This disease/condition is beginning to show up in the Chihuahua
breed and awarness as well as early intervention are key . The
diagnosis of SM can be tough as many vets do not know anything about
this condition and treat symptoms as allergies, knee or hip problems.
Knowing a little about SM will help with early diagnosis which can
only be made via an MRI.
There is no cure but the progression of nerve damage may be halted by
surgery. Below is a summary of SM and more info can be found by doing
a search on Google or Dogpile.
For the past two and a half years I have been dealing with my
little female Chi who has this debilitaing condition. She had brain
surgery nearly two years ago and is recovering nicely, though she has
some serious permanent nerve damage.
This is why I have not posted in 3 years.
Regards, Cynthia
Syringohydromyelia in Dogs: Implications for the Cavalier
King Charles Spaniel
"What is Syringohydromyelia?
Syringohydromyelia (syringomyelia, hydromyelia, syrinx, SM) is a
congenital or acquired intraspinal disease. It is a disorder where a
cyst or herniation, known as a syrinx, forms within the spinal cord
and cause the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to become obstructed
and accumulate, causing symptoms such as scratching, pain and limb
dysfunction. In some cases it is seen in combination with
hydrocephalus.
This condition is thought to be similar to the Arnold Chiari Syndrome
in humans which may also be accompanied by secondary syringomyelia or
hydromyelia. It is considered multi species and has been reported in
humans, dogs, cats, horses among others. Nor is it limited to one
breed having been reported in breeds such as the Labrador Retriever,
Weimaraner, Fox Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Pomeranian, Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of Syringohydromyelia are a hypersensitivity
in the neck area resulting in an uncontrolled urge to scratch at the
neck and shoulders, quite often to the point that the dog will fall
over. There is quite often discomfort and pain in the neck and ear
areas. There may also be progressive weakness in the limbs and loss
of bladder and bowel control.
In the congenital form symptoms are usually first seen from 6 to 18
months of age but depending upon the degree affected could manifest
at any age. In the acquired form symptoms can be seen any time after
the original injury or trauma to the spine."
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