År 2008

Syringomyelia is the condition when cavities are developing within the spinal cord, which are causing various neurological symptoms. Syringomyelia is thought to be caused by the presence of the anomaly of the occipital bone, called Chiari malformation. Chiari malformation is characterised by abnormal position of the occipital bone, downwards displacement of the cerebellum and overcrowding of the foramen magnum. Increased pressure at the very beginning of the spinal canal is believed to cause syringomyelia in the spinal cord.

The main symptom of the syringomyelia is the neck pain which is usually manifested by scratching of the neck, shaking of the head, stiffness. In more severe cases signs of paralysis or signs of abnormal brain function: seizures, depression etc are observed. Syringomyelia is the most frequent neurological disorder between the Cavaliers in Finland.

Cavaliers are definitely the most severely affected breed. It is estimated that over 50% of the breed population has syringomyelia and Chiari malformation. It is presumed, that the disease is inherited although the mode of inheritance is not clear and the genes responsible for the disease have not been identified. Therefore it is impossible at the moment to discover carriers and exclude them from the breeding. The disease is developing usually with time and the most severe symptoms are observed in adult dogs, therefore it is possible that the affected dog will be used intensively for breeding before the disease will be discovered.

At the moment the only way to diagnose the disease is the magnetic resonance imaging. It allows visualisation of the cerebellum, occipital bone and the spinal cord. Disease is detected in 100% of the dogs if it is present. It is recommended to scan the dogs at the age of 2,5-3 years as that is the age when the disease becomes visible and can be detected. In dogs scanned earlier the scan might be needed to be repeated later.

Magnetic resonance imaging allows also visualisation of the other breed specific disease for cavaliers: the secretory otitis media. It is a condition frequent in Cavaliers (also in Finland) which is caused by accumulation of mucus in the middle ear and causing deafness, balance problems and pain. Magnetic resonance imaging together with the hearing test is able to confirm the presence of the secretory otitis and say if the dogs hearing is normal or not.

The low cost MRI screening plan is designed to scan dogs which are considered to be involved in breeding. In includes MRI scanning of the area of interest in order to define the presence of syringomyelia and secretory otitis and help the breeders in deciding which dog should be included in breeding programs and which not.