Chihuahua Club of America

After several days of tests for all sorts of diseases, insect and snakebites, toxic substances, trauma, and having had a full brain, neck and spinal MRI scan, he was diagnosed to be suffering from syringomyelia. He was off his legs for about three weeks, but gradually fought back under treatment with Prednisone, Clindamycin and Doxycycline. I flew out to the States and brought him home in February, and by that time the only evidence of his condition was a weakness in a front leg.

Syringomyelia is a condition whereby fluid gathers in cavities within the spinal cord. The condition was first discovered in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) in 1995 and it is estimated that as many as 70% of CKCS have the condition, but not all show outward clinical signs of it. The condition occurs in many Toy Breeds and I have been told recently that there appears to have been rather a rapid expansion in the number of Griffons being diagnosed with it.

It is often referred to as Neck Scratchers Disease in CKCS, this is because scratching in the air near the neck is a common sign of the condition and it is believed that this scratching is caused because the dogs suffering from it have severe pain in their neck. Flash did not show any such behaviour. He totally collapsed and could not balance on his legs. Apparently the build up of pressure in the fluid-filled cavities of the spinal cord can push its way into the brain and this pressure can cause the problems in the limbs and with balance.

In October, a four day International Symposium on Syringomyelia and Chari Malformation was organised by The Syringomyelia Chari Society and The Ann Conroy Trust., at Rugby School.

164 delegates attended this from 26 countries; lecturers related to the human form of these conditions took up four days. The evening of the final day was specific to canine Syringomyelia. The lecturers on this section were:

• Graham Flint, a neurosurgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, where he runs the Syringomyelia service;

•  Clare Rusbridge, Specialist in Veterinary Neurology, Stone Lion Veterinary Centre;

•  Dr Guy Rouleau, a professor in the Dept of Medicine at Montreal University and a specialist in genetic bases for diseases of the brain;

• Dr Sarah Blott, Animal Health Trust, on optimisation of breeding strategies to reduce inherited disease; and

• Dr Dominic Marino, Chief of Staff, Long Island Veterinary Service He spoke about surgery on dogs with syringomyelia.

All of the above, plus an open question time, were run in one three-hour session, so as you can guess there was a lot to take in over a very short time. The main thing that came over to me is that with the seriousness of the situation in CKCS, breeders of all toy dogs need to take the matter very seriously and to ensure that help is sought for any dog exhibiting unusual signs in the neck, back or front limbs. Recent studies suggest 35% of syringomyelia-affected dogs have clinical signs of pain such as vocalising after sudden changes in posture; others appear to dislike touch/contact to certain areas of skin.

Since his return last February Flash has had no medication and has never shown any sign of pain. He sired several litters in the States, but until such time as there is a DNA marker for syringomyelia I do not intend to breed from him. I have had Josh, his sire, tested at Royal Veterinary Hospital and he has been passed clear and I have been told that there is no reason not to continue to breed from him. I have advised the owner of the pups in the States that for the time being I do not recommend that he breed from them.

I have written the above as I think all Chi. breeders need to be aware of the situation and ensure that we do not allow to happen in our breed what has happened in CKCS.

Graham Foote

Ballybroke