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Syringomyelia is caused by a Chiari - type malformation of the occipital bone (part of the back of the skull), making the space that acommodates the cerebellum and brainstem too small. The brainstem can become kinked, forcing the cerebellum into the vertebral canal. This obstruction prevents the fliud surrounding the central nervous tissue from circulating freely and it is forced into the spinal cord, creating a cavity called syringomyelia or "syrinx". The resulting damage to the spinal cord causes the typical signs of this condition. |
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The most common symptom is shoulder scratching but usually not making contact , just scratching at the air, especially when excited or on a lead.Affected dogs also show sensitivty around the head,neck, ears and forelimbs and often cry/ yelp/ scream for no apparent reason ( they are in pain). Some more severely affected dogs will develop scoliosis ( a twisted neck ) and /or weakness of limbs and a wobbling gait. The age of onset varies considerably but it seems that the earlier symptoms appear the more severely affected the dog will be. At present the only way to confirm a diagnosis is by an M.R.I. scan. This is an extremely serious and increasingly common condition in this breed. There is now good evidence that it is inherited by at least two recessive genes and at present there is no way to identify carriers of the faulty genes. A research program has been started and a DNA collection scheme is underway. For full information about this go to : |
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It may be a very long time before we have a DNA test to identify carriers. The only way forward at the moment is for ALL breeders to be open and honest about their breeding stock. To stop breeding from affected dogs and bitches. To wait until their dogs are at least 2 to 3 years old and showing no symptoms before breeding from them. Not to breed closely related animals together. To raise awareness of this condition, many dogs are still being misdiagnosed. Please send pedigrees and information of affected dogs ( in complete confidence) to the neurologist leading this research, Clare Rusbridge: |
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For more information, help and support follow the links below to two amazing websites. Thank you Angela and Malcolm for all your hard work and perseverance. |
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