have two cavaliers myself although they are the old fashioned size, similar size to a cocker spaniel/medium springer. I do hope breeders start to consider the effects of breeding them so small - it's heartbreaking for the new owners of the dog and not fair on the dog itself :(. Please let us know how you get on at the vets, I will keep my fingers crossed for you :)

Thanks nox

Our dogs arn't the toy size which i think they are named just 'King Charles'. Our's are the next size up. I have seen many dogs which are smaller than ours.

We had a lovely cavvy that had to be put sleep aged 11 due to health issues 4 1/2 years ago. When we were researching prior to purchasing our current dogs four years ago (we have 2) we were really careful and ensured that the breeder had screened for Mitral Valve Disease. At the time I had never even heard of syringomyelia.

i will try to post a piccy below of our beloved dogs below (the bleinhem is the poorly one). Here goes, fingers crossed.

Oups it wont let me copy and paste a piccy.

S x

As far as I can remember King Charles Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels used to be the same size, it was just the head that was slightly different - their muzzle really. Apparently they have been breeding them a lot smaller so that they are easier to pick up and place on the show tables at dog shows, the main one in particular, crufts. I was under the impression that the dogs who developed syringomyelia where the really tiny dogs with the head too small? Really keeping my fingers crossed for you. :)

p.s - you will be able to post a link once you've had 5 posts :)

Hi Nox

Thanks for the tip re:- posting piccy's.

3 posts down, 2 to go;)

S x

Hi Shellie, what symptoms is he showing this will help to detect how advanced it is?

I think my Ted has a mild form, as he yelps for no reason, he has had one episode since I got him at 5 years of age in September but he shows no other signs. You can have a MRI to be sure, think the cost is currently £200 at Derby (thats the cheapest).

If proven, then surgery is an option, but be warned that it is very serious brain surgery, very invasive and is not a guaranteed cure. I have decided to wait and see with Ted and if he shows any other symptoms ie air scratching or frequest yelping and appears to be suffering in any way then I will consider having him PTS as I would not let him have a miserable life, but that is my choice and as an owner then you can be the only one to decide on surgery or put to sleep option for your dog. The severity of the disease is usually the factor for me.

Good luck

Hi G

Thank you for your reply. I had my dog to the vets a couple of times last year as he was yelping on jumping or trying to jump on and off furniture. they diagnosed a pulled muscle.

He sits down in a peculiar way ... his back is really bent over and he is half sitting half crouching as if that is the most comfortable position for him. He seems to be more comfy with his head higher than his body when he lays down.

He licks his front left paw a lot and also holds it off the floor on occasion. He is really not himself, does not want to play with his toys or anything and just not as lively as he used to be. he also scratches behind his ears, although there is no infection or fleas or anything. He also has a runny nose and licks his lips a lot.

He is also prefering to be more secluded, sleeping under tables, beds and chairs, when previously he never used to.

In regards to full MRI scans the cheapest I could find for a FULL SCAN was £500 - £800; which is an improvement from my own vet who wanted £3000 just for the scan - OMG. No one I spoke to was willing to operate (if necessary) using a 3rd party scan, so I had to find a vet that scans that also specialises in the operation.

My dog is only 3 years and 8 months old.

S x

Crikey, do you want me to get the Derby number for you? I have left the details at my shop but can ring you tomm if you wish with the info.

I was really panicking with Ted as I knew about Syringomyelia before I got him, he was given to me by a customer who did not want him anymore, so I took a chance. We had a Cavvie at home when I was younger, he did die young at 8 years with his heart, but had not other major health issues.

I really feel for you as it is a terrible illness and I was filled with dread when Ted started to yelp in the night it is so upsetting, he wouldnt allow me to touch him anywhere, my first thought was to check him over in case he had a injury but he screamed every time I went near him.

I am so thankfull that Ted shows no other symptoms.

I wish you all the best x

My cavvie had syringomyelia but this was a few years back when no one seemed to know much about the condition - I found out about it on the cavvie website after our local vet seemed to think I was a bit loopy describing the symptoms my dog was displaying .

Armed with the correct info I tried another vet who prescribed him metacam for when he had a bad attack which as he got older were getting more and more frequent.

I knew the time would come when the drugs wouldn't help and the time would come to make some tough decisions however he develoved a really bad case of haemorraghic gastro enteritis (sp?) and despite the brilliant care from my new vets he died a month before his eighth birthday. I still miss him to this day - he was the best dog anyone could ask for :sad:

Thanks G it would be good to have another scan option. Could you PM me the number please?

Hi dogs4life it seems you had a bad time with your doggy. I am finding it difficult when I know my doggy is in pain and I hate the thought of him suffering.

I am going to try to get some sleep now...... not slept much this week and i am shattered.

I will post again tomorrow.

thanks again to those who have responded.

S x

I cant offer much advise I'm afraid but owning two Cavaliers I know how frightening this disease is, and to see them in pain is awful.I really hope your little dog is allright, do let us know how he goes on take care.xx

I would never have got Zach had I known before hand about this frightful condition. Zach's a fairly small Blenheim (they are most commonly afflicted with SM) and so it's constant tenterhooks for me every time he scratches too much.

It's irresponsible breeding that's done this. I already know that my bloodline has the disease as I spoke to the SM society who informed me that it's so very widespread, nearly everyone has it.

I will say that if Zach does develop the condition, I will breed him with another larger Spaniel, and that should breed out any imperfections, and still have a piece of him with me.

But to all the cavvie owners, it's a constant source of worry and stress over your little babies!

I will say that if Zach does develop the condition, I will breed him with another larger Spaniel, and that should breed out any imperfections, and still have a piece of him with me.

What if it doesn't?

An animal with any type of default/condition, call it whatever you like, shouldn't be bred from, if there is even the remotest chance that it will be passed on to cause further suffering, ie to it's offspring.

Hi all, my Cavalier who died last year had Syringomyelia, although she was never officially diagnosed with it (it was pretty obvious she had it though). She constantly scratched at the air, although she only yelped with it occasionally. She also had a heart murmur which was treated with medication and I always thought that her heart would be the cause of her death. Unfortunately last April (2 months before her 12th Birthday) her back legs collapsed, I took her straight to the vet's and he did some quick tests with her legs and discovered that neurologically there was no response so we had her put to sleep there and then. It was heartbreaking but I knew she'd had enough, and it was the kindest thing for her. Even though she was a beautiful dog (ruby coloured) I would not have a Cavalier again due to these problems, which I now know are becoming more prevalent in this breed.

i am reading this post with a heavy heart,we have had a bleinham bitch for 3 months now,she was an impulse buy as someone my husband works with was getting rid of her,she is now 10 months old,and occasionally she yelps for no reason,we couldnt understand why this was happening but now i will be showing my husband this post when he gets home from work, what do we do now just give her the best life we can and hope things dont get too serious or is there something we should be doing to help her,any advice is most welcome

i am reading this post with a heavy heart,we have had a bleinham bitch for 3 months now,she was an impulse buy as someone my husband works with was getting rid of her,she is now 10 months old,and occasionally she yelps for no reason,we couldnt understand why this was happening but now i will be showing my husband this post when he gets home from work, what do we do now just give her the best life we can and hope things dont get too serious or is there something we should be doing to help her,any advice is most welcome

Dont just assume she has this disease just because she yelps, Cavaliers have lots of problems but I've had them for over twenty five years and touch wood never had one with this disease, the breed is prone to heart murmurs and they do have trouble breathing, Ellie snores for England, and sometimes they can have disc trouble.

Barney my little dog who is three now and Elies puppy sometimes yelps for no reason, if you catch him or pick him up wrong, but doesnt show any other signs, of which there are plenty with syringomyelia, and cavaliers can be very mardy and anyone who owns one will know they love attention, my vet always says they should have a job on the stage.
Just enjoy your little dog they are a delight to own and give so much back, dont be frightened by all you read, Every breed has its problems.

Just a quick word to Karis please dont breed with your dog if it is found he does have the disease, think about his puppies who he could so easily pass it on to, and I hope no respectable breeder would let their bitch mate with him I know I wouldn't. I truly hope he doesn't have it and that he continues to have lovely life with you, h'es not a stud dog.

Please please do no breed from any cavalier without them being heart tested by a cardiologist eye tested by an ophalmologist and MRI scan to acertain the status for syringomylia.All these test should have certificates.Although this does not give 100% guarantee about the pups future health it is a step in the right direction.

The Cavalier club due offer low cost health screening . There ie also a cavalier breeding protocol. Please take this seriously. It is breeders who in my opinion do not take these health issues seriously that are contributing to these horrendous illnesses.

There is a fantastic website www.cavaliertalk.com that offers very extensive information on all things cavalier especially health issue.

Just to say I have 4 cavs 2 of whom are rescues. They are all fit and healthy aged 9,7,4,3,

I am not a breeder but am A member of Humberside Cavalier Club and read alot of recent research into cavalier health. Please pm if I can be of any help.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT BREED FROM YOUR CAV.You could be in for even more heartache

Hi Forum Buddies

Thank you to everyone who has responded.

I totally agree with everything Mary P has said.

Deelightful3

I am sorry that you suspect your dog may have it. There could be other reasons for his yelping. For us we feel we need to have a correct diagnosis in order to be able to formulate the appropriate care plan for our dog. We will know more next Thursday when he has his scan.

In the interim, we are trying to keep him pain free by giving him vet prescribed painkillers/anti-inflamatories. We are trying to prevent him jumping on and off furniture as we don't want him putting his neck and spine under more pressure. We put his feeding and water bowls on 5 inch boxes so he is not putting strain on his neck etc. we have reduced the length of his walks as we don't know if walking will cause more harm than good at this stage - on occasion he has yelped whilst walking.

I don't know if you use a lead or harness, but we feel using a harness is better because if a dog does have SM their neck area can become very inflamed and painful. If I think of anything else I will post again.

Karis

I don't know if you really meant to say that you would consider breeding with an affected cavvy, if you did please, please reconsider. The pain and suffering they go through is terrible and heartbreaking to watch.


My little dog today has only yelped once and it was not prolonged. I think the meds are kicking in now. What worries me is what nerve damage may have already been done!!

On a lighter note, I am just enjoying a nice cool glass of larger with my other half and relaxing (in part) for the first time in a week. Hope you all have a good weekend.

J x

PS

I forgot to add that I have tried registering on the cavaliertalk web site and have been given the knock back. Anyone else found it difficult?

S x

Hi Forum Buddies

My doggy had a bad night last night - laboured breathing, panting and wimpering at times. He was reluctant to go out this morning and yelped when he attempted to get outside. Took him to the vet first thing this morning (did not give him his pain relief because they may have needed to give him something else) and saw the 3rd vet this week.

This vets opinion was more open minded on him having syringomyelia and she suggsted again that it 'could be a disk problem' and that he has a significant heart murmur. I asked if this was a more favourable diagnosis to SM. She replied not really as he could become paralysed at any time from the disk problem. She was also reluctant to allow him more pain relif because if it is a disk problem, in masking in it, he could do more damage to his spine. We will know more after the mri scan next week.

In the interim our vet will not prescribe any other meds other than the pain relief until then.

Bye for now

S x

Oh dear Shellie I am so sorry to read this,and so sad for your little dog it must be heart breaking for you to see him like this, you must be worn out with the worry but once he's had the scan at least you will know for sure what it is but if it is disc I think there will be some treatment for him, fingers crossed it works out for you and love to your little dog.

heres a link to a brilliant Cavalier site, they are very well informed
http://www.cavalierkingcharlesspaniels.co.uk/index.htm

Info for Shellie and anyone else interested in having a scan:

Reduced rate MRI scan scheme for Cavaliers, checking for Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia. Scans cost £200, some centres offer reduced rates for more than one dog scanned on the same day.

Dovecote Venterinary Hospital Derby. 01332 810395

Chester Gates Referral Hospital, Chester. 01244 853823

Wear Referrals, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham 01388 602707

It is advisable to ask about discount offers and procedures when calling, some offer the scans under sedation, some under anesthetic.